Insight into potential education changes

I think a big part of our education system needs an overhaul! I live in a diverse neighborhood and I know kids who come from other countries like China and India seem to be way ahead of American kids in math and science. It's pretty incredible-not to mention they all speak at least 3 languages. I really should have put my kids in Spanish... I think I still will..it just makes sense.

FROM NBC: The Education Nation Summit in New York City wraps up today following two days of discussion and debate on ways to improve the nation's education system.

It comes after the White House recently announced it would issue waivers to states who cannot meet federal standards under the No Child Left Behind Act.

The summit focused on the long-term, like making changes in education funding and standardized programs, and also proven strategies educators can apply right away in the classroom. On the final day of the education nation summit panelists tackled the tough subjects of school reform, no child left behind and the urgent need to make sure U.S. students can compete in a global economy.

Former president Bill Clinton rounded out the summit and says despite all the hurdles in the education system, there needs to be a call to action. President Bill Clinton: "These kids - this is the day they have, this is the year they have, this is the future they have and you have to do the best you can."

That sense of urgency was echoed by former First Lady Laura Bush who says schools, teachers and parents need to be active in creating change so every student has the same opportunity to succeed. Laura Bush/ former first lady: "50% of African American and Hispanic kids do not graduate in four years, they don't graduate on time. and that is just unacceptable."

U.S. Education Secretary Arne Duncan estimates 80 percent of schools nationwide will not meet the set standards next year. Arne Duncan/U.S. Secretary of Education: "We want to be a much better partner with states and actually get the federal government out of the way of creativity and innovation."

Despite all the hurdles, teachers say they feel empowered to return to the classroom with new tools and new sense of purpose. John Mahoney - Benjamin Banneker Academic High School, Washington, D.C. "It's not the tools i have or the technology - its the ability to connect with them as people and their parents."

Susan Keyock/Bronx Lighthouse Charter School: "There are days you go up and down. this has been inspirational few days but i am honestly inspired by my kids every day." Inspired and driven to help students make the grade. The debate and discussions now shift back to the communities and classrooms where the real changes will take shape.

-NewsAnchorMom Jen

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