"Spreading opportunity and hope in America also requires public schools that give children the knowledge and character they need in life. Five years ago, we rose above partisan differences to pass the No Child Left Behind Act – preserving local control, raising standards in public schools, and holding schools accountable for results. And because we acted, students are performing better in reading and math, and minority students are closing the achievement gap."
"Now the task is to build on this success, without watering down standards without taking control from local communities and without backsliding and calling it reform. We can lift student achievement even higher by giving local leaders flexibility to turn around failing schools and by giving families with children stuck in failing schools the right to choose something better. /applause/ We must increase funds for students who struggle – and make sure these children get the special help they need. /polite applause/ And we can make sure our children are prepared for the jobs of the future, and our country is more competitive, by strengthening math and science skills. The No Child Left Behind Act has worked for America’s children – and I ask Congress to reauthorize this good law." /applause/