Significant leadership changes are underway at the Department of Education. Linda McMahon’s confirmation hearings for Secretary of Education signal potential shifts in federal education policy and priorities. The White House has also nominated Nicholas Kent, who brings extensive career education experience, for the position of Under Secretary.
Linda McMahon Confirmation Hearings
The Senate confirmation hearing for Linda McMahon as the Secretary of the Department of Education was held today. Senators from both parties questioned McMahon about her vision for the department’s future direction. Topics of discussion included:
- The elimination of the Department of Education, including shifting specific programs to other executive agencies and providing federal funding directly to states
- Civil rights issues
- Student loan and student loan forgiveness programs
- Teacher recruitment, retention, and pay
- Solutions for undesirable student outcome data
- Alternative education methods including career and technical education, skill-based learning, credentialing, and apprenticeships
- Accreditation agencies
Nicholas Kent Nomination
The White House has officially announced Nicholas Kent as the nominee for Under Secretary of Education. Mr. Kent’s background includes:
- Deputy Secretary of Education of Virginia
- Chief Policy Officer at Career Education Colleges and Universities (CECU)
- Extensive experience in legislative affairs and accreditation
Based on his background and experience, we anticipate Mr. Kent may advocate for:
- Regulatory parity across institutions, regardless of their delivery mode, method, or tax status
- Strengthened credentialing and career licensing systems, with improved state reciprocity and transferability
- Data-driven program evaluation that accounts for the unique characteristics of different fields of study
- Innovation in educational delivery methods
- Reform of gainful employment metrics and implementation
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