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This week on Washington Watch, Roland speaks with U.S. Secretary of Education, Arne Duncan, about the state of urban education, specifically in New Orleans.

What he has to say is SHOCKING:

Arne Duncan On New Orleans’ progress in education since Katrina:

“This is a tough thing to say, but let me be really honest. I think the best thing that happened to the education system in New Orleans was Hurricane Katrina. That e- — education system was a disaster, and it took hurricane Katrina to wake up the community to say that “we have to do better.” And the progress that they’ve made in four years since the hurricane is unbelievable. They have a chance to create a phenomenal school district. Long way to go, but that – that city was not serious about its education. Those children were being desperately underserved prior, and the amount of progress and the amount of reform we’ve seen in a short amount of time has been absolutely amazing.”

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On New Orleans’ educators:

“I have so much respect for the adults, the teachers, the principals that are working hard. I spent a lot of time talking to students at John – John Mack High School there, many of whom had missed school for six months, eight months, 13 months after the hurricane and still came back to get an education. Children in our country, they want to learn. They’re resilient. They’re tough. We have to meet them halfway. We have to give them an opportunity, and New Orleans is doing a phenomenal job of getting that system to an entirely different level.”

Catch this week’s FULL episode Sunday at 5pm & 11pm on TV One!

What do you think about Sec. Duncan’s comments? Are you from New Orleans? Do you agree or disagree?

Submit your video questions and comments HERE!

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