Because @Aragorn asked, I’ll share, and wear the animosity of those that disagree.
I think she’s bad for education. I agree with the majority that she has no experience in education, and I think that is not arguable.
But, many would say that education is screwed up, and having someone without education experiences is a good thing. But, education is significantly different than business.
And, I believe her business experience is based on being born into money, and marrying money.
I understand that education is expensive, and that we spend too much for what we get. But most people do not understand the special education aspect of public education and how it relates to private schools and charter schools.
The Individuals with Disabilities Act requires public schools to educate individuals with disabilities in the least restrictive environment possible. That means kids with disabilities are mainstreamed with one on one aids, are in lab classes, have resource rooms, and have accommodations, like extra time, directions read out loud, and frequent breaks.
Those accommodations allow kids with disabilities to mainstream and be in the same classrooms as their peers. This costs money. In my district, we average $35k per student. I work in a very good district.
Charter schools are not required to adhere to IDA. So, they can educate just the “smart kids,” those without special needs.
This is why tuition at a private school is less, no IDA requirements.
Devos would like to offer school choice by developing more charter schools. These schools would not be obligated to adhere to IDA, and would not be obligated to pay union wages - which is another big issue.
Charter schools in New York have teachers working ten to twelve hours per day to make up for lack of parenting. One of the single greatest issues for student performance is home life. If a student isn’t fed, hasn’t slept, and doesn’t feel loved, they cannot learn (Maslowe’s Hierarchy of Needs).
The current movement to quantify teacher performance is misguided as there is really no way to measure it. You could measure growth, but how?
You could measure proficiency, but state tests have been proven to be problematic.
Devos didn’t know what growth or proficiency is, as evidenced by Senator Franken’s questions.
I think she is ill equipped.
Did that answer your question @Aragorn?