OKLAHOMA CITY (AP) - U.S. Education Secretary Arne Duncan is praising Oklahoma as a national leader in efforts to improve early childhood education.

Duncan visited the state on Thursday, spending time at an education center for disadvantaged preschool children in south Oklahoma City.

Duncan toured the facility that serves about 200 students with Gov. Brad Henry and other education leaders.

He said facilities like the Oklahoma City Educare Center are key to reducing high school dropout rates and ultimately producing more college graduates.

After the tour, Duncan planned to host a town-hall-style meeting at the Oklahoma History Center to discuss educational issues with the public.