But we are going to prepare children to meet those standards. We want them to succeed, and we will take practical steps so everyone enters the accountability system on an equal footing. So that every third grader has an equal chance. Today, I want to make one additional point, and propose some additional measures. Education reform depends on accountability.
Educational success depends on early reading.
But all of this eventually depends on skilled teachers. Teachers with the commitment, the training, the focus, the authority, and the freedom to challenge their students and change their lives. We trust teachers with the minds of our children. We should also treat them like the professionals they are. This means professional development giving them the best skills.