When I went to college, it felt like I didnt learn anything in high school' My high school was reall

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When I went to college, it felt like I didnt
learn anything in high school. My high school
was really easy. I did really good in high
school. But when I got to college, I didnt
really know anything, so I dropped out. --
Arkansas Citizen
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(High school) didnt prepare me at all. I want
to be a nurse. Its kind of hard, because I
dont know what to do to get to that point. I
just feel like if high school had taught me more
about it, then Id know exactly what to do. --
Arkansas Citizen
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When I left high school, my biggest thing was I
just wanted to be out of school. I got out,
started working, started having a family to
support and take care of, and it was just a lot
harder than what I ever anticipated in high
school, period. -- Arkansas Citizen
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Making the high school experience meaningful for
todays students so they are prepared for
whichever road they choose college or the work
place.
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Smart Core is the default curriculum for all
high school students, beginning with the
graduating class of 2010.
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Research Proves the Point

• A new study by ACT shows that comparable levels
  of math skills in algebra, geometry, data
  analysis and statistics are required to perform
  well paying jobs as well as to succeed in
  freshmen courses at college.

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The Charge

• We have the power to make this the best
  generation of mankind in the history of the
  world, or to maintain the status quo.

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The Reality

• We cannot negotiate with those who say whats
  mine is mine and whats yours is negotiable.

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• Let us not seek the easy or convenient answer,
  but the right answer.
• Let us not seek to fix the blame for the past
  Let us accept our own responsibility for the
  future.

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• Too often we enjoy the comfort of opinion without
  the discomfort of thought.

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• Words can do more than convey policy. They can
  also convey and create a mood, an attitude, and
  atmosphereor an awakening.

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• Courage is grace under pressure. (Hemingway)
• Courage is rightly esteemed the first of all
  human qualities, because it is the quality which
  guarantees all others.
• (Churchill)

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As Leaders

• In our collective hands, will rest the final
  success or failure of our mission to improve the
  educational attainment of our great state.

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The Landscape

• We stand today on the edge of new challenges of
  unknown opportunitiesa frontier of unfilled
  hopes. The frontier is not a set of promises, it
  is a set of challenges.

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• This is, and must remain a state with equal
  opportunities for all.

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The Call

• Now the trumpet summons us once again a call to
  bear the burden of a continuing struggle.

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• Our call today, is to the young at heart,
  regardless of age and to all that respond to the
  scriptual call Be strong and of good courage
  be not afraid, neither be thy dismayed.

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• The heart of the question is whether all students
  are to have the necessary skills to compete in a
  knowledge-based economy.
• Who among us, is willing to deny that opportunity.

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• So, let us begin anew let us never negotiate out
  of fear, but let us never fear to negotiate.

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• The times demand innovation, imagination,
  decision, and courage.
• What will your legacy be?

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• Let us lift up our eyes as well as our
  aspirations for the future well-being of our
  state.

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4 Capitol MallLittle Rock, AR 72201 (501)
682-4475