Thursday, February 14, 2013

UPDATE: Obama in Decatur on pre-k: ‘Give all of our kids that chance.’ | Get Schooled

Obama in Decatur on pre-k: ‘Give all of our kids that chance.’ | Get Schooled:


Obama in Decatur on pre-k: ‘Give all of our kids that chance.’

Here is the text of the Obama speech. The President deviated now and then but this is essentially what he said today in Decatur:
Hello, everybody!  Well, it is great to be in Georgia!  Great to be in Decatur!
I can’t imagine a more romantic way to spend Valentine’s Day — (laughter) — than with all of you, with all the press here.  Actually, Michelle says hello.  She made me promise to get back in time for our date tonight.  r.)  That’s important.  That’s important.  I’ve already got a gift, got the flowers. I was telling folks the flowers are a little easier, though, because I’ve got this Rose Garden.   Lot of people keeping flowers around.
I want to acknowledge a few people who are here — first of all, Congressman Hank Johnson is here.  Where’s Hank?  Your Mayor, Jim Baskett, is here.   Another Mayor you may know — Kasim Reed snuck in here.  I want to acknowledge the Decatur School Board, who I had a chance to meet and has helped to do so much great work around here.  Folks right here.
And of course, I want to thank Mary for the wonderful introduction and for teaching me how to count earlier today.  I’ve got to tell you it was wonderful to be there.  I want to thank all the teachers and the parents and the administrators of Decatur City Schools, because behind every child who is doing great there is a great teacher, and I’m proud of every single one of 


Did Obama learn anything at the pre-k program or was it a just one long photo op?

Did Obama learn anything from his visit today to a Decatur pre-k? A pre-k teacher says he did. (Johnny Crawford/AJC)Did Obama learn anything from his visit today to a Decatur pre-k? A pre-k teacher says he did. (Johnny Crawford/AJC)
The crowds have left the Decatur Recreation Center, and the camera crews are dismantling their equipment. The President is en route to Dobbins to fly to North Carolina.
So, what was today about? Was it a photo op with which to promote the President’s new pre-k proposal?
Yes, but did Obama learn anything useful?
After the speech, I chatted with the Decatur pre-k teacher who was with Obama today at the College Heights