The School Choice Election: 8 Questions with Betsy DeVos of The American Federation for Children
Betsy DeVos currently serves as the chairwoman of The American Federation for Children, which sponsored the 2015 New Hampshire Education Summit. She has been a prominent figure in the education reform movement for over twenty years. In an interview, DeVos expresses her passion for school choice, discusses the changes she has witnessed in the movement over the years, and shares her thoughts on the role of education issues in the 2016 election.
DeVos explains that her commitment to school choice developed gradually over time. As she and her husband, Dick, started thinking about their own children’s education, they realized the wide range of opportunities available to them due to their financial stability. However, their involvement with a small Christian school in their city, which catered to a different demographic than their own children, sparked their desire to create similar opportunities for less privileged students. This experience ignited their passion for changing education policies and making them accessible to all. DeVos emphasizes that public policy must be reformed in order to provide equal opportunities to all children.
When asked about the prominence of women, particularly mothers, in the field of school choice and education reform, DeVos suggests that mothers are often more intimately involved in their children’s education. She believes that women recognize the transformative power of a quality education and are motivated to pursue the best educational opportunities for both their own children and those they encounter. DeVos acknowledges that there are also many fathers involved in this cause.
DeVos expresses her excitement about working with The Seventy Four, a news organization founded and run by two women, along with Campbell Brown and Romy Drucker. She believes that the future of educational opportunity for every child is a pressing domestic issue and is thrilled to collaborate with The Seventy Four to bring this conversation to a new level, especially in light of the upcoming national election.
Regarding the growing interest from Democrats in the school choice issue, DeVos believes that more Democrats in state legislatures are recognizing the benefits of school choice for their constituents. However, political fears often prevent them from supporting these policies. DeVos believes that by educating and supporting these lawmakers, they can help them understand the positive impact of policy changes and assure them that it is safe politically to support school choice. Ultimately, she hopes that more and more children will have the opportunity to reach their full potential, benefiting not only themselves and their families but also their states and the nation as a whole.
Finally, when asked about her involvement in the 2015 Education Summits, DeVos explains that she was inspired by the opportunity to be part of a dialogue that addresses the future of education. She is eager to contribute to the conversation, especially considering the significance of education issues in the upcoming 2016 election.
Do you have a positive outlook on the potential of events like the 2015 Education Summits to bridge the current partisan political divides?
I believe that these events can definitely play a significant role. Additionally, I think that the more legislators and politicians have opportunities to hear directly from parents and students who have actually benefited from various programs in different states, the more persuasive it becomes that education reform is something that everyone should embrace.
It has been five decades since vouchers were introduced, and you have been involved in this field for thirty years. When do you think the education reform movement is most successful?
I believe that the education reform movement thrives when children and their parents are empowered to make the best choices for their education and future. This empowerment is crucial in ensuring that every child receives the opportunity to receive a quality education and preparation for their future. When the number of empowered individuals continues to increase and their progress accelerates, I believe that the reform movement is at its peak. Additionally, I believe that it is most successful when we move away from partisan arguments and focus on what is best for each individual child. By looking at the faces of the children, it becomes difficult to fall for arguments that are primarily aimed at adults rather than the well-being of the children.
If we eliminate the disagreements, complicated terminology, and egos in Washington D.C., what does school choice truly mean for families? What is the main takeaway that you wish everyone could understand if politicians were not fighting each other?
The ultimate takeaway is how we can ensure that every child has the opportunity to reach their full potential. Education is a fundamental aspect of anyone’s future, and without a good education and the skills to navigate the world, individuals and society as a whole suffer. It is crucial to enable every child to develop their innate talents and think critically so that they can be successful in a rapidly changing world. The best way to accomplish this is by empowering parents and students to make the right choices for their education and future.
During your time as chair of the AFC, what do you believe is the organization’s greatest achievement as a whole, and what are you most proud of?
As a whole, I believe that the creation of millions of opportunities due to policy changes is our greatest accomplishment. These opportunities would not have existed without the work accomplished by the organization. Additionally, I am proud of the fact that the conversation and culture surrounding education choice have changed positively over the years. This change in public perception is a result of the collective efforts of our organization, friends, and allies.