Before President Donald Trump nominated her for his education secretary, Betsy DeVos was known as a harbinger in privatizing public education.
As the former head of the Republican Party in Michigan, DeVos has been involved in education reform for decades, notably pushing for charter schools in the state. Just before the Presidential inauguration, Democratic senators held a confirmation hearing, citing DeVos’s lack of experience and qualification in leading the nation’s education system. In addition, the committee also honed in on potential conflict-of-interest between the secretary and the industry she would regulate.
What would happen to our public education system, if DeVos is confirmed? Are we going to see more competitive charter schools across the nation? How would our education agenda evolve?
Guests:
Alyson Klein, reporter with EdWeek
Robert Enlow, CEO and President of EdChoice, an education reform organization aimed at advancing school choice for all children nationwide
Alberto Retana, President and CEO of Community Coalition, a South LA-based community organization. He was the Director of Community Outreach in the U.S. Department of Education under the Obama administration