Education chief wants textbooks to become obsolete

WASHINGTON (AP) - Education Secretary Arne Duncan is calling for printed textbooks to become obsolete within the next few years.

Duncan says the U.S. is falling behind other nations that are aggressively moving from print to digital for educational materials. He says a small number of American school districts are moving in that direction, but that the country must move faster.

Duncan's remarks came during an address to the National Press Club where he also criticized the Republican-controlled House for failing to adequately invest in education.

Duncan says Mitt Romney and the Republicans see education as an expense, whereas President Barack Obama sees it as an investment. He says early education and programs for low-income and disabled students could suffer under Republican leadership.