Read on Twitter
I hoped Biden would choose a state-level leader for Sec of Ed. We need someone who understands Uncle Sam must allow state leaders to lead AND because state leaders typically understand rural, suburban, exurban, & urban issues better than a district leader who only knows one.
1/
1/
State leaders also can have a better understanding of why school choice and charter programs are so valuable. District leaders often see non-district schools as non-public and unnecessarily competitive.
2/
2/
And since state leaders must be mindful of the tensions between a state's different geographies and that a public ed system should serve every child well, they can be supportive of gifted-ed, CTE, magnet, and other programs focused on the particular needs of families.
3/
3/
I've found that state leaders can quickly realize that they can't and shouldn't try to drive uniform decisions from a central location--they see that families and communities want to have control. So state leaders CAN be appropriately modest.
4/
4/
If Biden's choice for Sec of Ed can bring this mindset to DC, he will do a lot of good. Generally the biggest errors and fights in K-12 in the last generation have been the result of DC-based leaders presuming they know more than parents, communities, educators, and states.
5/
5/
I'm hoping the Biden administration will appreciate this fact AND appreciate that America has a robust choice system and private-school sector and 13,500 districts because America wants decentralized school decisions--not Washington-based mandates.
6/
6/
I hope Mr. Cardona chooses a few national priorities and advocates for them--primarily by encouraging, not mandating, state/local action. I hope he sees the role of Sec of Ed not as the teacher-in-chief or principal-in-chief, who tells schools what to do. Instead...
7/
7/
I hope he sees the Sec of Ed role as highlighting key areas for attention and distributing power to families, nonprofits, communities, and states so those close to kids can solve problems.
8/
8/
America is a continental, enormously diverse, democratic republic. Pluralism abounds. Local energy abounds. Local self-government is essential. We need to stop acting like all the smarts can be found in Washington. People want school decisions made close to home.
9/
9/
Although Ed Secs can quickly convince themselves that they should use Washington's power to force their will across the nation, we need a secretary who understands that parents are good, communities are good, educators are good, state leaders are good.
10/
10/
The more Washington does, the more it sends the signal that those close to students can't get the job done. But there is such enthusiasm and intelligence across this nation.
I hope the Biden admin allows those great leaders to lead and keeps DC's K-12 ambitions in check.
11/12
I hope the Biden admin allows those great leaders to lead and keeps DC's K-12 ambitions in check.
11/12
And if the reports are true that Miguel Cardona is the choice, I congratulate him on the wonderful recognition and opportunity. I wish him the very best during the confirmation process and, if confirmed, during his time in office.
https://ctmirror.org/2020/12/21/biden-selects-cts-miguel-cardona-to-lead-the-u-s-department-of-education/
12/12
https://ctmirror.org/2020/12/21/biden-selects-cts-miguel-cardona-to-lead-the-u-s-department-of-education/
12/12
