Subject: federal education policy

When I worked on Capitol Hill, the congressmen and congresswomen would say that they used a "smell test" to determine the real purpose of a proposal. This meant that they looked beyond the words used to justify an idea and considered such factors as the record of the proposing organization

State and national leaders were given a grade of D minus by Ed Week showing a lack of commitment to adequately fund the schools, despite rhetoric about education’s importance. “Watch what someone does–not what they say,” to see their real beliefs. Quality Counts Report 2018

Many children's education will be jeopardized, the rich will pay less in taxes, and political revenge will be reaped. The new congressional tax bill is a disaster waiting to happen.
High school debaters learn about issues and also about democracy. For the school year 2017-18, two recommended topics are based on a book by Jack Jennings.

I am honored to be part of this celebration of the life of Tom Wolanin. Donna, Andrew, Peter and other members of the family, you have the sympathy of everyone in this room. All of us knew Tom during his long career. We admired his talents. And, today, we

“(A)n education system flush with cash but which leaves our young and beautiful students deprived of all knowledge.” President Trump broadcast this biting condemnation in his inaugural address. A short time later, Trump proposed cutting education spending by 13%. Squeezing extravagance out of public schools apparently is his goal. Trump’s

If the U.S. were to value education as much as military activities, the schools would be better funded.
In this interview, Jack Jennings comments on the new U.S. Secretary of Education and the national role in education.
President Trump is violating his pledge to respect state and local control of education by proposing to shift funds from regular public schools to charter schools and private schools.
If competition is good for public education, shouldn't it be beneficial for the U.S. Armed Forces?
During the last fifteen years, the reputation of the federal government in education has gone downhill.
Unfortunately, equitable funding is not going to happen.