Obama Tells Kids to Work Hard

The White House has released the text of the speech that President Obama intends to give today (Tuesday) to the nation's school children. The speech emphasizes taking personal responsibility and the importance of working hard in school.

"We can have the most dedicated teachers, the most supportive parents, and the best schools in the world and none of it will matter unless all of you fulfill your responsibilities," said President Obama's written remarks. "Unless you show up to those schools; pay attention to those teachers; listen to your parents, grandparents and other adults; and put in the hard work it takes to succeed."

In an attempt to connect with children who are not focused on their studies the President recounted the educational challenges he faced in his own life:

"I know a lot of you have challenges in your lives right now that can make it hard to focus on your schoolwork. I get it. I know what that's like. My father left my family when I was two years old, and I was raised by a single mother who struggled at times to pay the bills and wasn't always able to give us things the other kids had. There were times when I missed having a father in my life. There were times when I was lonely and felt like I didn't fit in.

So I wasn't always as focused as I should have been. I did some things I'm not proud of, and got in more trouble than I should have. And my life could have easily taken a turn for the worse. But I was fortunate. I got a lot of second chances and had the opportunity to go to college, and law school, and follow my dreams."

President Obama's speech has generated controversy because some conservative commentators and parents believed the President would use the occasion to inject politics into the classroom.

The speech is largely apolitical with only a passing reference to the Obama Administration's plans to reform schools.

According to a statement issued last Friday by Asst. Superintendent Tony Daddona individual teachers and principals would decide whether or not to show the speech. Students and parents could opt out if they wished.



Appearing Sunday on the CBS News program "Face the Nation" Education Secretary Arne Duncan said of the Presidents speech:

"At the end of the day, if the president motivates one C-student to become a B-student or one student who is thinking about dropping out to stay in school and take their education seriously, it's all worth it."

I'm not sure if my kids will be seeing the speech in school, but if they aren't I plan to watch it with them after school. I would be interested in getting your opinions about the speech and especially what your kids thought.