The U.S. Department of Education’s Web site says Obama will “challenge students to work hard, set education goals and take responsibility for their learning.”
Local districts have reported varying plans regarding the speech, which will be broadcast live on the White House Web site and C-SPAN at noon Tuesday. Many have left the decision down to the teacher or building principal.
“In accordance with direction from State Superintendent (Deborah) Delisle, I have asked our principals to make the decisions about if and how this speech will be viewed in their buildings,” said Springfield City Schools Superintendent David Estrop. “I have encouraged each principal to provide an ‘opt out’ provision for parents who may object to having their children watch the broadcast. Personally, I want to hear what the President of the United States has to say to students.”
Delisle sent an e-mail to districts Sept. 2 stating that decisions about Obama’s speech would be local decisions.
Greenon Local Schools left the decision to individual classrooms but teachers who did decide to show the speech were asked to prepare an alternate assignment for students who opt out of the speech, said Superintendent Lori Lytle.
“I believe it will be very motivational and inspirational for our young people,” she wrote in an e-mail response.
Some districts, like West Liberty-Salem, plan to show the speech but a taped version, instead of the live broadcast. Superintendent Kraig Hissong said the live speech at noon — a time when many schools are in the middle of lunch or recess — conflicted with the schedule.
The full text of the speech will be available Monday on whitehouse.gov.
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