As the Senate prepares to hold a confirmation hearing for Secretary of Education nominee Linda McMahon, DFER urges lawmakers to use this opportunity to ensure the nominee is committed to staying focused on substantive education matters and not on divisive culture war issues. As the latest NAEP results clearly show, our nation’s children, particularly those from low-income families, continue to fall further behind, and we need policymakers who are serious and substantive.
Education is the foundation of opportunity in America. It allows children, no matter their background, to dream bigger, reach higher, and build a better future. But today, our education system is in crisis. Too many students are struggling with reading and math, many teachers are leaving the profession, and many families feel they lack the support and options to ensure their children receive the best possible education. The question isn’t about partisanship but whether we dare to tackle these challenges with serious, results-driven leadership. This leadership should involve being laser-focused on results, expanding high-quality public options for families, and targeting support to the kids who need it most.
This is also a moment for Democrats to lead, not by simply opposing Republicans but by laying out a clear, ambitious vision for the future of education in America. We must acknowledge the scale of the crisis and commit to bold, practical reforms that improve literacy, raise achievement, and expand high-quality public school options.
We call on the Senate to demand clarity on how the nominee will:
- Ensure all students, particularly those from historically marginalized communities, have access to high-quality education by upholding federal assessment and accountability measures.
- Protect and expand school options for families, like high-performing public charter schools.
- Ensure that funding is distributed based on need, providing support for the students and schools that require it most.
- Expand opportunities for students to engage in career-connected learning that equips them with the skills they need to succeed in the workforce
- Rebuild the teaching profession by fostering a sustainable environment for educators to thrive and ensuring we have the best teachers in the world.
- Improve the FAFSA process to guarantee all eligible students, including those from mixed-status families, can access federal aid.
This hearing is pivotal for the future of education in America. We urge Senators to demand transparent, actionable commitments from the nominee because the stakes for our students, educators, and communities have never been higher.
HOW TO WATCH
To stay informed and engaged in this critical moment for the future of education, we encourage you to watch the Senate confirmation hearing for the next Secretary of Education.
📅 Date: Thursday, February 13, 2025
⏰ Time: 10:00 AM ET / 9:00 AM CT
🔴 Click here to watch live.
This hearing is an opportunity to hear directly from the nominee and assess how her leadership will impact students, educators, and families nationwide. We urge everyone who cares about the future of education to tune in and stay engaged in the conversation.
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