But we must also know when to stay out of the way. That is why flexibility will be an important component of the President's education plan. The federal government will give states and school districts the tools they need, but we will not weigh them down with unneeded and unnecessary regulations. Teachers, parents and administrators have the best understanding of the problems facing our schools, and they must have the freedom to fashion the best solutions. Ultimately, all solutions will only be as good as the teachers who implement them.
Few things are as important to a child's education as having a quality teacher.
I would guess that everyone in this room could point to at least one teacher who touched, and perhaps changed, their lives. Teachers are the most valuable resource in any classroom, and our investments in education will also include investments in our teachers. All of these reforms are designed to ensure that the young people who arrive at your campuses will be fully prepared for the challenges ahead. And as new students face challenges at colleges and universities, so does our new Administration face challenges in helping to improve access to our nation's colleges and universities. This organization has shown a commitment to making sure that a college education remains affordable and available to students from every background.