Rep. John Kline (R-MN), the U.S. House Education and Labor Committee’s Senior Republican, was joined by House Republican Policy Committee Chairman Thaddeus McCotter (R-MI) in requesting public release of President Barack Obama’s upcoming national address to elementary and secondary school students. Citing the importance of parental involvement and transparency in education, the lawmakers sent a letter yesterday to the White House seeking the release and distribution of the President’s planned remarks in advance of their national broadcast on September 8.
“In recent days, questions have arisen about the purpose of this address and some of the specific tasks suggested for young students," the lawmakers wrote. “We believe the release of your planned remarks would facilitate the public’s understanding of this unique outreach to students, teachers, and school leaders."
In a letter sent last week, Education Secretary Arne Duncan encouraged school principals, teachers, and students to watch the address, writing: “This is the first time an American president has spoken directly to the nation's school children about persisting and succeeding in school. We encourage you to use this historic moment to help your students get focused and begin the school year strong."
“As you know, parents play a pivotal role in their children’s education. Just as parents are able to review a textbook before it is used or consider a planned field trip before children leave the classroom, public consideration of your remarks in advance of the live address would ensure parents can review them, make an informed decision about whether the material is appropriate for their children, and engage them accordingly," Kline and McCotter went on to write.
In advance of the President’s speech, the U.S. Department of Education has released a “menu of classroom activities" to supplement the President’s remarks, available online here.
“While I commend the President’s focus on academic achievement and educational excellence, I believe this unusual approach to reaching out to our students would be improved if he provided parents and educators the opportunity to review the information in advance of the event," said Kline. “This would allow teachers and families to make fully informed decisions and engage with students on this topic as they see fit."
