Associated Press - April 14, 2009 5:04 PM ET

CHICAGO (AP) - U.S. Education Secretary Arne Duncan is in his hometown of Chicago today and says U.S. schools have been falling behind.

The former Chicago Public Schools CEO addressed hundreds of students Andrew Jackson Language Academy with Gov. Pat Quinn.

The event took on a lighthearted air as both Quinn and Duncan signed autographs for students on pieces of torn notebook paper, T-shirts and even a pair of tennis shoes.

Illinois schools will receive about $3 billion of the stimulus money over the next several years.

The funds will be used for programs as well as for backlogged bills the state hasn't paid.

Duncan has been touting President Barack Obama's stimulus money for schools.

He outlined possible reforms, including performance pay for teachers, boosting standards and lengthening the school year.

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