Obama Shares Story About Malia's Test Scores

By: Peter Maer
Topics: White House

(AP Photo/Pablo Martinez Monsivais)

President Obama is telling tales out of school.

As he promoted administration education goals today, Mr. Obama uncharacteristically departed from his prepared text to share details of a First Family situation.

He told a Madison, Wisconsin school audience that his 11-year-old daughter Malia recently "became depressed" after scoring a 73 on a sixth grade science test. According to the president, that was disappointing news in a household where "our goal is 90 percent and up" on school tests.

He went into surprising detail as he recounted his daughter's complaint that the test differed from the class study guide. The president told the audience of parents, students and teachers that Malia was determined to improve. After changing her study habits she scored a 95 on the next science exam. He quoted Malia as saying, "I like having knowledge." The audience applauded the accomplishment.

The president told the crowd, "In our household with the privileges and opportunities we have, there are times when the kids slack off" and watch TV or play computer games. He said, "Part of our job as parents is not just to tell the kids what to do, but to instill in them a sense that they want to do it themselves."

He discussed the family issue to make the point that "parents must set a high bar in the household."

For the president, it was a rare public description of life in the White House family quarters. The White House Press Office and the First Lady's staff are justifiably fiercely protective of the Obama girls' privacy, so it was all the more surprising to hear the president's detailed account of Malia's study habits. Reporters were left to wonder if the president would tell Malia that he told the world about her science lesson.

(CBS)

Peter Maer is a CBS News White House correspondent. You can read more of his posts in Hotsheet here.

Peter Maer
Peter Maer is a CBS News White House Correspondent.
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by mmvale November 5, 2009 2:53 PM EST: I am happy for the president's daughter. Too bad he took away the vouchers so that other DC kids could also enjoy good private schools in the DC area.; Reply to this comment


by pickaguitar1 November 5, 2009 9:24 AM EST: That was a good story...they are setting a great example :); Reply to this comment


by rdepontb November 5, 2009 7:33 AM EST: Whatever you might think of President Obama, it does seem to be the case that he cares very much for our young people---including, of course, his kids. Wonderful to hear this from a father; I feel guilty already of "giving" our two kids too much---cars at 16, video games, TVs, cell phones from the time they were like 11 years old---all to assuage the fact that Mom and I both enjoyed our exciting jobs so much.

Mr. President, we need you now to set that kind of example to bankers, brokers, and others staying up way too late and doing way too much partying!; Reply to this comment


by babooph November 5, 2009 5:27 AM EST: Bush senior was not going to share "little George" school stories 73 would have delighted them !; Reply to this comment


by proudmilvet November 5, 2009 3:29 AM EST: "Thanks a lot, Daddy!"; Reply to this comment


by vancouverboo November 4, 2009 8:02 PM EST: This is an Entertainment Tonight story. Alas, the line between government and entertainment is gone. Bread and Circuses.; Reply to this comment

by timing20002000 November 4, 2009 6:00 PM EST

Pres. Obama and his wife are EXCELLENT examples to everyone, but especially true to the African American community. African American men, are you listening?!?!?!?!

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by lovenpeace1 November 4, 2009 7:14 PM EST: Hey timing20002000,

Whatever happened to the idea since the 1960's that 'Woman can do it alone'? Are these Super Women getting tired of doing all by themselves?

Yes, the 'male' is not in the house but why does our society accept the convenience 1st option of an easy Divorce for all family problems?

America got the Highest Divorce rate in the world at 58% within 5 years? What else do you expect in terms of failing kids inside and outside schools?