Press Releases

Statement by Secretaries Duncan and Sebelius on House Passage of Early Learning Challenge Fund

Education Secretary Arne Duncan and Health and Human Services Secretary Kathleen Sebelius praised progress made by Congress today as the Student Aid and Fiscal Responsibility Act (SAFRA), HR 3221, passed the U.S. House of Representatives.

Education Secretary Arne Duncan Designates 314 Schools as 2009 Blue Ribbon Schools

U.S. Secretary of Education Arne Duncan today announced 314 schools as 2009 National Blue Ribbon Schools. Secretary Duncan was joined by Maryland State Superintendent Dr. Nancy S. Grasmick, Montgomery County Board of Education President Shirley Brandman, and Montgomery County Public Schools Superintendent Dr.

Student Loan Default Rates Increase

U.S. Secretary of Education Arne Duncan today announced that the FY 2007 national student loan cohort default rate increased to 6.7 percent, up from the FY 2006 rate of 5.2 percent.

$12.4 Million Awarded to School Systems in 24 States, D.C. to Promote Instruction of Critical Foreign Languages

The U.S. Department of Education today announced the award of more than $12.4 million in Foreign Language Assistance Program grants to local and state school systems in 24 states and the District of Columbia, aimed at promoting the instruction of foreign languages critical to national security.

Recovery Act Funds Accelerated to Save Jobs, Drive Reforms in Schools with Students in Greatest Need

Delivering unprecedented resources to states and school districts, U.S. Secretary of Education Arne Duncan today announced that more than $11 billion is now available to further save jobs and drive reforms.

U.S. Department of Education Closes Out Summer Reading Initiative—"Read to the Top!"—With Record Success

Despite busy schedules and summer heat, a record number of Cabinet members and senior administration officials joined U.S. Secretary of Education Arne Duncan for the Department's weekly reading initiative, “Read to the Top!” during June, July and August.

2009 Back-to-School Forecast -- Record Numbers of Students

More students are entering and returning to the nation’s schools and colleges than ever before, according to the National Center of Education Statistics (NCES).

In fact, as America's youth head back to classes, public elementary and secondary schools are preparing to serve a record 50 million students this fall with another 5.8 million attending private schools.

Education Department Provides More Than $3.4 million in Grants for Native Hawaiian Education Programs

The U.S. Department of Education has awarded more than $2.7 million to eight vocational education programs on Oahu and on the 'big island' of Hawaii to support career and technical education efforts helping Native Hawaiians.

Obama Administration Announces Historic Opportunity to Turn Around Nation's Lowest-Achieving Public Schools

Today, U.S. Secretary of Education Arne Duncan announced draft requirements for $3.5 billion in Title I School Improvement grants to turn around the nation's lowest performing schools.

Statement From Secretary of Education Arne Duncan on the Passing of Senator Kennedy

Senator Kennedy was a tireless agent of change on behalf of the American people. His passing marks a great loss for both the United States Senate and the Nation.

He dedicated his life in public service to ensuring fairness and opportunity for all people. I drew inspiration from Senator Kennedy throughout my career, and will miss his voice as a champion of education reform.