Interview — Former Secretary of Education Margaret Spellings Implores Federal Leaders to Unite: ‘You’ve Got to Bring People Together Before You Can Start Solving Problems’
Margaret Spellings has held various important positions, including senior aide at the White House, college president, and secretary of education for President George W. Bush from 2005 to 2009. Throughout her career, she has dealt with significant crises such as 9/11, the mass shooting at Virginia Tech, and the aftermath of Hurricane Katrina.
Although not a native Texan, Spellings embodies the spirit and dedication of the state. Currently leading Texas 2036, a policy initiative focused on data-driven strategies leading up to the state’s bicentennial, her work and life have been greatly impacted by the coronavirus pandemic.
We had a conversation with Spellings in which we discussed the coronavirus situation, both in Texas and nationally. She emphasized the crucial role that public schools and universities play in our society, as they are vital for parents to be able to work while their children have a safe and nurturing environment. She also highlighted the unevenness and inequity within our educational systems, which have become even more apparent due to the pandemic, particularly in terms of access to technology, teacher preparedness, and other resources.
Spellings expressed hope in the midst of these challenges, pointing out that the current situation has sparked numerous innovative solutions. From unconventional methods like establishing Wi-Fi hotspots in parking lots to teachers driving by to maintain student connections, there is a proliferation of creative approaches being explored.
When asked about her concerns, Spellings emphasized the importance of continuing to measure student progress despite the circumstances. While she acknowledged the necessity of suspending high-stakes assessments this year, she believes that schools should start earlier and have longer academic years. Additionally, Spellings suggests conducting standardized assessments in the early fall to determine the extent of learning loss and address achievement gaps effectively. She underscored the need for a consistent approach in understanding and addressing student needs, just as we prioritize testing for a comprehensive understanding of our health.
One positive development she mentioned was the potential of utilizing technology for progress monitoring and providing instant feedback to teachers. However, she still emphasized the need to gather data on student performance to ensure appropriate resource allocation and support.
Regarding the protest movements we are currently witnessing, particularly those demanding the reopening of governments, Spellings believes it is crucial to pay attention. At Texas 2036, she aims to foster civic demand for responsible, long-term decision-making grounded in data. She pointed out that previous education reform efforts succeeded when there was alignment between the civil rights community and the business community. However, she acknowledged that recent times have seen a decline in this unity, emphasizing the importance of the business community actively participating in promoting data-based thinking to maintain progress.
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Certainly, a significant aspect of this issue revolves around the workforce and displacement. We find ourselves in Texas, where the oil and gas industry is going through a significant phase of change, potentially leading to the displacement of tens or even hundreds of thousands of people.
However, there is also a positive side to consider. There is a growing conversation about the resurgence of American manufacturing and supply chains, with a desire to reduce vulnerability to external factors. This presents real opportunities. The key lies in how well we prepare our people, our human capital, to adapt to the new and modern workplace, particularly in areas such as healthcare, data, cybersecurity, and manufacturing.
In my view, every high school should be transformed into a community college. We must provide each student with the chance to acquire a valuable post-secondary, two-year qualification while still in high school. We need to make education accessible to all and foster this capability within our high schools. Just as we have successfully implemented Advanced Placement and International Baccalaureate programs, let us eliminate the need for complicated financial aid applications by building capacity within our high schools.
In response to the current situation, we now have public service announcements cautioning against the consumption of bleach. Given the chaos in Washington, particularly within the West Wing, how can we establish a new normal?
Leadership is always vital, especially at the state level. This rings particularly true in education. While there should ideally be federal-level leadership, Secretary DeVos has a tremendous opportunity to convene experts virtually to provide guidance to schools nationwide. However, in the absence of federal leadership, governors, mayors, and county judges will step in to fill the void.
It is notable that Secretary DeVos was not included in the task force charged with reopening the country. Yet, schools, as major employers within many communities, play a critical role in any decisions regarding the reopening of the economy. What is your take on this, and what advice would you offer Secretary DeVos during this crisis?
To me, this suggests that they firmly believe education is solely a state matter, not a federal concern. As a result, they feel that states should lead the way. I am trying to understand the underlying reasoning behind this perspective.
From my experiences dealing with crises such as Hurricane Katrina or the Virginia Tech shootings, albeit on a smaller scale, I learned that people want to see their federal officials taking action. They want assurance that their leaders comprehend the situation. If I were Betsy DeVos, I would personally visit Baltimore on a day when they are distributing food to students, just as they are doing here. Of course, I would wear a mask, ensure my safety, and maintain social distancing. People desire to witness federal leaders actively taking charge and understanding the circumstances.
Secretary DeVos possesses an excellent platform to gather experts and address the challenges we face. She has the ability to contact anyone and there are countless individuals willing to provide assistance. Therefore, I believe there are ample opportunities for her to contribute in terms of research and determining what approaches are effective.
Reflecting on past conversations, there are certain fundamental principles that guide our work, including bipartisanship, accountability, and equity. How do these issues manifest in the current crisis?
The priorities we have established, such as access, accountability, bipartisanship, and support for public institutions, remain relevant and indispensable in the COVID era. In fact, they are even more crucial now. I firmly believe that if we fail to fully comprehend the problems at hand, such as the achievement gap, or neglect to allocate resources properly towards vital aspects like reading instruction and widespread broadband access, we will not effectively address the issue, and any short-term solutions will be futile. To find lasting solutions, it is imperative to bring stakeholders together and implement robust policies.
Check out the Oral History: Reflecting on 15 Years Since the Implementation of No Child Left Behind, Exploring the Lasting Impact of the Influential Education Law.
As someone who provided advice to the president during the 9/11 crisis, what are some lessons from that time that leaders should consider and apply to the current situation with the coronavirus in 2021 and beyond?
During my time at the White House, I oversaw domestic policy and worked on issues related to transportation, airlines, and the rebuilding of New York. One thing that really stood out to me was how President Bush was able to bring the country together. It’s important for federal leaders to unite the people, instill confidence, and keep Americans connected and focused on the task at hand. This was something that President Bush did exceptionally well during a difficult time. However, it’s crucial to bring people together before tackling problems.
What are the best and worst-case scenarios you envision for the country in the coming years?
Let me start with the best-case scenario. I believe this situation could serve as a wake-up call, prompting us to take whatever measures necessary to close the achievement gap and improve education for all. We may need to break away from established traditions to achieve this goal. This could involve making technology more accessible, placing our best educators in challenging environments, and increasing higher education resources in high schools where they are most needed.
On the other hand, the worst-case scenario is quite the opposite. We could simply go back to our normal lives once a vaccine is available, while the existing gaps and inequities worsen. Unfortunately, the most vulnerable individuals would bear the brunt of this situation, and the problems we face will persist. This outcome would be regrettable, even criminal, and it would greatly disadvantage all Americans as we move forward.
You hold a leadership role in policy, but you’re also a parent. What message do you have for parents and families during these challenging times?
I want to encourage parents to hang in there and not be too hard on themselves. These are unprecedented and difficult times for everyone. It’s important to do the best we can under the circumstances. At the same time, we need to acknowledge that the quality of education across the country may not be up to par, both before and during this pandemic. Parents should understand this reality, refrain from self-blame, and appreciate the efforts of their teachers and school leaders who work tirelessly every day.
You’re currently in Texas. Is it likely that high school football will resume in the fall of 2020?
It’s hard to say for certain. However, it’s possible that we will see social distancing measures in place at stadiums or even games without spectators. The season may be shortened with fewer games, and there could be restrictions on who can attend. We might also see an increase in televised games. So, while it may not be a perfect solution, it’s possible that some compromises will be made. Of course, I could be mistaken in my predictions.
