U.S. Department of Education Strategic Plan for Fiscal Years 2011-2014

In President Obama's first address to Congress, he challenged America to meet an ambitious goal for education: By 2020, we will once again have the highest proportion of college graduates in the world. Meeting this goal is vital for securing our long-term economic security, because the country that out-educates us today will out-compete us tomorrow. We must work to ensure that all children and adults in America receive a world-class education that will prepare them to succeed in college and careers for rich and fulfilling lives in a vibrant and prosperous democracy. We often refer to the President's goal as the "North Star" for the work of the U.S. Department of Education as described in this fiscal year (FY) 2011-2014 Strategic Plan. A generation ago, we ranked first in the world in the rate of college degree attainment for 25- to 34-year-olds; now we rank 16th, and the global achievement gap is growing.1 Reaching the President's goal will require comprehensive education reforms from cradle to career, beginning with children at birth, supporting them through postsecondary education, and helping them succeed as lifelong learners who can adapt to the constant changes in the diverse and technology-driven workplaces of the global economy. Our youngest children must be in early learning environments that prepare them for success in kindergarten and beyond. We must continue to close the achievement gap and ensure that elementary and secondary school students are on track to graduate from high school ready for college and careers. Once students enroll in a postsecondary education institution-whether at a trade or technical school, community college, a liberal arts college, a state university, or a research university-we must provide support and assistance to help them complete their certificates and degrees, with grants, loans, tax credits, and work-study assistance. Doing this will equip them with the knowledge and skills to participate and engage in the nation's future. Finally, at every level of the education system, we must promote competency in the arts and sciences to promote our competitiveness in a 21st century economy. Our Strategic Plan sets specific objectives for each of these goals and explains what the Department will do to support youth, adults, families, and education professionals in meeting them.