Duncan stresses pre-school, post-high school education

LOUISVILLE, Ky. (AP) — U.S. Education Secretary Arne Duncan stressed the importance of pre-school and post-high school education in a visit to Kentucky.

Duncan said Thursday that an education model spanning pre-kindergarten through at least two years of post-secondary education or training needs to become the norm. Duncan says that will reduce income inequality and allow more people to reach middle-class status.

Duncan made the comments during a stop at Jefferson Community and Technical College in Louisville. The education secretary spent the day meeting with teachers, administrators and community leaders.

Duncan made a pitch for President Barack Obama’s plan to make two years of community college free for students who earn good grades and stay on track to graduate. Duncan said college costs can be a barrier keeping some people from enrolling.

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