DENVER -- U.S. Education Secretary Arne Duncan was in Denver Tuesday and said community members should hold his department accountable for being a good partner.

The Denver Post reported that at a town hall meeting Tuesday, Duncan praised Colorado in its education reforms. He said good ideas for reform are going to come from educators, not from Washington.

Duncan spoke for about an hour before more than 300 community members, educators and students.

Duncan spoke at the Evie Dennis Campus at Green Valley Ranch in Denver. The campus is home to both district-run and charter schools, including Denver School of Science and Technology, SOAR K-5 and Vista Academy. He said it is a good example of success.

He also highlighted several federal education initiatives, including early childhood education, creating incentives for teacher diversity and income-based repayment options that allow teachers to have student debt erased after 10 years of work.