September 25, 2011

President Obama Ends A Failed Bush Policy – No Child Left Behind

President Obama:

“Our kids only get one shot at a decent education. They cannot afford to wait any longer. So, given that Congress cannot act, I am acting.”

And with that, President Obama used his Executive pen this week and put an end to another of former President Bush’s failed education policy, No Child Left Behind, (NCLB). The policy, signed into law in 2002, is considered a failure by educators all across the country.

The president blamed congress for dragging its feet on revamping the education system saying, “We can’t let another generation of young people fall behind… we are in the midst of an enormous economic challenge,” Mr. Obama said. “The most important thing we can do is make sure that our kids are prepared for this new economy. By signing the Executive Order, President Obama is granting states a waiver, which would allow them to draft their own education programs, instead of the one-size-fits-all approach Bush envisioned under NCLB.

President Obama Speaks To The Congressional Black Caucus – Video

With a 16.7% unemployment figure looming over the black population, President Obama, the nation’s first black president, has heard much criticism from black leaders in Congress and leaders in black communities across the country. On Saturday, President Obama was invited to speak at the Congressional Black Caucus annual dinner and urged African-Americans to stand with him and “press on.”

To encourage his audience, President Obama quoted from Martin Luther King Jr., saying;

“Before we reach the majestic shores of the Promised Land, there is a frustrating and bewildering wilderness ahead. We must still face prodigious hilltops of opposition and gigantic mountains of resistance. But with patient and firm determination we will press on.”

The President told the Caucus that he’s heard and listened to their criticisms, but argued that he needs their help to get his $447 billion jobs bill passed. He told the audience that the jobs bill will “put our people back to work doing the work America needs done. Let’s pass this jobs bill.”

With patient and firm determination, I am going to press on for jobs. I’m going to press on for equality. I’m going to press on for the sake of our children. I’m going to press on for the sake of all those families who are struggling right now. I don’t have time to feel sorry for myself. I don’t have time to complain. I am going to press on.