On Tuesday, President Barack Obama announced his plans to improve the nation’s school system, which include pushing for a longer school day and raising pay for good teachers, reports The Washington Post.

In his speech – his first on education as president – he stressed that the success of the American economy depends on the strength of the schools, and challenged ideas from both Democrats and Republicans on school reform.

“Too many supporters of my party have resisted the idea of rewarding excellence in teaching with extra pay, even though it can make a difference in the classroom,” President Obama said, in a likely reference to teacher unions that have long argued against merit pay. “Too many in the Republican Party have opposed new investments in early education, despite compelling evidence of its importance.”

Obama also pushed districts to crack down on bad teachers.

“Let me be clear: If a teacher is given a chance but still does not improve, there is no excuse for that person to continue teaching. I reject a system that rewards failure and protects a person from its consequences,” he said. In addition to getting pay raises good teachers will “be asked to accept more responsibility for lifting up their schools.”

The president gave his speech in front of the U.S. Hispanic Chamber of Commerce, in an effort to highlight the fact that Hispanics are a growing part of the nation’s school population, according to officials. In addition to having a high dropout rate, Latinos “are less likely to be enrolled in early education programs than anyone else.” The stimulus package has money dedicated to Head Start programs, reports the paper.

Obama also said he’d like to allow for more federal grant programs in an effort to make college more affordable, as well as push for allowing more states to increase their number of charter schools.

Under the stimulus package passed last month, public schools are set to receive about $100 billion from the federal government, which could allow for sweeping changes.