Accountability for schools of choice is a topic forever in the news—and in dispute. The latest combatant is none other than Education Secretary Betsy DeVos, who made clear in a recent interview with the Associated Press that she favors letting the market work its will and trusting parents to judge whether a school is worth attending. In this context, she was referring specifically to private schools insofar as they participate in publicly financed voucher or tax-credit-scholarship programs. 

The mental health epidemic among students continues to be a growing concern, and the situation won’t change until colleges and universities recognize they are, to a large extent, part of this problem. This situation won’t change until we shake up the educational status quo and the “business as usual”, which is manufacturing another generation with diplomas, with some academic knowledge, but with no idea how to use it or how to go about life. 

After months of mixed signals, Secretary of Education Betsy DeVos appears poised to do what the Every Student Succeeds Act expects of her and approve state-developed school accountability plans. "My criteria for approval is clear," she said recently. "Does the state's plan adhere to the law?" If so, she is "happy to approve it."

Hoover Institution fellow Michael Petrilli discusses Education Next’s new poll and what might be driving the surprising results regarding charter schools and vouchers.