Former Education Secretary criticizes Democrats over K-12 strategy |
Former U.S. Education Secretary Arne Duncan has sharply criticized the Democratic Party’s approach to K–12 education, arguing it lacks clear goals, accountability, and urgency at a time of worsening student outcomes following the pandemic. In an interview with The 74 Duncan, who served in the Obama administration from 2009-2016 following a spell as Chicago Public Schools chief executive, called on Democrats to rethink longstanding opposition to policies such as school choice tax credits, framing them as practical tools to support struggling students, particularly given widespread learning loss and high absenteeism. He contends that the party has ceded leadership on education to Republicans, both politically and in terms of student performance, with red states showing stronger gains on national assessments. While remaining critical of Republican policies and rhetoric, Duncan argues Democrats must present a proactive, student-focused agenda centered on improving outcomes, increasing resources, and engaging parents, rather than avoiding the issue. He also warns that the lack of a coherent education strategy is hurting the party politically and failing students, emphasizing that education should be a central campaign priority at both state and national levels.
