President Obama Praises Measured Progress Contract States During Remarks to the U.S. Hispanic Chamber of Commerce

On March 10, President Obama spoke about education reform to members of the U.S. Hispanic Chamber of Commerce at their 19th Annual Legislative Conference. It was the President's first speech on education policy since he took office.

Obama called for setting higher expectations, adopting world-class standards, and developing assessment systems that prepare children for a global economy in the 21st Century. He praised Massachusetts and the first state consortium (NECAP), both Measured Progress clients, for leading reform efforts.

"The solution to low test scores is not lowering standards—it's tougher, clearer standards. Standards like those in Massachusetts ...," he said. "In Massachusetts, 8th graders are now tying for first—first in the whole world in science. Other forward-thinking states are moving in the same direction by coming together as part of a consortium. And more states need to do the same. And I'm calling on our nation's governors and state education chiefs to develop standards and assessments that don't simply measure whether students can fill in a bubble on a test, but whether they possess 21st century skills like problem-solving and critical thinking and entrepreneurship and creativity."