Next week, Linda McMahon will face a confirmation hearing as President Biden’s nominee for Secretary of Education. While she has notable management experience from her time at the Small Business Administration, her background in education is limited. McMahon has expressed support for key policies like increased school choice and workforce opportunities, but she hasn’t detailed her strategies for the U.S. Department of Education.
With declining scores in national assessments and rising absenteeism rates after the pandemic, there are important questions that the Senate HELP Committee should ask her:
1. Collaboration with State Leaders
How will you support state data systems? These systems connect information from early education through to workforce data. They are essential for helping students and families make informed decisions about education and career paths. Ensuring effective data sharing requires strong partnerships and funding from the Department of Education.
2. Modernizing Privacy Laws
What’s your plan for updating federal education privacy laws? The Family Educational Rights and Privacy Act (FERPA) hasn’t kept pace with technology changes since its last update in 2011. It’s crucial to modernize these laws to protect students while making data useful for educators and families.
3. Transparency in State Reporting
How will you ensure that state report cards meet transparency requirements? Parents need clear information about school performance. Many states struggle to present this data in accessible ways, which is vital for choosing the right schools for their children.
4. Assessments Improvement
What is your approach to maintaining and improving statewide student assessments? These assessments provide valuable insights into student performance. Yet, innovation is also needed to ensure they remain relevant and useful without sacrificing consistency.
5. Quality in Career Pathways
How will you ensure transparency in career and postsecondary programs? Students increasingly seek programs that offer real-world training, but clear data on outcomes and costs is lacking. Legislation like the College Transparency Act could help provide this information.
6. Supporting Research for Better Outcomes
How will you promote research that improves student outcomes? Understanding what works in education requires constant evaluation and sharing of findings. The next administration should prioritize fast-tracking research findings to support educators and policymakers effectively.
McMahon will have the opportunity to shape how education data is used and ensure it is accessible for everyone involved—students, families, and educators. It’s essential for her to clarify her plans for supporting and improving educational systems during her confirmation hearing.
Check out this related article: Maine Department of Education Decides Against Enforcing Gender Executive Order: What It Means for Students and Schools
Source linkOpinion,commentary,Donald Trump,education department,Linda McMahon,opinion
