President Barack Obama says America's "primacy in the world" is at stake in the quest to substantially improve educational quality and global competitiveness.
Speaking to governors gathered at the White House Monday, Obama said he won't "accept second place for the United States of America." He noted that it continues to lag behind other nations in critical areas, including high school math and science skills.
Obama applauded governors for developing "common academic standards" but said more can be done. For one thing, he said states will be asked to adopt new standards to better prepare the young for college-level math and science — and will make that a condition for receiving certain federal assistance. Obama said the effort will also require better teaching and better curricula.
THIS IS A BREAKING NEWS UPDATE. Check back soon for further information. AP's earlier story is below.
WASHINGTON (AP) — President Barack Obama wants academic standards for America's high school students raised, and he's applauding a program from the nation's governors that works toward those goals.
In a statement issued Sunday, the White House said the initiative will develop and implement new reading and math standards that prepare high school students for college and careers. The governors will call on Obama on Monday, as they wrap up their National Governor's Association meeting, to discuss the blueprint to prepare students to stay competitive with their counterparts around the world.
"Because too many students are not learning the basic skills needed to succeed in college or