Public Education: Takes Another Big Horrible Hit From Ed Sec Betsy DeVos

Worst Ed Sec in American history hands down — 

no exceptions

DeVos strikes again: And, this latest from her underscores my long-held contention that she is the worst Ed. Sec. ever in education history … her latest shenanigans here from the Washington Post:

Details follow:  The rejection letter was harsh:

Page after page, an accrediting agency ticked off all the problems at Virginia College, a large chain of for-profit schools with dwindling enrollment.

There would be no seal of approval, the accreditor declared, no imprimatur necessary to participate in the federal student loan program that is the lifeblood of most colleges and universities.

But it turned out that Virginia College — and other for-profit schools — had a friend in high places: That turns out to be Education Secretary Betsy DeVos, who has led a rescue squad for the nation’s for-profit colleges. 

Step by step, she has dismantled an Obama-era crackdown on the industry, and she plans to deliver a set of regulations next year that many expect to again boost that industry.

Critics say these schools, which enroll 2.3 million students and range from small trade schools to large multi state enterprises such as the University of Phoenix, prey on vulnerable students, leaving them with huge debts, and questionable credentials. 

Defenders say they offer critical options, especially for students not in traditional four-year programs, and were unfairly singled out for scrutiny by the Obama administration.

“If it’s the right fit for the student, then it’s the right education,” DeVos said in a speech this summer. 

Her systematic rollback of regulations on these schools reflects the broader Trump administration agenda. At rallies this fall, Trump regularly bragged about regulatory retrenchment.

Story continues at the link.

My 2 cents: As professionally trained educator, after my Marine Corps and DOD service, I have contended that DeVos is a hazard to our entire education system.

BTW: DeVos has no formal public education and neither does her own children. But, she is a billionaire and she gave several million to Trump and many more millions to the GOP.

It is apparent that she bought this cabinet job.

Thanks for stopping by.