U.S. Secretary of Education Arne Duncan made his first official appearance before the House Education and Labor Committee today, outlining the Obama Administration’s education agenda. Republicans on the panel welcomed Duncan and highlighted opportunities for bipartisan education reform. At the same time, however, GOP members drew sharp contrasts with the Administration on critical issues like college financial aid, parental choice in education, and how best to support and reward effective teachers.
“Education reform is vital to our children’s futures and our nation’s continued global competitiveness,” said Rep. Howard P. “Buck” McKeon (R-CA), the panel’s top Republican. “Republicans are eager to pursue bipartisan reforms that promote innovation and protect the interests of students, parents, and local communities. And where we disagree with the Administration, we’ll lay out principled alternatives that put children ahead of special interests in the education establishment.”
Republicans Support Competition & Choice in College Financial Aid
Republicans cited widespread concern about the Administration’s plan to eliminate the Federal Family Education Loan (FFEL) program, the largest single source of student financial aid. The Obama Administration’s budget for FY 2010 proposes abolishing the program in favor of the government-run Direct Loan program, an approach that many financial aid officials and students are afraid will impose a one-size-fits-all system that doesn’t meet the needs of students or schools.
Republicans Put Students Ahead of Special Interests
McKeon questioned Secretary Duncan about the Administration’s decision to terminate the successful and highly popular D.C. Opportunity Scholarship Program, which provides scholarships to low-income children in the nation’s capital. McKeon also asked the Secretary about his plans to overhaul failing schools, specifically seeking answers about how the Administration plans to overcome the obstacles put up by teachers’ unions and collective bargaining agreements when it comes to restructuring a school and demanding effective teachers that can help students succeed.
Republicans Criticize Lack of Funding for Special Education
Rep. John Kline (R-MN) objected to the President’s budget proposal, and particularly its failure to increase funding for special education programs. Kline noted that the Administration provided hundreds of millions of dollars for new, untested programs but failed to provide an increase for the special education programs under the Individuals with Disabilities Education Act, leaving states to shoulder the extra costs the federal government is not contributing.
For more information on the hearing, including the complete video coverage, please visit the Education and Labor Committee Republican website here.
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