Obama Says the Future of U.S. Economy Depends on a Better Education System

"President Barack Obama said today that the future of the U.S. economy depends on improving the nation’s education system.

Speaking on NBC’s “Today” show, Obama said it isn’t something that the U.S. can spend its way out of. “Money, without reform, will not fix the problem,” he said.

The president’s signature “Race to the Top” education program, funded with $4.35 billion, is meant to improve U.S. education by raising state standards and linking teacher pay to student achievement.

Obama also has said that the U.S. is falling behind other nations in producing college graduates, leaving it less able to compete in the global economy.

His goal is for the U.S. to have the highest rate of college graduates in the world by 2020. The U.S. now ranks 12th among 36 developed nations, the College Board said in a report in July.

“The status quo isn’t working for children and it’s not working for the country,” Education Secretary Arne Duncan said yesterday on NBC’s “Meet the Press.” “What the president fundamentally gets is that we have to educate our way to a better economy.”

~ Source: Bloomberg.com

Back to School in Charlotte!

"CHARLOTTE -- More students, teacher vacancies and transportation changes were just some of the issues facing Charlotte-Mecklenburg school leaders Tuesday as they prepared for the first day of school.

The year begins Wednesday with fewer teachers at CMS after another rollercoaster budget session. Mecklenburg County cuts led to hundreds of layoffs but the district was able to bring back about 140 teachers once the state gave more cash than expected.

CMS says more than 150 teaching positions remain open including dozens in core subjects like English and math.

Not only will the system be short on teachers, but there will be an estimated 1,300 more students enrolled this year than last, thanks in part to a larger-than-usual incoming kindergarten class. The official student tally won’t be known for about a week to 10 days.

Transportation has been another hot topic over the summer. Budget cuts mean magnet transportation shifts to shuttles that will drop off and pickup at 27 locations across the district.

CMS set up a hotline for parents with general back-to-school questions. That number is (980) 343-3000. Staff will be available Monday through Friday from 7 a.m. to 6 p.m."

~ Source: Charlotte.News14.com

For more tips on how to help your students this school year, check out the academic coaching services we have available!