Betsy DeVos is Bad for Education

As a child growing up in Grand Rapids, Michigan, the name DeVos was commonplace in my household.  DeVos and Grand Rapids were synonymous.  The DeVos family has its name attached to most things in my hometown, including the infamous mega corporation known as Amway. 

People often praised the elder DeVos, Richard Sr., claiming that he was a man of the people. People that worked under his leadership have stated that he was good to his employees and was kind-hearted. 

Gone are the days in which people speak highly of the name DeVos (if you're a democrat).  I have heard all of the negative ramblings regarding this wealthy family, including the failed gubernatorial campaign.

Now we have Mrs. Betsy DeVos being nominated for the position of Education Secretary by Trump Administration.  We are talking about a woman that has NEVER attended a public school at any point in her life. 

No Experience, No Knowledge

Betsy DeVos has zero experience or knowledge of the concept of pedagogy.  At her confirmation hearing, DeVos failed to demonstrate her knowledge and understanding of IDEA (Individuals with Disabilities Education Act) which mandates that public schools provide accommodations for students with disabilities.

Strong push for Charter Schools and Vouchers

Another point of contention is the fact that DeVos has been a strong supporter of  charter and private schools. In essence, funneling money to charter and private schools may lead to the degradation of public schools. It appears that DeVos would have a conflict of interest if selected as Education Secretary because she has money invested in charter schools.  This conflict of interest may influence the decisions that she makes regarding public schools.

Charter/Private vs. Public 

Some may wonder what's the big deal of allowing students to attend private or charter schools... Well I will tell you, simply.  Private and Charter schools do not have to accept ALL students.  Most of these schools have a strategic admissions process.  These schools are not required to deal with behavior problems or the students that lack the foundation necessary to achieve in a rigorous educational program.   Public schools must take EVERYONE.  Because of this fact, it is necessary that public schools are properly funded in order to provide a great education to all youth.  

I guarantee, that if Betsy is able to implement a national call for school vouchers, the private schools will gladly take federal funds to admit students... but if and when some of those students become a "liability" those private schools will quickly give them the boot.  As a result those same students will be forced to attend a public school without the funding needed, because the Private school has already spent it.

Due to all of this, I strongly believe that Betsy DeVos is bad for education.  I just hope that Congress does what's best for the youth and reject her for the position of Secretary of Education.








The Educated Diva

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