Public Education
What concerns does Arne Duncan express about Linda McMahon's nomination as Education Secretary?
Former Education Secretary Arne Duncan expresses grave concerns that public education in America is 'under assault,' emphasizing that the Department of Education faces 'extraordinary risk' under the Trump administration. He points to the ongoing reading crisis, noting that President Trump has not proposed anything that would help children learn to read better. Duncan fears McMahon's appointment may lead to dismantling public education rather than solving critical challenges. He specifically worries about essential services and funding being 'outboarded' or eliminated, which would impact vulnerable populations including low-income and special needs students. While hoping McMahon comes with 'a pure heart' to create opportunities, he remains deeply concerned about the future direction of American education policy.
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CBS News
03:07 - 03:52
What concerns did the former Education Secretary express about Trump's administration?
The former Education Secretary expressed deep concern for both education and democracy in America under the Trump administration. They described Trump as 'an absolute anomaly' and stated they are 'very, very scared for education in our country' and 'equally if not more concerned for our nation's democracy,' emphasizing that 'the stakes here could not be higher.' These concerns were raised in response to various education-related executive orders recently issued by the Trump administration, which the speaker believes threaten the future of public education in the United States.
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CBS News
03:31 - 03:54
What is the future of the Department of Education under the new administration?
The Department of Education faces potential restructuring with President's executive order to dismantle the agency. However, Linda McMahon clarified during her confirmation hearing that the administration's goal is not to defund education but to make the agency more efficient. She mentioned the possibility of transferring some department functions to other federal agencies while maintaining educational funding. This approach represents a significant shift in federal education policy, raising concerns among former officials like Arne Duncan about the implications for public education services, particularly for vulnerable student populations.
Watch clip answer (00:44m)CBS News
02:21 - 03:06
What concerns does the former Education Secretary have about current education policy changes?
According to Nicole Killian, the former Education Secretary views current education policy changes as "an all out assault on public education." He highlights serious concerns about the real-world impacts these changes would have on vulnerable populations, particularly low-income students, children with disabilities, and students with special needs. The policy changes also threaten higher education support systems, specifically mentioning potential impacts on Pell Grants. As both a former Education Secretary and school superintendent, he brings practical experience to his criticism of these reforms that could fundamentally alter educational support for America's most vulnerable students.
Watch clip answer (00:22m)CBS News
03:56 - 04:18
What concerns exist about the future of the Department of Education under Linda McMahon's leadership?
While Linda McMahon expressed support for maintaining the Pell Grant program during her confirmation process, significant concerns remain about the Department of Education's future. Critics question whether the department will survive under the new administration, with particular worries about services for students with disabilities and those with special needs. There are also concerns about the impact on higher education funding, including Pell Grants that help lower-income students access college education. McMahon's focus on efficiency has raised questions about potential budget cuts that could affect educational services across all levels.
Watch clip answer (00:22m)CBS News
04:11 - 04:34
What concerns does former Education Secretary Arne Duncan have about the potential abolishment of the Department of Education?
Former Education Secretary Arne Duncan expressed serious concerns about the potential abolishment of the Department of Education, calling it an unprecedented move. He emphasized that for 70 years, Republican presidents have fought to increase education's role as a national interest, making Trump's position an 'absolute anomaly.' Duncan stated he is 'very, very scared' for education in America and 'equally if not more concerned' for the nation's democracy. He views the Trump administration's actions as 'an all out assault on public education,' with implications that extend beyond partisan politics to threaten fundamental educational systems and democratic values.
Watch clip answer (01:05m)CBS News
02:56 - 04:01