Class in Session: A Plan to Fix America’s Public Education System

I grew up poor, but I was lucky enough to get a good enough education, make it to Harvard, and eventually become a U.S. Senator. Every kid deserves that same fair shot.

Unfortunately, the President has gutted the Department of Education, leaving our most vulnerable students behind.

That’s why I’m fighting for a public school system that works no matter who you are or where you’re born. My plan not only reverses these cuts but also provides a path forward for our nation’s public schools by eliminating federal funding for vouchers, increasing teacher pay, tackling student absenteeism, and setting up workforce training programs.

We can’t just be anti-Trumpers. Democrats have to actually have a vision of where we want to go with education.

Here’s How We Get There:

My plan lays out the 4-pillar of needed change for America’s education system:

1. Protecting and Investing in Public Education: Protect the federal role in public education by strengthening the Department of Education and ensuring programs such as Title I, IDEA, Impact Aid, the Rural Education Achievement Program (REAP), Secure Rural Schools (SRS), and E-Rate continue to serve the communities that depend on them.

1. Investing in and Strengthening the Teacher Workforce: Work with states and school districts to improve teacher compensation and working conditions, including teacher health and wellness while expanding preparation programs including residencies and locally based preparation programs, financial aid, mentorship, and leadership pathways.

1. Supporting Student Success and Well-Being: Address learning loss, chronic absenteeism, and student mental health by investing in full-service community schools, as well as investing in afterschool learning, tutoring, summer learning, mental health professionals and other school-based support.

1. And Preparing Students for College, Careers, and the Workforce: Expand access to college and career advising, dual enrollment, career and technical education, apprenticeships, and work-based learning opportunities.

This plan provides a path forward, but the work cannot stop here. Students, families, educators, and communities deserve a federal partner committed to their success.

Let’s get to work.