Nancy Bailey followed the hearings of Betsy DeVos to see what she knows about special education. The answer: Not much.
She doesn’t seem to know that the Individuals with Disabilities Education Act is a federal law. She thinks that states can decide whether or not it should be enforced in charter schools and voucher schools.
“Also in light of her support of vouchers, it was troubling that she didn’t seem to understand the question by Sen. Kaine about accountability of all schools which would be serving students with disabilities.
I think that was my favorite question and a truly relevant one that taxpayers should care deeply about.
If you are going to spend government funds on any private, parochial or charter school, as Mrs. DeVos believes should be an option, they all should be held to the same standards!
One big problem with choice is that many good private school administrators don’t want it. They don’t want to have outside regulations.
That leaves substandard private schools, or church schools, or any kind of school started by anyone who wants to run one. It we had real accountability measures in place, these schools wouldn’t last long or they wouldn’t be started in the first place.
Another problem is that private schools and charters don’t work at a level playing field.
Charters push out students with disabilities and second language students. They usually have rules for parents and students. If those rules are broken students are dismissed.
Traditional public schools are not permitted to weed out challenging students. Why should choice schools get to do that?”
Diane Ravitch's blog 
Brave New Films Video On Betsy DeVos (http://www.bravenewfilms.org/stopdevos)
Protect Public Education by Stopping Betsy DeVos From Becoming Next U.S. Secretary of Education.
“You lured me in with the promise of a high-quality education and you lied.”
Watch Online.
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Excellent. Thanks. I think she will be confirmed, alas.
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When Tim Kaine asked DeVos about students with disabilities, he was leading DeVos into a trap to highlight how unprepared she is to serve as head of the DOE. Kaine finally had to tell her that IDEA was a federal law. When he asked if she would enforce the law, she stated she would support what Trump wants her to support. Kaine did the same thing with accountability. When he asked if public schools and charters should have the same accountability, she stated repeatedly stated, “I support accountability.” It is clear that DeVos will support a continuation of the separate and unequal policies of the previous administration. DeVos showed she is totally out of her depth.
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DeVos is BAD news and a nightmare.
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The next years will be disastrous!
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The problem statement: “If you are going to spend government funds on any private, parochial or charter school, as Mrs. DeVos believes should be an option, they all should be held to the same standards!”
So, if I read this correct, Ms. Bailey is okay with spending money etc. as long as they would meet the same standards as public schools?
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I am not for charters or vouchers in any way shape or form. I was trying to prove a point.
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Thank you for clarifying your statement. My “Dutchness” makes me look at things too literal, from time to time.
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I felt the Democrats were different last night. Angry and supportive of public schools. Maybe it is a turning point. Maybe they won’t be so close to Republicans on policy now. I hope so.
Thank you, Diane.
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As a special education teacher who deals with children with Intellectual Disabilities, Autism, and Traumatic Brain Injury, my blood is rising at the ridiculousness of this idiot called Betsy DeVos! It is difficult enough now, but if she has her way where will these kids go?
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