Let me start by saying thank you, Mr. President, for your clear-eyed leadership during these challenging times for our country and for the world. The bold actions you have taken are making a significant difference. That’s certainly true for America’s students and teachers.
Most of them are experiencing unprecedented disruptions in learning and in their lives.
I want each of them to know that President Trump and his Administration are taking decisive action to keep them safe and healthy so they can continue learning.
We must rise to the challenge of educating all children from all walks of life who are all of a sudden in many, many different learning environments. They are counting on all of us to find solutions.
I’m pleased to be here today for the announcement of another terrific solution initiated under the President’s leadership. Secretary Perdue is going to share details of a public-private partnership—this one focused on making sure students impacted by school closures still have access to the school meals they rely on. Thank you, Secretary Perdue for all that you do for America’s students.
Before the Secretary provides additional details on that important initiative, I want to take a moment to talk about the Department of Education’s work on behalf of students, parents, and teachers during this National Emergency.
My team and I are in contact daily with governors, state school chiefs, college presidents, superintendents, and local education leaders. We are quickly responding to their needs so they can do the next right thing for their students.
Most governors have decided to close some or all schools in their states for a period of time. As a result, students may not be able to take federally mandated standardized tests this spring. And the President took action to make sure they don’t have to.
We made the process to delay these tests for a year fast and painless. Forty-eight states and territories have already requested the delay—or waiver. We are approving the requests within 24 hours.