Valerie Strauss: Betsy DeVos Expresses Her Contempt for Public Schools
Valerie Strauss is not surprised yet disappointed that Betsy DeVos kicked off her “back to school tour” at a religious school in Milwaukee, flaunting her contempt for the vast majority of students who attend public schools. By doing so, she showed her agenda: privatization of public schools and transfer of public money to religious schools.
It is ironic that she chose Milwaukee to demonstrate the benefits of school choice. Milwaukee has had choice for three decades: charters, vouchers, and a shrinking public school sector.
All three sectors are faring poorly. On the National Assessment of Educational Progress, Milwaukee is one of the lowest performing cities in the nation. Students in religious schools, charters, and public schools are doing poorly.
Competition raised no boats. Milwaukee demonstrates the failure of school choice.
Betsy DeVos either doesn’t know or doesn’t care.