CATEGORY: September 2011
Remarks by the First Lady at the National Science Foundation Family-Friendly Policy Rollout East Room
4:06 P.M. EDT MRS. OBAMA: Thank you so much. (Applause.) Everyone, please be seated. Let me welcome you all to the White House. And again, thank you, Michelle, for that very kind and inspirational story and introduction. We are all so proud of you. Let’s give Michelle — (applause.) And I know your family is watching, so congratulations. I also want to thank Acting Secretary... [Read more]
Remarks by the President at DNC Event — San Diego, CA
Private Residence San Diego, California 2:42 P.M. PDT THE PRESIDENT: It’s wonderful to see you all. Please, have a seat. To Liz and Mason, thank you so much for the wonderful introduction. Along with the Phelps, I have to acknowledge my dear, dear friend, Christine Forester, who has just been — I was just reminded by our staff this was actually the first fundraiser that I did in this home... [Read more]
Op-ed by First Lady Michelle Obama in The Fayetteville Observer: Military Families Deserve the Spotlight
The full text of an op-ed by First Lady Michelle Obama is printed below. The piece, published in The Fayetteville Observer, can be read online HERE. Military families deserve the spotlight The Fayetteville Observer September 25, 2011 By First Lady Michelle Obama A few years ago, as I began to travel around the country and talk to all sorts of people, one set of stories always tugged at my heart. ... [Read more]
Statement from National Security Council Spokesman Tommy Vietor on Saudi Arabia’s Announced Reforms
We welcome Saudi King Abdullah’s announcement today that women will serve as full members of the Shura Council in the next session, and will have the right to participate in future municipal elections. These reforms recognize the significant contributions women in Saudi Arabia make to their society and will offer them new ways to participate in the decisions that affect their lives and communities. ... [Read more]
Remarks by the President at a DNC event in Medina, Washington
Private Residence Medina, Washington 12:52 P.M. PDT THE PRESIDENT: Thank you! Thank you so much. Thank you, everybody. Thank you very much. Everybody, please have a seat. Have a seat. What a spectacular setting. I was saying to Mark that I wish I had time to just roam around, because this is as beautiful a collection as I’ve ever seen. And I want to thank you, Mark, for the extraordinary —... [Read more]
WEEKLY ADDRESS: Strengthening the American Education System
WASHINGTON—In this week’s address, President Obama told the American people that it is time to raise the standards of our education system so that every classroom is a place of high expectations and high performance. On Friday, the President announced that states will have greater flexibility to find innovative ways of improving the quality of learning and teaching, so that we can strengthen... [Read more]
First Lady Celebrates Success of Million PALA Challenge at Nickelodeon’s Worldwide Day of Play
WASHINGTON – First Lady Michelle Obama today joined children and families at Nickelodeon’s Worldwide Day of Play to celebrate the success of the Million PALA Challenge, a joint initiative of Let’s Move! and the President’s Council on Fitness, Sports & Nutrition (PCFSN). Launched in September 2010, the Million PALA Challenge was created to motivate one million Americans to get active... [Read more]
Remarks by the President at Congressional Black Caucus Foundation Annual Phoenix Awards Dinner
Washington Convention Center Washington, D.C. 8:30 P.M. EDT THE PRESIDENT: Hello, CBC! (Applause.) Thank you so much. Thank you. Please, everybody have a seat. It is wonderful to be with all of you tonight. It’s good to be with the conscience of the Congress. (Applause.) Thank you, Chairman Cleaver and brother Payne, for all that you do each and every day. Thank you, Dr.... [Read more]
Obama Administration Sets High Bar for Flexibility from No Child Left Behind in Order to Advance Equity and Support Reform
WASHINGTON – In an effort to support local and state education reform across America, the White House today outlined how states can get relief from provisions of the Elementary and Secondary Education Act – or No Child Left Behind (NCLB) – in exchange for serious state-led efforts to close achievement gaps, promote rigorous accountability, and ensure that all students are on track to graduate... [Read more]
Fact Sheet: Bringing Flexibility and Focus to Education Law
One of my highest priorities is to help ensure that Federal laws and policies support the significant reforms underway in many States and school districts and do not hinder State and local innovation aimed at increasing the quality of instruction and improving student academic achievement. ~ Arne Duncan, September 23, 2011 The Case for ESEA Flexibility Over the past few years, States and school... [Read more]
