WATCH — 5 Ways Americans Can Challenge Schools’ Status Quo Amid the Pandemic: Jeb Bush, Arne Duncan, Margaret Spellings, Shavar Jeffries & Bart Epstein on a ‘Historic Opportunity’
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When schools across America suddenly closed this spring, Shavar Jeffries saw it as a golden opportunity. As the president of Democrats for Education Reform, a former assistant attorney general in New Jersey, and a parent, Jeffries joined other education advocates in emphasizing the potential for educational equity and innovation in the midst of the COVID-19 crisis.
Several weeks into the closures, conducted a series of interviews with school leaders and students from different parts of the country. These interviews aimed to understand the impact of the pandemic on education and how it could shape the future of American schooling.
From a former presidential candidate to an expert in education technology and former members of the White House cabinet, here are five insightful conversations that discuss how America’s schools can revolutionize education during the pandemic:
‘What is lacking is compassionate leadership’
Arne Duncan, like the rest of us, is personally affected by the novel coronavirus. He worries about his family, community, and the entire country. However, his unique perspective comes from being a leader in community efforts to combat gang violence in Chicago, a managing director at Emerson Collective, a prominent philanthropic organization, and his previous roles as an urban school leader and former U.S. secretary of education.
We spoke to Duncan to gain insights into how schools and the nation are coping with this unprecedented pandemic. We were interested in his observations, what gives him hope, and his concerns. Additionally, as a former federal official, we wanted to understand his perspective on the role of Washington in education during this crisis.
"What is desperately missing is compassionate leadership. This situation is worse than the last recession, and it will continue to be so for a long time," Duncan expressed. "I’m not just referring to the healthcare crisis caused by COVID-19. I’m also referring to the devastating job losses, many of which will not bounce back. We need to think differently about how we support children and families, particularly those that were barely making ends meet and now face a completely disrupted world in the past few weeks. We need to rethink our approach."
You can watch a brief clip of the highlights above or read the complete transcript here.
‘You must unite people before solving problems’
Margaret Spellings has held high-ranking positions such as senior aide at the White House, college president, and secretary of education under President George W. Bush from 2005 to 2009. Having experienced various crises like 9/11, the Virginia Tech shooting, and Hurricane Katrina, Spellings, although not originally from Texas, is deeply committed to the state. Currently, she is leading Texas 2036, a policy initiative driven by data and marking the state’s bicentennial. Her work and personal life have been disrupted by the coronavirus pandemic.
We sat down with Spellings to discuss her views on the pandemic and the best- and worst-case scenarios. She also shared her insights on how businesses can support schools and provided advice for the current U.S. secretary of education, Betsy DeVos.
"The principles of access, accountability, and bipartisanship were true before this crisis, and they are even more relevant now," Spellings stated. "If there is a silver lining, it’s that people are waking up to the fact that we all have a stake in these issues. The homeless person spreading the virus will directly affect your health. The unemployed workers and the strain on hospitals will impact you. This is an opportunity for Americans to reassess our fundamental values related to equal opportunity and good health for all."
You can watch a brief clip of the highlights above or read the complete transcript here.
‘A unique chance for progress’
That is why we were eager to engage in a conversation with Jeffries regarding the response of the education sector to the coronavirus. We wanted to know his expectations for Joe Biden’s stance on education, as well as the potential for achieving educational equity amidst the current crisis. Furthermore, we were curious about how the "Jeffries School" operates for his children who are now learning from home due to the coronavirus shutdowns.
Jeffries expressed his belief that the national government should take the lead in addressing this issue. However, he expressed skepticism about the Trump administration’s ability to do so. He expressed hope that the Biden administration would seize this historic opportunity to redefine what education should look like in the present circumstances. He emphasized the need for a different approach in serving the large number of students who will be learning from home in the next year, not only in the short term but also in the long term.
In addition to our conversation with Jeffries, we also had the opportunity to speak with Jeb Bush, the former governor of Florida, successful businessman, and influential figure in the education sector. Despite his significant contributions and expertise, Bush believes that we should not be overly reliant on the government in Washington, D.C. While federal resources are necessary to address the financial challenges facing school districts, he advocates for a variety of innovative approaches tailored to the specific needs of different regions. He encourages the exploration of ideas that emerge from various districts, recognizing that what works in one area may not work in another. He argues against the prevalent fixation on the White House and the current president, instead highlighting the need to focus on local solutions in the face of such challenges.
Furthermore, we had the opportunity to speak with Bart Epstein, who brings a unique perspective to the education sector due to his experience in building online tutoring platforms and his role as a parent. As the president and CEO of the Jefferson Education Exchange, Epstein is dedicated to assisting educators and educational leaders in making better decisions regarding educational technology. He shared valuable insights about ed tech products, the role of schools, and the steps he is taking to support his own children’s learning during this pandemic. Epstein also discussed the overall state of the ed tech sector and the necessary improvements to ensure quality education. Additionally, he addressed the potential impact of the coronavirus on education.
Overall, we had enlightening conversations with Jeffries, Bush, and Epstein, all of whom offered valuable perspectives on the educational response to the coronavirus and the need for innovative solutions to ensure quality learning in these challenging times.
Experience the excitement of notable moments by watching a concise video featuring highlights. Alternatively, you can delve into the comprehensive transcript by clicking here.
Related: Rotherham: The Reasons Behind Advocating for American Schools to Remain Open During the Summer
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