"Here’s something we must do—go all-in on education reform … to build the best, most innovative, and most effective school systems in the world. We know what the problems are. Now is the time for action. Now is the time for real reform … fundamental reform."
"How will it happen? It begins by everyone doing their part. It begins by embracing the fundamental principles that built this great country … like innovation, adaptability, creativity, accountability, and responsibility."
"On this issue, we have praise for the Obama administration. It believes the need for innovation and reform is urgent. And it’s putting money where its mouth is. It’s $4 billion Race to the Top grant program is a tremendous catalyst for greater innovation, accountability, and higher standards in American schools. It says if you want a piece of this pie to improve your schools, impress us with the depth and scope of your reforms. Get some real results. Stop business as usual."
"The White House has also spoken out in favor of charter schools, teacher merit pay, and a greater emphasis on STEM, or “science, technology, engineering, and math...So we believe the administration is on the right track and we proudly support many of their efforts. The challenge will be enacting these reforms in the face of likely political and interest group pressure. On that note, let me say a word about teachers’ unions. My message to them is simple: Join the reform effort."
" I understand it’s their job to fight for the best possible pay, benefits, and working conditions for their members. And they do a pretty damn good job! But if they remain defenders of the status quo … if they refuse to allow the dismissal of teachers who are clearly failing our kids … if they stubbornly block reforms that improve our schools, give our kids a real shot at the American Dream, and prepare them for success … then they will be on the wrong side of public opinion. They will be on the wrong side of history."
"Congress and the states can help as well. Congress should strengthen and improve No Child Left Behind, while respecting its fundamental features. States and districts must adopt sound business management techniques in their schools, including giving principals more authority over budget and personnel decisions."
"In many ways, it is business that is leading the reform efforts. We need to work twice as hard. The U.S. Chamber’s affiliated Institute for a Competitive Workforce is actively working with our members to increase their capacity at the local, state, and national levels so that they can be better partners and advocates for change. We are using our bully pulpit to raise awareness for what works and what doesn’t. We are providing cover to those who are working to do the right thing."
"We are immensely proud to be promoting an exciting new documentary called “Waiting for Superman.” It follows the stories of 5 children desperately trying to escape low-performing schools and get into charter schools. They are subjected to a lottery system. That the fate of so many children depends on the equivalent of the spin of a roulette wheel is a sad commentary on our K-12 education system."
"The bottom line: There is a faint pulse of education reform coursing through the land—our job is to turn it into a strong heartbeat. There’s no better thing we can do for the future of our country."
Remarks by THOMAS J. DONOHUE President and CEO, U.S. Chamber of Commerce, “Restoring America’s Economic Greatness”
The Heartland Partnership Annual Meeting
Illinois October 6, 2010
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