I appreciate the efforts of Senators Harkin and Enzi to build into the reauthorization bill more flexibility for states and districts while maintaining accountability at every level. I believe, however, that a comprehensive evaluation system based on multiple measures, including student achievement, is essential for education reform to move forward. This view is shared by both national teacher unions and state leaders all across the country who are committed to doing a better job of preparing our young people for the global economy. We cannot retreat from reform.

Arne Duncan, in a statement released today by the U.S. Department of Education