By Lydia Gensheimer CQ Staff
Published: 01-15-09
Arne Duncan President-elect Barack Obama’s pick for Education secretary promised a new emphasis on early childhood education at his confirmation hearing Tuesday before the Senate Health Education Labor and Pensions Committee.
Sen. Tom Harkin D-Iowa who chaired the hearing at the request of ailing HELP Chairman Edward M. Kennedy D-Mass. said he wants to see a partnership between the Department of Health and Human Services which oversees Head Start and the Department of Education to boost early childhood education programs.
“So many of these kids we get them in kindergarten . . . and we have a tough time” Harkin said. “Somehow we have got to make sure that every child comes to school ready and able to learn.”
Duncan said he would work to do something “dramatically better” in early childhood education and he said Obama was committed to the creation of a commission on early childhood education.
Duncan outgoing Chicago schools superintendent spent last week on Capitol Hill visiting members of the committee and during Tuesday’s hearing he won praise across the board from both sides of the aisle.
“President-elect Obama has made several distinguished Cabinet appointments — I think you’re the best” said Sen. Lamar Alexander R-Tenn. who served as Education secretary under President George H.W. Bush.
“I think you’re a high altitude high achieving guy” said Sen. Barbara A. Mikulski D-Md.
Kennedy said in a statement that Duncan brings “inspiration dedication and ability” to his work.
“He has displayed a remarkable ability to bring people together both to make steady gains in Chicago’s schools and to focus on the needs of disadvantaged children” Kennedy said.
Tuesday’s hearing revolved largely around education plans Obama laid out during his campaign including a new focus on early childhood education and on teacher quality.
Duncan said teachers need to receive more support through mentoring programs and career ladders.
“We have to elevate the teaching profession . . . and we have to find ways to scale up what works” Duncan said. “We have a chance to bring in an extraordinary generation of talented folks into teaching.”
Throughout the hearing Duncan said he would focus on innovation in education policies and he said two themes have consistently run through his education career.
“First we must do dramatically better we must continue to innovate” Duncan said. “Second we must recognize and reward excellence.”
Duncan implemented extensive changes in the Chicago school system closing underperforming schools opening 100 new schools and implementing a pay-for-performance teacher compensation program.
“Through it all he’s maintained good relations with the business community the teachers unions and elected officials even as he pushed tough reforms” said Minority Whip Richard J. Durbin D-Ill. “No other district in the country has been as aggressive about holding schools accountable for performance.”
While the No Child Left Behind law (PL 107-110) received relatively little attention during Tuesday’s hearing Duncan said he believed it is necessary to assess students based on their academic growth.
“I am a big fan of the growth model I am really interested in how much students are learning and gaining each year” Duncan said.
Duncan said that while he thinks elementary test scores are important he wants to “shine a light” on high school dropout rates.
Higher Education
Tuesday’s hearing revolved in large part around early childhood and K-12 education issues but Duncan briefly touched on higher education.
“We need to expand access we need to expand affordability” Duncan said. “This is an area where I want to spend a lot of time and attention.”
Duncan said he wants to simplify the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA) form. “You basically have to have a PhD to figure that thing out” Duncan said. “Any impediments like that . . . we have to be smart and pragmatic and thoughtful in trying to remove those barriers.”
Duncan did not draw a word of criticism during Tuesday’s hearing and his confirmation is all but ensured. A vote on the Senate floor has not yet been scheduled.
