Betsy Devos is the Secretary of Education, and she has been on a movement to educate parents about school choice. Before her position in Washington, she sat as a board member on many charities that support school choice, such as the Alliance for School Choice. This organization is also aligned with Advocates for Choice. Both groups are nonprofit, and they educate communities about the process of choosing an educational program and what tools are available to them to get into paid systems.
Many charitable organizations collect money to be issued as scholarships to help low to middle-income kids attend paid institutions. Betsy Devos brings her years of nonprofit and board work to the capital. With her dedication to this issue, she has been able to bring choice to parents in over 15 states. She continues to work to bring it to the remaining states. Mrs. Devos comments on how this type of political operation would benefit if all sides worked towards a common goal, and one way she attempts to bring people together is through speaking engagements and sharing success stories.
Betsy Devos has seen triumphant tales of growth from Florida and Louisiana. In Florida, Devos had assistance from supporting staff, and with their base, they were able to shed light on how the vouchers could be implemented. The procedures in Florida lined up and in the future, the program should become self-sustaining as the children graduate and become role models. When these kids grow up, they may become advocates for choice and carry the tradition onward.
Betsy Devos took a boots-to-the-ground approach when shedding light on school choice. When her children were in school, she spent time at private and charter schools. There, she met parents who were struggling to keep their kids in these schools that were outside of their assigned districts. For years, she felt passionately that school choice was a parent’s right, and the government should support them. When Betsy stepped into Washington, she understood that part of the process was educating communities and leaders about the voucher program.
Mrs. Devos sat in on PTA meetings, attended church functions, and door knocked. She tried to speak to groups of people, individuals, and organizations. Her goal was to educate and answer as many questions as possible. At the time, it must have felt like she was taking baby steps, but the efforts paid off.
Betsy Devos is tackling many other issues as the Secretary of Education. Teaching technology is big on her platform. In order for Americans to keep up, they must understand and invent technology. She stands by digital schooling and STEM, which stands for science, technology, engineering, and math. Focusing on these subjects will keep kids valuable on the global landscape.
Parents who want to homeschool their children have the support of Betsy Devos. Homeschooling allows parents to use teaching methods they approve of. Students are still tested, and they must meet the same standards as traditionally educated kids.
Betsy Devos is about educating the youth so that they can compete in the future. She does this by supporting groups that foster choice and working with leaders across the board.
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