As the Trump cabinet confirmations conclude, the nominee for Secretary of Education, Betsy DeVos, had some missteps on education policy, particularly concerning students with disabilities. DeVos also displayed her intent to bring school choice options to the forefront for President-Elect Trump.
Senator Tim Kaine (D-VA) gave DeVos some poignant questions to answer, and she appeared to struggle with the federal laws associated with students with disabilities during Tuesday’s confirmation hearing before a Senate panel. Senator Kaine asked DeVos if she believes if all K-12 schools, who receive federal funding, meet the requirements of the Individual With Disabilities Act (IDEA). DeVos replied with “ that is a matter that is best left to the states.” Senator Kaine continued to press DeVos on her lack of understanding on the matter of IDEA (see the full exchange from C-SPAN).
Although education is a state governance issue, if schools choose to take federal dollars, they must abide by the federal law governing those dollars – a tenant that Ms. DeVos did not seem to communicate to the panel.
Georgia educators and key leaders were asked by All On Georgia how they thought Ms. DeVos performed in the Senate hearings and questions surrounding Trump’s agenda on school choice options.
Georgia Department of Education (GaDOE):
Although the current elected State School Superintendent Richard Woods (R-Tifton) did not answer the questions directly, Matt Cardoza, Director of Communications for GaDOE, responded to our questions about what GaDOE thought of DeVos’ comments and if there was any current pending legislation on school vouchers aligning to Trump’s education agenda.
DeVos & Vouchers:
“It’s encouraging to hear Betsy DeVos commit to additional flexibility for states as well as prioritizing local control. As Secretary, the hope is she will regularly consult all education stakeholders and be informed by those on the frontlines. Generally, the topic of vouchers must be followed by a deep discussion of how they are going to be paid for, if federal/state requirements will follow, and how parent autonomy will be protected. The Georgia Department of Education will implement any federal or state approved voucher system in the most efficient, effective, and transparent way possible but remains focused on maximizing high-quality opportunities within the public education system.”
Individuals With Disabilities Act:
“Since IDEA is a federal law, there is going to be accountability by the federal government. Regardless, Georgia will continue to serve all students with special needs and hold school districts accountable for that service.”
Professional Association of Educators (PAGE):
Georgia does not have a teacher’s union; however, there is a statewide advocacy organization known as PAGE. PAGE is Georgia’s largest teacher organization and communications director, Craig Harper, responded to our questions about DeVos and her comments on students with disabilities and school choice options.
Charters
“PAGE supports locally authorized charter schools that are created by public school boards of education, while opposing public funds flowing to private entities that have not yet been held to the same standards of accountability for student achievement or the same level of financial and administrative transparency.”
IDEA
“The federal Department of Education and its regulations and guidance are important factors in ensuring that students with disabilities receive critical services regardless of where they attend school.”
“PAGE shared with the Georgia congressional delegation in a letter its concerns regarding Ms. DeVos’ lack of public education experience. Her responses in the hearing indicated a lack of understanding of general educational policy that increases our level of concern. As important as this assignment was in securing the nomination, it was clear she failed to do her homework.”
State Representative Kevin Tanner, House Education Committee Member:
Voices under the Capitol are saying school vouchers are going to be part of the process of fixing failing schools. Charters and vouchers are part of Trump’s education agenda in which DeVos is inclined to see through. All On Georgia reached out to Representative Tanner (R-Dawsonville) about possible legislation on vouchers being filed this session. Gov. Deal, in his State-of-the-State address, tapped Tanner with working on legislation to help failing schools; however, Gov. Deal did not mention specific details. Representative Kevin Tanner said he is currently “working on education legislation” and that he would give more particulars once legislation is introduced.