First 100 Days

The path to going bold on

education innovation
& opportunity

January 2017

edreform.com
@edreform
2| |3

Introduction
It was Franklin D. Roosevelts very first executive actions known as the 100
inaugural address in 1933 that gave days. Since then, every incoming
life to the famous phrase: ...the only Administration has set ambitious
thing we have to fear is fear itself. goals for its first three months in
office, and consequently, various

These recommendations carve into players take to their pens, paper

and technology and rattle off their

the federal education foundation recommendations.

an authentic agenda for education Its our turn again. But this time
we are bullish that what we have

opportunity, redefining the lines of advanced and supported for 23 years

may actually come to be. We have
Washingtons role and putting its made recommendations to incoming
administrations since CER was
imprimatur on innovations in schooling, founded in 1993, and each time those
ideas have fallen prey to a bevy of
teaching and learning at every level. Roosevelt set the course for an special interests, political moderation,
aggressive set of legislative and or worse, downright dismissal.

A nation that educates less college will graduate within

than half of all its children six yearsblaming only cost,
to proficiency can no longer and not the lack of purposeful,
afford to fail in education meaningful, non-politically
policy. correct offeringswill fail
to correct such problems if
A nation that looks the other it cannot understand and
way at the fact that only 55 embrace policy change.
percent of students who start

CER Center for Education Reform First 100 Days

2| |3

Introduction
It was Franklin D. Roosevelts very first executive actions known as the 100
inaugural address in 1933 that gave days. Since then, every incoming
life to the famous phrase: ...the only Administration has set ambitious
thing we have to fear is fear itself. goals for its first three months in
office, and consequently, various

These recommendations carve into players take to their pens, paper

and technology and rattle off their

the federal education foundation recommendations.

an authentic agenda for education Its our turn again. But this time
we are bullish that what we have

opportunity, redefining the lines of advanced and supported for 23 years

may actually come to be. We have
Washingtons role and putting its made recommendations to incoming
administrations since CER was
imprimatur on innovations in schooling, founded in 1993, and each time those
ideas have fallen prey to a bevy of
teaching and learning at every level. Roosevelt set the course for an special interests, political moderation,
aggressive set of legislative and or worse, downright dismissal.

A nation that educates less college will graduate within

than half of all its children six yearsblaming only cost,
to proficiency can no longer and not the lack of purposeful,
afford to fail in education meaningful, non-politically
policy. correct offeringswill fail
to correct such problems if
A nation that looks the other it cannot understand and
way at the fact that only 55 embrace policy change.
percent of students who start

CER Center for Education Reform First 100 Days

4| |5

Thankfully, these and other issues Our approach to education should innovation grants. Its about tearing Thus the Trump Administration
are on the agenda of President-elect not be shackled by the traditional up the very top-down mandates and should use its first 100 days to launch
Donald Trump and Vice President- segments of pre-K, K-12 and higher arcane characterizations of schools major initiatives that pave the way
elect Mike Pence. They believe that education. They are 19th Century that created the need for such to enormous, tangible returns on
school choice must be provided to divisions that began with Mann and micro schools, innovative charters, every education dollar spent and
those who cannot afford a great Carnegie and were cemented into competency-based programs and provide the basis for programs that
education on their own, that higher place under Presidents Kennedy and online higher education offerings in provide students with access to truly
education needs to be improved and Johnson in the 1960s. They ignore the the first place. exceptional education at all levels. We
its costs balanced with quality, and fact that the pace of learning occurs respectfully request a focus on four
that Washington should recognize along a continuum that can vary major interconnected areas where
the sovereignty of state and local widely from one student to another, federal oversight meets national
prerogatives in education. whatever the education bureaucracy imperative:

For 23 years, this is what we have

may attempt to decree. 74% 1 Spending
States Governed by
believed. We believe that great Current Federal programs and money Education Reform-Friendly 2 Teaching
education will stimulate greater well- drive silo thinking and funding. If we Lawmakers
being and economic prosperity for really want an exceptional America 3 Higher Education
all Americans, and that to achieve we must have exceptional education,
success we must accept that learning without conventional barriers to
4 Educational Choice
is multi-dimensional and that it need
not take place only in the traditional
learning at ones own pace, in an
environment that best suits the
26% Each item in the agenda that follows
States Governed by
brick and mortar classroom, between learner. Thats what opportunity is all Reform-Resistant will require months beyond 100 days
the ages of 3 and 17 or between the about in a world where information Lawmakers to realize in full. The key however is
hours of 8 and 3. travels faster than almost anything to set the four wheels in motion at
save for the speed of light. once, and not one after the other as is
If we are to be bold about education typical of federal lawmakers. History
reform, we must acknowledge that Its time to be bold and think about can be made by moving rapidly and
adults who cant read and write whats possible when you take in unison on these four areas of focus.
have been tragically underserved by control over a nearly $70 billion
our schools. We must acknowledge agency, and have entered a nation
that not every 6 year old needs where 37 of 50 states are governed
the confines of a traditional 1st by education reform friendly
grade classroom, that they may be lawmakers. Its not just about a
advanced, or just a different kind of school choice program, or increased
learner. charter school funding, or little

CER Center for Education Reform First 100 Days

4| |5

Thankfully, these and other issues Our approach to education should innovation grants. Its about tearing Thus the Trump Administration
are on the agenda of President-elect not be shackled by the traditional up the very top-down mandates and should use its first 100 days to launch
Donald Trump and Vice President- segments of pre-K, K-12 and higher arcane characterizations of schools major initiatives that pave the way
elect Mike Pence. They believe that education. They are 19th Century that created the need for such to enormous, tangible returns on
school choice must be provided to divisions that began with Mann and micro schools, innovative charters, every education dollar spent and
those who cannot afford a great Carnegie and were cemented into competency-based programs and provide the basis for programs that
education on their own, that higher place under Presidents Kennedy and online higher education offerings in provide students with access to truly
education needs to be improved and Johnson in the 1960s. They ignore the the first place. exceptional education at all levels. We
its costs balanced with quality, and fact that the pace of learning occurs respectfully request a focus on four
that Washington should recognize along a continuum that can vary major interconnected areas where
the sovereignty of state and local widely from one student to another, federal oversight meets national
prerogatives in education. whatever the education bureaucracy imperative:

For 23 years, this is what we have

may attempt to decree. 74% 1 Spending
States Governed by
believed. We believe that great Current Federal programs and money Education Reform-Friendly 2 Teaching
education will stimulate greater well- drive silo thinking and funding. If we Lawmakers
being and economic prosperity for really want an exceptional America 3 Higher Education
all Americans, and that to achieve we must have exceptional education,
success we must accept that learning without conventional barriers to
4 Educational Choice
is multi-dimensional and that it need
not take place only in the traditional
learning at ones own pace, in an
environment that best suits the
26% Each item in the agenda that follows
States Governed by
brick and mortar classroom, between learner. Thats what opportunity is all Reform-Resistant will require months beyond 100 days
the ages of 3 and 17 or between the about in a world where information Lawmakers to realize in full. The key however is
hours of 8 and 3. travels faster than almost anything to set the four wheels in motion at
save for the speed of light. once, and not one after the other as is
If we are to be bold about education typical of federal lawmakers. History
reform, we must acknowledge that Its time to be bold and think about can be made by moving rapidly and
adults who cant read and write whats possible when you take in unison on these four areas of focus.
have been tragically underserved by control over a nearly $70 billion
our schools. We must acknowledge agency, and have entered a nation
that not every 6 year old needs where 37 of 50 states are governed
the confines of a traditional 1st by education reform friendly
grade classroom, that they may be lawmakers. Its not just about a
advanced, or just a different kind of school choice program, or increased
learner. charter school funding, or little

CER Center for Education Reform First 100 Days

6| |7

Focus on Department staffwould share the criteria that supersede any state law
Spending genesis of such barriers with the requirements.
public.
The administration should conduct
Federal spending needs to
For example, knowing that in the a thorough review of all regulatory
be redirected, repackaged,
1800s the equivalent of 8 men limitations imposed on spending
and re-permissioned across
in a room created the Carnegie in education regulations, as well as
traditional program lines. To unit to standardize the number across other Departments from which
conduct a serious, publicly of instructional hours students schools and school districts benefit.
transparent review in a finite have throughout the year might Education funding and regulation
amount of time as to how help schools and parents better is not limited to the Education
every federal dollar can better understand the impetus behind Department. Departments like Labor
meet the needs of schools and the classroom and the hours that and Agriculture often set criteria for
students, the Administration accompany it. more free to do as the law intended, education-related funding. USDA, for
should establish a but that federal policies were created example, bars charter schools from
Similarly, they might be able to better to obscure. For example, because receiving federal free and reduced
Commission, like the Reagan-
decide themselves on what works, the federal public charter school cost lunch funds unless they employ
era National Commission on
rather than be required by federal law grant program distributes funds to certified food service workers.
Excellence in Education.
to abide by an existing structure. states, federal officials over time have Charters which hire community
Call it the Make Education Great created new expectations of states members to provide food services to
The Commission might also set an that were never intended by law. help their neighborhood economically
Again for Students Commission (Or,
expectation that all states fund each States are required to hold for-profit are denied lunch funds to serve a
MEGAS Commission)
kind of school that a student attends management companies to different political agenda.
The chief goal would be to explore equitably, erasing the inequities standards including making these
every existing statutory or legally between public schools, public schools ineligible to apply for certain Finally, the federal government should
permissible opportunity to send charter schools, even to include grants and requiring them to file dedicate its resources to helping
funds to states for them to spend federal funds to which private school multiple reports on their governance parents become informed consumers.
on innovative, flexible learning students are entitled. that no other school public or private School ratings are contentious and
arrangements. must file. These regulations often the track record of most schools is
The Commission would finally often difficult to assess for even the
discourage credible providers of
The Commission, under the aegis of be expected to review all federal most informed among us. This is
instructional services.
the Secretary of Education, would regulations and the thousands of unfortunate for parents looking to
similarly identify for public review in non-statutory guidelines that are Independent non-network schools improve their childs education career.
real time, every barrier to opportunity. essentially bureaucratic dictations started by community members are Its time for parents to have accessible
The Commission members accumulated over time, governing discouraged from federal funding objective, current, and transparent
who would be existing education the distribution of state and local with requirements to meet federal data and information in an easy to
funds such that states might feel

CER Center for Education Reform First 100 Days

6| |7

Focus on Department staffwould share the criteria that supersede any state law
Spending genesis of such barriers with the requirements.
public.
The administration should conduct
Federal spending needs to
For example, knowing that in the a thorough review of all regulatory
be redirected, repackaged,
1800s the equivalent of 8 men limitations imposed on spending
and re-permissioned across
in a room created the Carnegie in education regulations, as well as
traditional program lines. To unit to standardize the number across other Departments from which
conduct a serious, publicly of instructional hours students schools and school districts benefit.
transparent review in a finite have throughout the year might Education funding and regulation
amount of time as to how help schools and parents better is not limited to the Education
every federal dollar can better understand the impetus behind Department. Departments like Labor
meet the needs of schools and the classroom and the hours that and Agriculture often set criteria for
students, the Administration accompany it. more free to do as the law intended, education-related funding. USDA, for
should establish a but that federal policies were created example, bars charter schools from
Similarly, they might be able to better to obscure. For example, because receiving federal free and reduced
Commission, like the Reagan-
decide themselves on what works, the federal public charter school cost lunch funds unless they employ
era National Commission on
rather than be required by federal law grant program distributes funds to certified food service workers.
Excellence in Education.
to abide by an existing structure. states, federal officials over time have Charters which hire community
Call it the Make Education Great created new expectations of states members to provide food services to
The Commission might also set an that were never intended by law. help their neighborhood economically
Again for Students Commission (Or,
expectation that all states fund each States are required to hold for-profit are denied lunch funds to serve a
MEGAS Commission)
kind of school that a student attends management companies to different political agenda.
The chief goal would be to explore equitably, erasing the inequities standards including making these
every existing statutory or legally between public schools, public schools ineligible to apply for certain Finally, the federal government should
permissible opportunity to send charter schools, even to include grants and requiring them to file dedicate its resources to helping
funds to states for them to spend federal funds to which private school multiple reports on their governance parents become informed consumers.
on innovative, flexible learning students are entitled. that no other school public or private School ratings are contentious and
arrangements. must file. These regulations often the track record of most schools is
The Commission would finally often difficult to assess for even the
discourage credible providers of
The Commission, under the aegis of be expected to review all federal most informed among us. This is
instructional services.
the Secretary of Education, would regulations and the thousands of unfortunate for parents looking to
similarly identify for public review in non-statutory guidelines that are Independent non-network schools improve their childs education career.
real time, every barrier to opportunity. essentially bureaucratic dictations started by community members are Its time for parents to have accessible
The Commission members accumulated over time, governing discouraged from federal funding objective, current, and transparent
who would be existing education the distribution of state and local with requirements to meet federal data and information in an easy to
funds such that states might feel

CER Center for Education Reform First 100 Days

8| |9

read and understandable format on to support a comprehensive school Consider the following example of example of allegedly incorrect use
the local neighborhood school or any reporting mechanism. Currently its guidance that from about 2006 until of funds the Departments guidance
school across the nation. Parents as just that, data. The data must be just this year guided state spending imposes expectations that were not
consumers help the education market organized and distributed to better for teacher development. In this written in law.
by making informed decisions on inform parents, taxpayers, and
what school environment is best for legislators of the academic, financial
their child and it starts with data. Our and operational performance of every
federal government has ample data school. Example: Incorrect Use of Funds

Jefferson University, its College of Education, and its College of Arts

Focus on strings and barriers to change. The and Sciences partner with the Lincoln high-need school district to
Teaching Administration should immediately provide professional development in instructional leadership for 20
review rules governing of Title II of principals. Jefferson Universitys Grants Office receives 100 percent
Solve the crisis in teaching, the the Every Student Succeeds Act, of the Title II, Part A funds for the partnership, giving:
shortage of individuals able to which covers the preparing, training,
and recruiting high quality teachers,
but precluded from teaching to the college of Education to pay its faculty to deliver a profes-
principals, and other school leaders. 20% sional development summer course in instructional leadership
due to flawed certification methodologies for 20 principals at Lincoln school district;
Like all things, there should be
mandates, by encouraging
immediate attention paid to the Title
opening up of the profession II, Part A Non-regulatory guidance to the College of Arts and Sciences to pay its faculty to deliver a
to experienced subject matter issued by the Department, which 10% professional development summer course in instructional leader-
experts, thought leaders and undermines the ability of states to ship content knowledge for 20 principals at Lincoln school district;
international experts. enact or adopt truly meaningful
alternative certification programs to the College of Arts and Sciences to pay its faculty to deliver a
Next to students and their families, 10% professional development summer course in instructional leader-
or spend funds to support and
teachers are the most important ship content knowledge for 20 principals at Lincoln school district;
improve teaching. The Department
influence in the life of a student.
has guidance defining high quality
While states deserve the lions
professional development and how to Lincoln school district to pay stipends to the 20 principals at-
share of creditor critiquefor laws 60%
much a state may spend from federal tending the professional development summer courses.
governing the hiring, management
dollars on that, defines permissible
and care of the teacher profession,
state use of funds, mandates that staff
the federal funds that support and
must be involved in how funds are
pay for teacher related programs
spent and on and on through dozens In this example, one partner uses more than 50 percent
and support come with thousands of
of pages of contrived oversight. of the funds for its own benefit.

CER Center for Education Reform First 100 Days

8| |9

read and understandable format on to support a comprehensive school Consider the following example of example of allegedly incorrect use
the local neighborhood school or any reporting mechanism. Currently its guidance that from about 2006 until of funds the Departments guidance
school across the nation. Parents as just that, data. The data must be just this year guided state spending imposes expectations that were not
consumers help the education market organized and distributed to better for teacher development. In this written in law.
by making informed decisions on inform parents, taxpayers, and
what school environment is best for legislators of the academic, financial
their child and it starts with data. Our and operational performance of every
federal government has ample data school. Example: Incorrect Use of Funds

Jefferson University, its College of Education, and its College of Arts

Focus on strings and barriers to change. The and Sciences partner with the Lincoln high-need school district to
Teaching Administration should immediately provide professional development in instructional leadership for 20
review rules governing of Title II of principals. Jefferson Universitys Grants Office receives 100 percent
Solve the crisis in teaching, the the Every Student Succeeds Act, of the Title II, Part A funds for the partnership, giving:
shortage of individuals able to which covers the preparing, training,
and recruiting high quality teachers,
but precluded from teaching to the college of Education to pay its faculty to deliver a profes-
principals, and other school leaders. 20% sional development summer course in instructional leadership
due to flawed certification methodologies for 20 principals at Lincoln school district;
Like all things, there should be
mandates, by encouraging
immediate attention paid to the Title
opening up of the profession II, Part A Non-regulatory guidance to the College of Arts and Sciences to pay its faculty to deliver a
to experienced subject matter issued by the Department, which 10% professional development summer course in instructional leader-
experts, thought leaders and undermines the ability of states to ship content knowledge for 20 principals at Lincoln school district;
international experts. enact or adopt truly meaningful
alternative certification programs to the College of Arts and Sciences to pay its faculty to deliver a
Next to students and their families, 10% professional development summer course in instructional leader-
or spend funds to support and
teachers are the most important ship content knowledge for 20 principals at Lincoln school district;
improve teaching. The Department
influence in the life of a student.
has guidance defining high quality
While states deserve the lions
professional development and how to Lincoln school district to pay stipends to the 20 principals at-
share of creditor critiquefor laws 60%
much a state may spend from federal tending the professional development summer courses.
governing the hiring, management
dollars on that, defines permissible
and care of the teacher profession,
state use of funds, mandates that staff
the federal funds that support and
must be involved in how funds are
pay for teacher related programs
spent and on and on through dozens In this example, one partner uses more than 50 percent
and support come with thousands of
of pages of contrived oversight. of the funds for its own benefit.

CER Center for Education Reform First 100 Days

10 | | 11

As of September 2016, the guidance There are so many requirements our nations schools were we to Several years ago when alternative
issued to help states implement for evaluating whether and how a redraft teacher licensing requirements certification was first introduced (to
the Every Student Succeeds Act, program should be implemented that and permit wide latitude in how states many a union leaders chagrin), it
while less prescriptive, still imposes districts and schools could spend spend their educator development allowed states to hire people who had
mandates not intended by law. most of their funds on the process funds. These individuals could serve qualifications in other fields to come
The following language strongly and not the outcome. That indeed is as teachers and mentors. Todays teach, without having to go through
encourages practices that school the point of loosening the guidance, students need an education rooted certification requirements that were
personnel most likely will take as a the restrictions and allowing individual less on theory and more on hands- input, not output driven. Then NCLB
mandate, not a suggestion, because schools to develop their own on experiential education. The pigeonholed that same concept into
they perceive guidance to be the best plans and programs without such gateway to a meaningful education a strict definition of highly qualified
antidote against loss of funding in the subjective feedback from the federal for many students could be provided that once again required even the
next round: government. by a legion of former employees in innovative charter schools to have to
technology and manufacturing fields. hire a majority of teachers who were
State-level Activities and Optional Such feedback also doesnt get to the certified in traditional ways.
Additional Funding Under Title II, biggest issue facing the education With technology a key asset in
Part A of the ESEA, SEAs have profession, and that is the teacher schools, the question must also be In fact, during that time, Title II was
broad authority and flexibility shortage, which is egregiously asked: why we dont avail ourselves first amended to permit districts to
misunderstood. The impending of teachers who may be off site in spend money on multiple pathways
in the use of State activities
shortage of 100,000 teachers by a different school, a university or to teaching, including non-traditional
funds. SEAs may use some
2020 requires bold action to ensure even a different country? A great models. But a district only has a
of these funds to improve the
every student has a qualified teacher. math teacher in Singapore could limited pool of funds to use to do
quality and retention of effective
There is no shortage of people address a math teacher deficiency just that, and they may not combine
teachers. However, we strongly willing and able to teach except by or absence via a cheap or free Zoom funds from other federal programs
encourage each SEA to devote bureaucratic standards. videoconference. But then such a that may help them have the intended
a significant portion of its State course would not be considered a effect, or gather enough funding to
activities funds to improving Underemployed individuals are key permissible use of federal funds and rollout the program. It is not clear
school leadership; and in doing so to providing relief to the teacher in many cases, state funds as well. how much has changed since such
consider its flexibility to reserve shortage. As the manufacturing and programs started. What is clear is that
an additional 3 percent of Title II, technical jobs outlook sways with the To increase the number of pathways the country will not be able to expose
Part A LEA subgrants for States economy, there is an abundance of or on ramps individuals can use to all students to exceptional education
individuals seeking employment in access schooling, we must allow without teachers and school leaders
activities that support principals
positions offering lower wages, fewer states and communities to redefine with exceptional capabilities, no
or other school leaders. (ESEA
benefits, and less security as a means qualified. matter how they got there.
section 2101(c)(3)).
of survival. Often well trained and
credentialed former manufacturing
The section also talks about class
and technology workers would serve
sizes and how to measure effects.

CER Center for Education Reform First 100 Days

10 | | 11

As of September 2016, the guidance There are so many requirements our nations schools were we to Several years ago when alternative
issued to help states implement for evaluating whether and how a redraft teacher licensing requirements certification was first introduced (to
the Every Student Succeeds Act, program should be implemented that and permit wide latitude in how states many a union leaders chagrin), it
while less prescriptive, still imposes districts and schools could spend spend their educator development allowed states to hire people who had
mandates not intended by law. most of their funds on the process funds. These individuals could serve qualifications in other fields to come
The following language strongly and not the outcome. That indeed is as teachers and mentors. Todays teach, without having to go through
encourages practices that school the point of loosening the guidance, students need an education rooted certification requirements that were
personnel most likely will take as a the restrictions and allowing individual less on theory and more on hands- input, not output driven. Then NCLB
mandate, not a suggestion, because schools to develop their own on experiential education. The pigeonholed that same concept into
they perceive guidance to be the best plans and programs without such gateway to a meaningful education a strict definition of highly qualified
antidote against loss of funding in the subjective feedback from the federal for many students could be provided that once again required even the
next round: government. by a legion of former employees in innovative charter schools to have to
technology and manufacturing fields. hire a majority of teachers who were
State-level Activities and Optional Such feedback also doesnt get to the certified in traditional ways.
Additional Funding Under Title II, biggest issue facing the education With technology a key asset in
Part A of the ESEA, SEAs have profession, and that is the teacher schools, the question must also be In fact, during that time, Title II was
broad authority and flexibility shortage, which is egregiously asked: why we dont avail ourselves first amended to permit districts to
misunderstood. The impending of teachers who may be off site in spend money on multiple pathways
in the use of State activities
shortage of 100,000 teachers by a different school, a university or to teaching, including non-traditional
funds. SEAs may use some
2020 requires bold action to ensure even a different country? A great models. But a district only has a
of these funds to improve the
every student has a qualified teacher. math teacher in Singapore could limited pool of funds to use to do
quality and retention of effective
There is no shortage of people address a math teacher deficiency just that, and they may not combine
teachers. However, we strongly willing and able to teach except by or absence via a cheap or free Zoom funds from other federal programs
encourage each SEA to devote bureaucratic standards. videoconference. But then such a that may help them have the intended
a significant portion of its State course would not be considered a effect, or gather enough funding to
activities funds to improving Underemployed individuals are key permissible use of federal funds and rollout the program. It is not clear
school leadership; and in doing so to providing relief to the teacher in many cases, state funds as well. how much has changed since such
consider its flexibility to reserve shortage. As the manufacturing and programs started. What is clear is that
an additional 3 percent of Title II, technical jobs outlook sways with the To increase the number of pathways the country will not be able to expose
Part A LEA subgrants for States economy, there is an abundance of or on ramps individuals can use to all students to exceptional education
individuals seeking employment in access schooling, we must allow without teachers and school leaders
activities that support principals
positions offering lower wages, fewer states and communities to redefine with exceptional capabilities, no
or other school leaders. (ESEA
benefits, and less security as a means qualified. matter how they got there.
section 2101(c)(3)).
of survival. Often well trained and
credentialed former manufacturing
The section also talks about class
and technology workers would serve
sizes and how to measure effects.

CER Center for Education Reform First 100 Days

12 | | 13

Focus on traditional education market small award credit for proven mastery in government can recognize alternative
Higher Education and large, new kinds of on ground, those classes are often scoffed at, and higher education delivery and the
online schools as well as competency federal funds do not flow to students accumulation of real coursework
Recast the federal role in based boot camps that teach specific who might take on numerous courses and mastery. Competency based
higher education to create skills have come into existence at once, but go instead to institutions education in higher education should
since the advent of technology or that do not want to accept such also apply to learning from the very
more opportunities for both
just innovative thinking. Students classes for fear of losing money. earliest days. Perhaps raising this issue
the private and public sectors
accepting Pell grants, etc. subject during the deliberations of the federal
to serve the needs of students The reauthorization of the Higher
the college institution to federal governments investment in higher
seeking a higher education at mandates. The strings attached Education Act this year provides an education this year would influence
every level. to these dollars often strangle the enormous opportunity for legislatures the entire conversation and policy
institutions. This view becomes dicey to change policy for the betterment direction in education, and could
True opportunity requires not that of higher education for all. There
when you add protected status to similarly be a focus of the MEGAS
federal funding dictate student should be ways by which the federal
the discussion, i.e., students with Commission.
choices but that it follow student
disabilities.
choices. With less sixty percent of
students graduating college who Yet rather than embrace new ways of
begin, and shockingly fewer than implementing college education, the Focus on Public education is about educating
30 percent of all students in public
universities graduating in four years
traditional higher ed cartel challenges Educational Choice our kidsand about educating the
new practices on all sorts of contrived public. Federal education programs
or less, college bound students are bases. Most recently, critiques were
The federal government and services which predate the 1980s
clearly telling us something. Their based on corporate statusfor-profit
should recognize whatever Department supplemented state and
market test is the market test. If they vs. non-profit, for example, as if one local services in ways that suited each
stop going to school, decide not it is that states do to provide
delivered superior results than the particular Congress or administration
to finish, have trouble finishing or other. To be sure, there are laggards
opportunities for students
along the way. The birth of federal
are not engaged, they are telling us in both camps. But setting policy to beyond the traditional public
education programs occurred before
that they want more opportunities make one must demonstrate more schools. Such programs there was any concrete evidence that
in higher education than were success than the other in often private school vouchers, tax despite billions spent nationally the
available, or desired, by many who unmeasurable long- term methods, credits, charter schools and Nation was at risk, and that traditional
are long past those days. Its not e.g., gainful employment, is no way to the likedid not exist prior education governance simply was
because the cost is too high, though encourage innovation. to 1990 in an substantial way not working for most students.
there is no question, the price of
and as a result, the federal Meanwhile, other nations with far
higher education is staggering. But On top of that, hundreds of thousands government has continued to fewer freedoms were beating us at
even cheaper state and community of credible universities have created
view them as anathema to the just about everything.
colleges are losing markets. The one and offer online classes to students
market increasing however is the non-
original definition of public
unable to afford college. Efforts to When states began enacting
education.

CER Center for Education Reform First 100 Days

12 | | 13

Focus on traditional education market small award credit for proven mastery in government can recognize alternative
Higher Education and large, new kinds of on ground, those classes are often scoffed at, and higher education delivery and the
online schools as well as competency federal funds do not flow to students accumulation of real coursework
Recast the federal role in based boot camps that teach specific who might take on numerous courses and mastery. Competency based
higher education to create skills have come into existence at once, but go instead to institutions education in higher education should
since the advent of technology or that do not want to accept such also apply to learning from the very
more opportunities for both
just innovative thinking. Students classes for fear of losing money. earliest days. Perhaps raising this issue
the private and public sectors
accepting Pell grants, etc. subject during the deliberations of the federal
to serve the needs of students The reauthorization of the Higher
the college institution to federal governments investment in higher
seeking a higher education at mandates. The strings attached Education Act this year provides an education this year would influence
every level. to these dollars often strangle the enormous opportunity for legislatures the entire conversation and policy
institutions. This view becomes dicey to change policy for the betterment direction in education, and could
True opportunity requires not that of higher education for all. There
when you add protected status to similarly be a focus of the MEGAS
federal funding dictate student should be ways by which the federal
the discussion, i.e., students with Commission.
choices but that it follow student
disabilities.
choices. With less sixty percent of
students graduating college who Yet rather than embrace new ways of
begin, and shockingly fewer than implementing college education, the Focus on Public education is about educating
30 percent of all students in public
universities graduating in four years
traditional higher ed cartel challenges Educational Choice our kidsand about educating the
new practices on all sorts of contrived public. Federal education programs
or less, college bound students are bases. Most recently, critiques were
The federal government and services which predate the 1980s
clearly telling us something. Their based on corporate statusfor-profit
should recognize whatever Department supplemented state and
market test is the market test. If they vs. non-profit, for example, as if one local services in ways that suited each
stop going to school, decide not it is that states do to provide
delivered superior results than the particular Congress or administration
to finish, have trouble finishing or other. To be sure, there are laggards
opportunities for students
along the way. The birth of federal
are not engaged, they are telling us in both camps. But setting policy to beyond the traditional public
education programs occurred before
that they want more opportunities make one must demonstrate more schools. Such programs there was any concrete evidence that
in higher education than were success than the other in often private school vouchers, tax despite billions spent nationally the
available, or desired, by many who unmeasurable long- term methods, credits, charter schools and Nation was at risk, and that traditional
are long past those days. Its not e.g., gainful employment, is no way to the likedid not exist prior education governance simply was
because the cost is too high, though encourage innovation. to 1990 in an substantial way not working for most students.
there is no question, the price of
and as a result, the federal Meanwhile, other nations with far
higher education is staggering. But On top of that, hundreds of thousands government has continued to fewer freedoms were beating us at
even cheaper state and community of credible universities have created
view them as anathema to the just about everything.
colleges are losing markets. The one and offer online classes to students
market increasing however is the non-
original definition of public
unable to afford college. Efforts to When states began enacting
education.

CER Center for Education Reform First 100 Days

14 | | 15

educational choice programs in the and themselves. Yet the federal conduit for deciding where funds charter schools. To receive funds,
early 1990s, the federal government governments programs have not might be used to best to educate states had to show that their charter
should have begun recognizing those kept pace with what we know about their kids. The public schools in many schools were public schools on
programs and working to ensure that how children learn. Special education of the poorer parts of Cleveland contract with an entity the state
any federal funding would follow funds, for example, monies for English were considered failures, resulting in deemed qualified to authorize, that
students to schools that were publicly language learners, after school the Cleveland Scholarship Program they were autonomous from the
sanctioned, even if they were new to and before school programs and to provide tuition vouchers for school district, and given authority
the federal definition of education. professional development programs students to attend participating over operations. Priority was given
are distributed to districts based on public or private schools and the to states with a high cap or none on
Despite 30 years of educational a litany of formulas, applications, education establishment challenged how many schools could open and
choice, the federal government still prior use and all-encompassing rules them. The High Court rebuffed the which allowed authorizers other than
delivers funds and guidance based on and regulations. The real need is for opposition. That ratification of school only school boards. There was no
a 20th century model of education, districts and schools to be able to choices constitutionality in 2002 has prescription on how to spend the
not on the one that exists today. use funds for education practices paved the way for other programs funds and states were permitted
That is why opponents can so easily that respond to the demands parents around the country, and should be to dictate their delivery. That is,
thwart attempts to enact new choice and needs of kids, and that happens a foundation for new federal efforts. until federal guidance worked to
programs or expand existing laws to be something that cannot be Billions of taxpayers dollars are being make charters come under the very
because while the federal government determined prior to knowing who spent foolishly on the old and failing traditional government structures
does not create those laws, its those kids are, what they need and education paradigm, leaving little to they were designed originally to
imprimatur and practices discourage where they attend school. These are no funding to give states the incentive escape. In the nearly 20 years since
and in fact discriminate against such the same programs that we funded and drive to change the way they do federal support for charter schools
programs. Why else would children nearly 40 years ago, and regardless business. began, the program has grown into a
who receive state vouchers to attend of the differences in priority and major categorical program that picks
private schools be unable to access implementation, their governance On the issue of charter schools, the winners and losers from the start and
funds that are allocated for their neither follows student needs federal government has overstepped empowers Washington, not states, to
education simply because they do not nor respects state choices in how its authority in dictating how states set policy. This must change.
attend a traditional district school? education is delivered or practiced. conduct business. Each of the 44
states with charter laws has vastly The promised school choice platform
Its time to elevate the issue of choice The Trump administration must differently laws, while some are laws on which Donald Trump campaigned
not as a mandate or a stick that states address this deliberate disconnect in name only. The original public can sanction and encourage
must follow, but as a recognized path and ensure that educational choice is charter grant program was basic additional state efforts by following
that more and more Americans at not only recognized but encouraged. and sought to do justice to the these basic ideas, among others:
every level of schooling are using. In original constructs of the earliest
Pre-K, high school and even adult In Zelman v. Simmons-Harris, Justice
education, people are choosing Sandra Day OConnor said in the
how and when to educate their kids ruling that parents were a proper

CER Center for Education Reform First 100 Days

14 | | 15

educational choice programs in the and themselves. Yet the federal conduit for deciding where funds charter schools. To receive funds,
early 1990s, the federal government governments programs have not might be used to best to educate states had to show that their charter
should have begun recognizing those kept pace with what we know about their kids. The public schools in many schools were public schools on
programs and working to ensure that how children learn. Special education of the poorer parts of Cleveland contract with an entity the state
any federal funding would follow funds, for example, monies for English were considered failures, resulting in deemed qualified to authorize, that
students to schools that were publicly language learners, after school the Cleveland Scholarship Program they were autonomous from the
sanctioned, even if they were new to and before school programs and to provide tuition vouchers for school district, and given authority
the federal definition of education. professional development programs students to attend participating over operations. Priority was given
are distributed to districts based on public or private schools and the to states with a high cap or none on
Despite 30 years of educational a litany of formulas, applications, education establishment challenged how many schools could open and
choice, the federal government still prior use and all-encompassing rules them. The High Court rebuffed the which allowed authorizers other than
delivers funds and guidance based on and regulations. The real need is for opposition. That ratification of school only school boards. There was no
a 20th century model of education, districts and schools to be able to choices constitutionality in 2002 has prescription on how to spend the
not on the one that exists today. use funds for education practices paved the way for other programs funds and states were permitted
That is why opponents can so easily that respond to the demands parents around the country, and should be to dictate their delivery. That is,
thwart attempts to enact new choice and needs of kids, and that happens a foundation for new federal efforts. until federal guidance worked to
programs or expand existing laws to be something that cannot be Billions of taxpayers dollars are being make charters come under the very
because while the federal government determined prior to knowing who spent foolishly on the old and failing traditional government structures
does not create those laws, its those kids are, what they need and education paradigm, leaving little to they were designed originally to
imprimatur and practices discourage where they attend school. These are no funding to give states the incentive escape. In the nearly 20 years since
and in fact discriminate against such the same programs that we funded and drive to change the way they do federal support for charter schools
programs. Why else would children nearly 40 years ago, and regardless business. began, the program has grown into a
who receive state vouchers to attend of the differences in priority and major categorical program that picks
private schools be unable to access implementation, their governance On the issue of charter schools, the winners and losers from the start and
funds that are allocated for their neither follows student needs federal government has overstepped empowers Washington, not states, to
education simply because they do not nor respects state choices in how its authority in dictating how states set policy. This must change.
attend a traditional district school? education is delivered or practiced. conduct business. Each of the 44
states with charter laws has vastly The promised school choice platform
Its time to elevate the issue of choice The Trump administration must differently laws, while some are laws on which Donald Trump campaigned
not as a mandate or a stick that states address this deliberate disconnect in name only. The original public can sanction and encourage
must follow, but as a recognized path and ensure that educational choice is charter grant program was basic additional state efforts by following
that more and more Americans at not only recognized but encouraged. and sought to do justice to the these basic ideas, among others:
every level of schooling are using. In original constructs of the earliest
Pre-K, high school and even adult In Zelman v. Simmons-Harris, Justice
education, people are choosing Sandra Day OConnor said in the
how and when to educate their kids ruling that parents were a proper

CER Center for Education Reform First 100 Days

16 | | 17

Bundle Dollars Digital Education

Postscript:
Combine dollars for choice as the Broaden federal support for digital
new national MEGAS Commission education, by removing any barriers An Agenda for Advocates
would direct. Permitting the bundling in federal law, regulation or guidance
of funds across a variety of programs that prevent or discourage digital There are scores more issues to further and further behind the rest
would support state educational delivery of education. Consider tackle. For starters: of the world. We can, and we must
choice programs. partnering with the federal agencies push for a better path forward for
Is the Departments Civil Rights agenda our children if we truly want to make
that oversee telecommunications
hampering or advancing substantive
Charter Schools and transportation to drive the digital America truly great.
issues through U.S. education?
super highway further into rural
Support charter schools expansion How do we get there? The Center
communities and thus permit them Do federal special education funds
and their facility infrastructure needs, work as needed, and are they able for Education Reform has carved an
to access the best of education that
starting by repealing all existing to be evaluated for whether they agenda for advocates everywhere
currently escapes their remote areas,
federal charter program guidance encourage or discourage schools to whose intellect, passion, commitment
via technology.
and going back to the basics of the address special needs in the most and roll-up-your-sleeves mentality is
original and intended state grant special of ways? necessary to make this work.
program, which encouraged strong
Military Vouchers
Can HBCUs, once upon a time the
state laws and limited regulatory Provide military families with the
leaders in educating people of color, be Boost Public Awareness &
overreach of a states charter law. The ability to use their allocated tax Transparency
supported and expanded in new ways?
programs expansion should be tied dollars to attend any school they
to smart management, and a roll back choose, in any community, with no What is the proper role of the federal Its not just the status quo, the
of the regulations, which also happen limitations. They, of all people should government when it comes to limited establishment or the unions who
to cost money at the state level to have not only unfettered opportunity learning language students? stand in the way of progress. Its
implement, taking it from schools. to choose by a federal investment, lack of information, which begets
Every new administration arrives apathy. We hope to coalesce
but also to ensure that their service is
with ambitious plans and ends up advocates nationwideof any of the
Course Choice rewarded by the nations commitment
administering the same old, tired four major recommendationsfrom
to their children.
Permit federal funds to support a la and worn programs that have been every political stripeto engage
carte choices of courses from all sorts around no matter what their impact. in promoting what works in other
of schools, from college, to other An unprecedented and historic communities, states and countries.
traditional schools, to private to online election might finally pave the way
schools. for an unprecedented and historic The Department will need you to
review and change in how the identify all the data points it must
federal government does education. post to educate the public, all the
Without exceptional education for programs that are funded and how
all Americans, our own nation will they work, where the challenges
not prosper and will continue to fall

CER Center for Education Reform First 100 Days

16 | | 17

Bundle Dollars Digital Education

Postscript:
Combine dollars for choice as the Broaden federal support for digital
new national MEGAS Commission education, by removing any barriers An Agenda for Advocates
would direct. Permitting the bundling in federal law, regulation or guidance
of funds across a variety of programs that prevent or discourage digital There are scores more issues to further and further behind the rest
would support state educational delivery of education. Consider tackle. For starters: of the world. We can, and we must
choice programs. partnering with the federal agencies push for a better path forward for
Is the Departments Civil Rights agenda our children if we truly want to make
that oversee telecommunications
hampering or advancing substantive
Charter Schools and transportation to drive the digital America truly great.
issues through U.S. education?
super highway further into rural
Support charter schools expansion How do we get there? The Center
communities and thus permit them Do federal special education funds
and their facility infrastructure needs, work as needed, and are they able for Education Reform has carved an
to access the best of education that
starting by repealing all existing to be evaluated for whether they agenda for advocates everywhere
currently escapes their remote areas,
federal charter program guidance encourage or discourage schools to whose intellect, passion, commitment
via technology.
and going back to the basics of the address special needs in the most and roll-up-your-sleeves mentality is
original and intended state grant special of ways? necessary to make this work.
program, which encouraged strong
Military Vouchers
Can HBCUs, once upon a time the
state laws and limited regulatory Provide military families with the
leaders in educating people of color, be Boost Public Awareness &
overreach of a states charter law. The ability to use their allocated tax Transparency
supported and expanded in new ways?
programs expansion should be tied dollars to attend any school they
to smart management, and a roll back choose, in any community, with no What is the proper role of the federal Its not just the status quo, the
of the regulations, which also happen limitations. They, of all people should government when it comes to limited establishment or the unions who
to cost money at the state level to have not only unfettered opportunity learning language students? stand in the way of progress. Its
implement, taking it from schools. to choose by a federal investment, lack of information, which begets
Every new administration arrives apathy. We hope to coalesce
but also to ensure that their service is
with ambitious plans and ends up advocates nationwideof any of the
Course Choice rewarded by the nations commitment
administering the same old, tired four major recommendationsfrom
to their children.
Permit federal funds to support a la and worn programs that have been every political stripeto engage
carte choices of courses from all sorts around no matter what their impact. in promoting what works in other
of schools, from college, to other An unprecedented and historic communities, states and countries.
traditional schools, to private to online election might finally pave the way
schools. for an unprecedented and historic The Department will need you to
review and change in how the identify all the data points it must
federal government does education. post to educate the public, all the
Without exceptional education for programs that are funded and how
all Americans, our own nation will they work, where the challenges
not prosper and will continue to fall

CER Center for Education Reform First 100 Days

18 | | 19

are, the barriers, why and how be in a choice-related law. Take

federal funds might flow more charter school laws for example. The
comprehensively to thought leaders stranglehold of state and federal laws,
in states and towns. rules and procedures have pushed
charter schools to evolve to mirror
Bolster State Ed Reform the local public school down the
street. Boilerplate legislation pushed
There was a time when state
by national groups and instituted
Departments of education Learn more about The Center for Education Reform,
by state-to-state collapses the
safeguarded and advanced local
uniqueness of each charter school. including how you can join our fight:
and regional districts quest to be
Charter school operators across the
innovative and cutting edge. Slowly edreform.com
country see the negative impact
the edge dulled to a bureaucratic
of such control. They are looking
checklist destined to deflate any
for help to stop the push from big-
creative energies set in motion
government charter advocates whose
by well-intentioned teachers and
well-intentioned efforts have paved
administrations. What arose was an
the road to uniformity. Likewise,
army of teachers often hiding behind
all supporters of education choice
the curtain of compliance and settling
can come together to amplify one
on a standard of mediocrity. State
anothers efforts.
Departments of education must
return to their birthplace as simple
stewards of funds, carrier of the
Embrace Innovative School
Districts
purse, bookkeeper, rule enforcer (not
maker), technical assistance, sunshine Many a school district leader wants
on best practices. If Departments to find new approaches to pursue
are hostile to parents, or state reform flexible spending arrangements and
efforts legislatures enact, advocates program implementation. However,
must challenge them rather than we cannot succeed until most school
assume its a fait accompli. districts understand that they have
been given renewed freedom over
Educate State Legislators funds. Advocates for true opportunity
must engage with school leaders at
Even the most tenured or best do
every level to arm and support their
not have the time to be experts. They
transformation from rule followers to
do not always know how to parse
innovators.
the many demands for what should

CER Center for Education Reform First 100 Days

18 | | 19

are, the barriers, why and how be in a choice-related law. Take

federal funds might flow more charter school laws for example. The
comprehensively to thought leaders stranglehold of state and federal laws,
in states and towns. rules and procedures have pushed
charter schools to evolve to mirror
Bolster State Ed Reform the local public school down the
street. Boilerplate legislation pushed
There was a time when state
by national groups and instituted
Departments of education Learn more about The Center for Education Reform,
by state-to-state collapses the
safeguarded and advanced local
uniqueness of each charter school. including how you can join our fight:
and regional districts quest to be
Charter school operators across the
innovative and cutting edge. Slowly edreform.com
country see the negative impact
the edge dulled to a bureaucratic
of such control. They are looking
checklist destined to deflate any
for help to stop the push from big-
creative energies set in motion
government charter advocates whose
by well-intentioned teachers and
well-intentioned efforts have paved
administrations. What arose was an
the road to uniformity. Likewise,
army of teachers often hiding behind
all supporters of education choice
the curtain of compliance and settling
can come together to amplify one
on a standard of mediocrity. State
anothers efforts.
Departments of education must
return to their birthplace as simple
stewards of funds, carrier of the
Embrace Innovative School
Districts
purse, bookkeeper, rule enforcer (not
maker), technical assistance, sunshine Many a school district leader wants
on best practices. If Departments to find new approaches to pursue
are hostile to parents, or state reform flexible spending arrangements and
efforts legislatures enact, advocates program implementation. However,
must challenge them rather than we cannot succeed until most school
assume its a fait accompli. districts understand that they have
been given renewed freedom over
Educate State Legislators funds. Advocates for true opportunity
must engage with school leaders at
Even the most tenured or best do
every level to arm and support their
not have the time to be experts. They
transformation from rule followers to
do not always know how to parse
innovators.
the many demands for what should

CER Center for Education Reform First 100 Days

The Center for Education Reform
1901 L Street, NW
Suite 705
Washington, D.C. 20036 edreform.com
800-521-2118 @edreform

Copyright @ 2017 The Center for Education Reform. All Rights Reserved.