U.S. Secretary of Education Arne Duncan will discuss state and local education reform efforts at the National Conference of State Legislatures (NCSL) meeting on Thursday, June 7, at the Russell Senate Office Building in Washington, D.C.
Duncan will address the Department's work to support states' pursuit of flexibility from No Child Left Behind through comprehensive education reform plans that raise academic standards, strengthen teaching, and create strong accountability systems with a focus on supporting low-performing schools. He will also touch on federal initiatives aimed at improving higher education access, completion, and affordability, which are key to helping reach the President's goal of leading the world in college graduates by 2020.
NCSL is a bipartisan organization that serves the legislators and staffs of the states, commonwealths and territories. It provides research, technical assistance and opportunities for policymakers to exchange ideas on the most pressing state issues and is an effective and respected advocate for the interests of the states in the American federal system.