New York, NY, March 8, 2017—Simon & Schuster has acquired world rights to a book by Arne Duncan, one of the longest serving members of President Barack Obama’s cabinet and among the most influential Secretaries of Education in history. The book, How Schools Work, will explore what makes good schools and what gets in the way. It will be based on Duncan’s lifetime of experience across all levels of education, beginning at his mother’s afterschool program on Chicago’s Southside, continuing with seven years as the superintendent of the Chicago Public Schools, and culminating at the Department of Education. Duncan has been a longtime champion of education reform; as Secretary of Education he pushed for all states to adopt Common Core Standards and launched the Race to the Top competition to spur innovation in K-12 education.

“For all of my life, I’ve been in and out of schools all across America. I’ve seen what works and what doesn’t work. I’ve seen hope and promise and indifference and neglect. I know what’s possible. I know we can make a difference. I’m hoping this book can be an important step in the process,” said Duncan.

“Arne Duncan has wrestled with the most challenging issues in our schools, from the streets of Chicago to the corridors of Washington.  His book will cut through the tired rhetoric about our educational system and show readers what works, what is failing, and what we, as citizens, can do to make our schools better,” said Jonathan Karp, President and Publisher of Simon & Schuster.

Priscilla Painton, Vice President and Executive Editor at Simon & Schuster, acquired How Schools Work from Creative Artists Agency.

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About Simon & Schuster

Simon & Schuster, part of CBS Corporation, is a global leader in the field of general interest publishing, dedicated to providing the best in fiction and nonfiction for consumers of all ages, across all printed, electronic, and audio formats. Its divisions include Simon & Schuster Adult Publishing, Simon & Schuster Children’s Publishing, Simon & Schuster Audio, Simon & Schuster Digital, and international companies in Australia, Canada, and the United Kingdom. For more information, visit our website at www.simonandschuster.com.

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Cary.Goldstein@simonandschuster.com