Students react to President Obama's school address

After several days of controversy, President Barack Obama spoke, live, to most of the nations school children. The President said, "You cannot drop out of school and just drop into a good job. You've got to work for it and train for it and learn for it, and this isn't just important for your own life and your own future. What you make of your education will decide nothing less than the future of this country."

News 2 sat in with a class at West Ashley Middle School as they watched the President's school address. All eyes were glued to the t-v screen to watch President Barack Obama address students across the nation. He called on students to be responsible for their education, also to set and achieve goals. The eighth grade english class at West Ashley Middle school took notes during the speech. Afterwards, students paired up to talk about what they thought about the speech.

Eighth grade student Alexus Jordon says, "It made me feel more positive about what I want to do, and how I want my life to be." Leroy White says, "I think it was inspirational because he was talking about chasing your dreams. No one else can chase it for you. You have to go out there and get it yourself, and you never slack." Gustavo Vasquez says it drove home the importance of education. He says, "I think it was inspiring. I got inspired too. If you want a good job you have to have a good education." Teacher Chandler Dabit says, "As I walked around, I did see what they were writing down, and they were writing down quotes so they could take that and use it it to better themselves, which is our goal everyday."

The principal of West Ashley Middle says out of 375 students, three students opted out of watching the President live Tuesday.

Some school districts did not show the address live, while others left the decision up to individual principals. Some school districts say students will be given the opportunity to view the address at school at a later time, if parents want them to see it, and parents were given the option of having their child not see the address at all.

News 2 wanted to know, does your child's school district have a policy in place for all elected officials who want to address students, and will you be able to decide if your child listens to a speech from them as well? Here's what we found out: Charleston county says they do not have a policy about elected officials speaking at schools. They say there is nothing prohibiting a sitting member of public office from addressing a school or the district. In Berkeley county, they do not have a policy in place. Elected officials will still be invited into classrooms, but they can not discuss politics. They have not given parents the option to opt out in the past. Dorchester District 2 does not have a policy, but they do let parents know if an elected official comes in to address a class, and if they wish, parents can opt out. Dorchester District 4 says they have not created a policy just for politicians. For special programs, schools may invite speakers into the school. Anyone wanting to speak to a class has to approved by the superintendent and or the board. Georgetown county says they have a policy where anyone coming in to address students must submit a form with what they will talk about and that has to be approved.