Don’t Believe the Hype: Local Education Advocates Say They See Little Change in DeVos’s Views on Federal School Choice Program
Advocates of school choice claim that they do not detect a shift in Education Secretary Betsy DeVos’s stance on the matter, despite a recent speech that others interpreted as a step back from her push for a federal school choice program. During a speech at Harvard University’s John F. Kennedy School of Government, DeVos stated, "I firmly believe that the future of choice does not start with a new federal mandate from Washington." She emphasized that if choice were mandated by Washington, it would only result in mediocrity, excessive spending, and unnecessary bureaucracy.
Since the beginning, DeVos has consistently maintained that states should take the lead on this issue. John Schilling, the Chief Operating Officer at the American Federation for Children, the school choice advocacy group that DeVos founded and chaired, confirmed this belief. Schilling stated that she has always viewed the states as the leaders in this matter.
Conservative leaders from think tanks, many of whom have opposed a federal program on the grounds that education is a state issue and federal regulations would interfere with private schools, interpreted DeVos’s Harvard speech as a sign of her retreating from a major federal push. Michael Petrilli, the president of the Thomas B. Fordham Institute, stated that there is minimal support for such a program on Capitol Hill and within the White House, and believes DeVos’s shift indicates that it is unlikely to happen.
However, three advocates of private school choice, who were contacted by , do not see any change in DeVos’s stance. They believe that her use of the bully pulpit will continue to advance the cause at the state level, where it has the most impact. Since May, DeVos has consistently stated that any federal school choice program would be voluntary for states. She emphasized this during her speech at the AFC’s annual convention, where she also criticized legislators who fail to introduce new programs.
President Donald Trump has long promised a $20 billion private school choice program, primarily through a federal tax credit scholarship. However, no details have been released, and it has not been included in Republican tax reform proposals. DeVos also proposed a $250 million voucher pilot program in this year’s budget, but neither the House nor the Senate included it in pending spending bills.
Darla Romfo, the president of the Children’s Scholarship Fund, argued that it is consistent to support a federal tax credit program while opposing a federal mandate or new federal program. She believes that a federal tax credit would allow states to participate voluntarily, while regulations would be determined by each state. Patricia Levesque, the CEO of the Foundation for Excellence in Education, suggested that the timing may be an important factor in this issue. She stated that it doesn’t mean giving up, but rather waiting for the appropriate time to continue advancing the issue.
According to the advocates, the best way for DeVos to promote the private choice movement at the state level is to continue using her national platform. Romfo believes that DeVos’s experience and background lend credibility to the cause, and that her ongoing discussion of it is empowering. Schilling emphasized the importance of DeVos giving speeches at prestigious institutions like Harvard, as well as stepping outside the Washington bubble to showcase innovative schools during events like her recent back-to-school tour.
DeVos, despite being a part of an administration that lacks popular support, is considered the least popular member according to a recent poll. However, this lack of popularity does not concern the supporters of school choice.
Romfo explains that there have always been critics of school choice, even before DeVos became the secretary of education. The important thing is that more and more parents are recognizing the benefits of having the option to choose the education that best suits their children.
Schilling attributes DeVos’ low poll numbers to the constant criticism from teachers’ unions. He believes that as she continues to articulate her vision for improving educational outcomes for all children, her popularity will increase.
Despite the lack of enthusiasm in Washington, advocates have noticed that states are still actively pursuing new school choice initiatives. According to Levesque, educational opportunity and choice are not on the defensive in the bigger picture.
In 2017, there has been significant progress at the state level. Education savings accounts in Arizona, a tax credit scholarship program in Illinois, fairer funding for charter schools in Colorado, a new charter law in Kentucky, and state funding for charter school facilities in Texas are just a few examples. And it seems that this trend will continue to grow in the next session.
It is worth mentioning that The Dick & Betsy DeVos Family Foundation has previously shown support for . Campbell Brown, who co-founded , serves on the board of directors for both the American Federation for Children and . The Foundation for Excellence in Education and have received contributions from various foundations including the Walton Family Foundation, Bill & Melinda Gates Foundation, Bloomberg Philanthropies, The Eli and Edythe Broad Foundation, Triad Foundation, and the Donald & Doris Fisher Fund.
