Duncan gets bipartisan support at hearing

WASHINGTON, Jan. 13 (UPI) -- Chicago schools chief Arne Duncan promised Monday to pursue educational reforms if he is confirmed as the next U.S. education secretary.

Duncan said at his confirmation hearing he would press for President-elect Barack Obama's sought-after reforms, including expanding preschool, tackling the high school dropout problem and making college more accessible and affordable, The Washington Post reported.

"Our children have one chance at a quality education so we have to work with a sense of urgency," Duncan said. "Despite challenges at home, despite challenges in the community that are sometimes unimaginable, our children can be successful."

Duncan received a warm reception from members of the Senate Health, Education, Labor and Pensions Committee considering his confirmation.

The newspaper reported that 44-year-old Duncan has supported charter schools, performance pay for teachers and tough accountability for schools.

"Mr. Duncan, there is no question that schools across America can benefit from the same kind of fresh thinking that you brought to Chicago public schools," said Sen. Tom Harkin, D-Iowa. "As you know very well, perhaps our greatest educational challenge is to improve the performance of urban and rural public schools serving high-poverty communities."

Sen. Mike Enzi, R-Wyo., said, "Education has been a bipartisan issue and we need to keep it that way."