[originaltext]W: Well, Secretary, we’d like to talk about the state of educatio

W: Well, Secretary, we’d like to talk about the state of education in America. So let’s start off just by giving your general impression of the state of education in America.
M: I think our educational system is underperforming and leaving large numbers of children behind, especially minority children, and some rural children. And we need to find a way to make sure that none of these children are left behind.
W: Secretary, we’ve seen a number of parents pulling their children out of public schools and home-schooling them or sending them to private schools. Can you see any justification on why they’re doing that?
M: Absolutely. No child should be tied to a school that’s failing them. A parent should be free to select a school that best meets his or her child’s needs, whether it’s private or public or whether it’s home schooling or whatever. And private schools have a wonderful track record. There’s a vast body of research indicating that private schools offer a high-quality education to some low-income students in inner-city settings.
W: But why do you think adversaries of the Administration are against letting students go to these types of schools?
M: Well, I think most people in this Administration would be absolutely for parents having wide options and choices to make decisions for their child’s school site. The politics of it is what interferes with it. And we need the kind of political support in order to get that accomplished through the federal system that we operate in. I don’t think it’s that we don’t want to have that.
W: How would you respond to the complaint that the President was too religious? And even the Democrats have said that he has too much religion. What would you say to those critics?
M: I would offer them my prayers.
W: As the leader of the nation’s education system, how do you maintain—how do you not let it all get to you? It’s a huge responsibility you have.
M: Well, I think faith is a good response to that. But I don’t think my job is to solve all education problems in the world. My job is to work towards the right solutions and make sure I conduct myself properly.
W: What do you see as the greatest challenges facing the education system coming up in the next years?
M: I think it is getting the idea across that every child has value and that every child can learn and that every child deserves our best and most intense efforts in ensuring that they have the greatest opportunity for education.
W: Yes, sir. Well, Mr. Secretary, I certainly appreciate your time this afternoon.
M: Thank you so much for giving me this opportunity.
W: Thank you.
1. What is the man’s general impression of the state of education in America?
2. Why do parents pull their children out of public schools?
3. What does the man think of most people in the Administration?
4. What is the man’s reaction to the complaints about the President’s being too religious?
5. What is the greatest challenge to the education system in the next years?