WASHINGTON, DC -- President Barack Obama did not propose any specific legislative goals on education in his talk on Tuesday, March 10 to the Hispanic Chamber of Commerce.



Instead, the president talked about how America must work much harder to keep pace with international competitors.



President Obama says he wants the country to set higher education standards, including a quicker start for children in kindergarten and a much better high school graduation rate.



He also said that where the so-called "charter schools" have been shown to be successful, they should be encourged.

Obama said "America's place as a true global leader will be put at risk if it doesn't substantially improve educating our sons and daughters." He said "we've let our grades slip."