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- The confirmation hearing for Betsy DeVos, President-elect Donald Trump's nominee for education secretary, took place Tuesday.
- DeVos is a businesswoman and billionaire who has spent millions of dollars advocating for charter schools — which are publicly funded but operate independently from other schools — in her home state of Michigan.
- DeVos says she believes in school choice and supports school vouchers so that parents can use the taxpayer dollars that would go to the local public school to send their students to private or religious schools if they choose.
- Democrats worry DeVos's support for school choice could undermine public school funding. During the hearing Tuesday, Senate Democrats questioned DeVos on her stance on various issues such as guns in schools, college affordability, student loans and access for disabled students.
- DeVos attempted to reassure Democrats who think she opposes public schools. "If confirmed, I will be a strong advocate for great public schools," she said.
Class discussion questions
- Essential question : What is the role of the Secretary of Education?
- Why is DeVos's lack of experience in public education seen as a problem by Democrats?
- Do you think public funds should be available for parents who want to send students to private or religious schools? Why or why not?
- How do you think DeVos's business background might influence her decisions as education secretary?
