President Obama to Give Historic Speech to All U.S. Students Tuesday

From The U.S. Dept. of Education Website:

"In a recent interview with student reporter, Damon Weaver, President Obama announced that on September 8 — the first day of school for many children across America — he will deliver a national address directly to students on the importance of education. The President will challenge students to work hard, set educational goals, and take responsibility for their learning. He will also call for a shared responsibility and commitment on the part of students, parents and educators to ensure that every child in every school receives the best education possible so they can compete in the global economy for good jobs and live rewarding and productive lives as American citizens..This is the first time an American president has spoken directly to the nation's school children about persisting and succeeding in school. We encourage you to use this historic moment to help your students get focused and begin the school year strong. I encourage you, your teachers, and students to join me in watching the President deliver this address on Tuesday, September 8, 2009. It will be broadcast live on the White House website www.whitehouse.gov 12:00 noon eastern standard time."

read more here




I think this is a good idea and I'm astonished that previous presidents have not done this. My only concern would come if somehow this speech becomes politicized by the president. Already some are wary of this event and are calling for people to keep their children at home on this day.
classroom materials associated with this speech/lesson by the president can be viewed here

This will be interesting--hopefully it will only be on the importance of staying in and finishing school.

We'll all know for sure this coming Tuesday.