This department makes schools better, too, analyzing results, teaching practices and peer-reviewed evidence that helps schools in every state use the best methodology.
As a teacher, I can’t understand the reasoning behind shuttering the Department. It is is hardly about radical politics. The agency is tasked with supporting kids with disabilities, students who live in poverty, ensuring that students who don’t speak English at home learn English at school. This agency helps kids go to college. Honestly, what is there to object to?
Education is key to solving nearly every problem our nation faces. Making sure that our country remains economically competitive, ensuring continuing medical and scientific breakthroughs and maintaining our world leadership in technology all depend on a new generation with critical thinking skills.
The President may think that the department of education is a waste of money.
But public schools nurture the artists, entrepreneurs, doctors, software developers of tomorrow. Dismantling the Department of Education makes our country weaker, not stronger.
I’ve taught enough history to know that for a society to thrive, a well-educated population is required. I’m hoping lawmakers remember history from their school days, too, and make sure the department stays around. Because every child in our country deserves the best education, no matter who they are and no matter who is in the White House.
With a Perspective, I’m Richard Swerdlow.
Richard Swerdlow is a retired San Francisco teacher.
