Obama says he's prepared to fight GOP over education

WASHINGTON (AP) - President Barack Obama says he's prepared to fight with Republicans for school funding and his education priorities.

Obama is citing higher graduation rates, particularly among low-income and minority students, as evidence that his education policies are working.

The president says he hopes that Republican lawmakers focus on educating every child and not shifting money away from needy districts. He's also calling for a focus on low-performing schools, annual assessments and investments in special education and English-language learners.

He says if the Republican budget doesn't reflect those priorities, they will have "a major debate."

The president spoke at a meeting Monday at the White House with urban school leaders. His comments come as lawmakers are working on a bipartisan effort to update the much maligned No Child Left Behind education law.