U.S. Department of Education Announces "Partners in Progress" Back-to-School Bus Tour to the South

Press Release

U.S. Secretary of Education Arne Duncan and senior Department officials will visit Georgia, Alabama and Tennessee for the Department's fifth annual back-to-school bus tour from Monday, Sept. 8, to Wednesday, Sept. 10. The theme of this year's tour is "Partners in Progress," which will highlight the states' commitment to encourage reform and innovation and help all students to achieve success.

"As our children head back to school, I am optimistic about our ability to elevate and strengthen education in America," said Secretary Duncan. "This bus tour through Tennessee, Georgia and Alabama is an opportunity to see innovation in education at work and discuss progress, promise and results. I look forward to meeting with teachers, parents, students and education leaders who have been our partners in making progress for our nation's children."

Along the stops throughout the tour, the Secretary will discuss the changes in education and the challenges that accompany them, all while highlighting the champions of reform--teachers, parents, community members, and others--who are leading the effort to improve education for all students. Secretary Duncan will also showcase the investments the Department has made in each state and discuss initiatives such as Investing in Innovation (i3), Race to the Top state grants, Preschool for All, College Access and My Brother's Keeper that are aimed at improving outcomes for students.

On Monday, Sept. 8, the Secretary will travel to Georgia to host events in Atlanta and Carrollton. On Tuesday, Sept. 9, Secretary Duncan will travel to Alabama and Tennessee to hold events in Birmingham, Huntsville and Chattanooga. On Wednesday, Sept. 10, the Secretary will conclude the tour in Tennessee with events in Nashville and Memphis.

Last year, the Secretary visited cities across the Southwest. In 2012, the tour traveled across the country. In 2011, the tour covered portions of the Midwest and in 2010, the back-to-school bus tour included the Delta region in the South and the Northeast.

As part of the "Partners in Progress" tour, senior Department officials will also hold additional events highlighting the Obama Administration's work to increase access and opportunity for students. Additional information about Secretary Duncan's schedule and senior Department officials' events will be announced in the coming weeks.

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