Previous post
I am a bit too libertarian to truly appreciate the need for a federal Department of Education. However, consistent special education programs across state lines is a good reason for the department of education to exist. On the other hand, standardization across the board is a very bad thing. Having the state oversee schools makes more sense: they are closer to the action and day to day needs for schools than the department of Education can ever be.
But this is not about whether the agency should exist. It does. And that is a conversation for another day. This is about who will run the department and about whether they are a good choice or not. So here are three good and three bad things about Betsy DeVos, the appointee for the Department of Education (DOE).
First the good:
And the bad
Senators Collins and Murkowski also have concerns about the nomination and these two senators are voting no on Betsy DeVos as reported by The Hill here
DeVos, a GOP mega-donor long active on education issues, has been the subject of fierce opposition from teachers unions and other liberal groups opposed to her support for charter schools and tuition vouchers using public funds. Senators in both parties have also criticized her lack of experience with public and rural education.
Senator Collins has similar concerns to me and my friends with kids in special ed.
Collins pointed specifically to DeVos’s lack of knowledge about the Individuals with Disabilities Education Act in explaining her decision.
This is a rather important part of the job she is going to be doing and I was unimpressed with her answers on this issue.
“While it is unrealistic and unfair to expect a nominee to know the details of all the programs under the jurisdiction of the Department of Education, I am troubled and surprised by Mrs. DeVos’ apparent lack of familiarity with the landmark 1975 law, the Individuals with Disabilities Education Act, known as IDEA,” she said.
Murkowski on the other hand had a different issue
Murkowski followed Collins to the floor, stating, “I have serious concerns about a nominee to be secretary of Education … who has been so immersed in the discussion of vouchers.”
That is a feature not a bug Senator. Despite what your NEA donors tell you.
I hope Betsy DeVos is able to learn as she goes and listens about IDEA. And I hope the unions and teachers can work as a team with her or whoever runs the agency. It is about the kids, right?
However, consistent special education programs across state lines is a good reason for the department of education to exist.
Sorry, Gail, but it’s still the states’ responsibility. And, actually, “consistency” is a very bad idea – because it inevitably means mediocrity (at best). Let the states come up with the best ideas they can and serve them to their people.
Senators Collins and Murkowski also have
concernsdonations about the nomination
FIFY
The national Department of Education should cease to exist. Period. It’s not a constitutional requirement, and it serves no purpose except to 1) burden the states with liberal education trends, 2) homogenize the country, and 3) protect the interests of the unions. None of those are good things, imo.
1 Comment