National Mobilization Kick-Off Event (Segment 3)

Arne Duncan, U.S. Secretary of Education
Secretary Duncan embraces the Commission’s recommendations and underscores the importance of raising standards for students to “educate our way to a better economy.” Duncan notes that now is the time to move to action because the country has “unprecedented resources” and bipartisan support for education reform. In the past, Duncan explains, “we’ve had 50 states doing their own thing.” Instead, the nation needs to adopt one high bar of achievement for all students. We also need to “get honest” about schools that are underperforming and take steps to change them.

Erica Davis, 9th Grade Student, Friendship Collegiate Academy, Washington, D.C
Erica Davis speaks about the importance of rigorous math and science learning to help her achieve her goals and thanks Secretary Duncan for his comments.

Phillip Griffiths, Chair, Carnegie Corporation of New York-Institute for Advanced Study Commission on Mathematics & Science Education
Philip Griffiths introduces Harold Varmus.

Harold Varmus, President, Memorial Sloan-Kettering Cancer Center and Chair, Presidential Council of Advisors on Science and Technology
Harold Varmus comments on the importance of math and science education to produce a future generation of scientists, educators, and informed citizens. The Nobel Laureate urges scientists to play a larger role in helping students understand the significance of science for their careers.