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Education Policy Positions of Harris and Trump: Key Differences Explained

As the presidential campaign nears its conclusion, the candidates’ stances on education are coming under scrutiny, though these positions are less emphasized than other issues such as immigration and foreign policy. Notably, former President Donald Trump and Vice President Kamala Harris articulate significantly different approaches to education policy, focusing on both K-12 education and higher education.

Trump’s Education Agenda

Trump’s education agenda prioritizes parental authority and promotes universal school choice, as well as initiatives he refers to as “patriotic education” in schools. According to Karoline Leavitt, the national press secretary for Trump’s campaign, the aim is to enhance academic outcomes through expanded school choice, increased parental engagement, and support for effective teaching. Trump contends that educational institutions should concentrate on core subjects such as reading, writing, and mathematics, rather than focusing on gender, sex, and race issues that he claims have gained prominence under the current administration.

Harris’s Emphasis on Funding

In contrast, Harris’s campaign emphasizes the educational progress made during the Biden-Harris administration, particularly highlighting the significant funding increases directed at K-12 education. Mia Ehrenberg, a spokesperson for the Harris campaign, notes that the administration has made the largest investment in K-12 education to date, an effort that Harris helped facilitate with a tie-breaking vote.

Ehrenberg further argues that if elected, Harris and her running mate, Minnesota Governor Tim Walz, would seek to continue expanding these educational investments. She warns of the potential negative impacts of Trump’s proposed policies, particularly concerning cuts to K-12 funding and the possible elimination of the Department of Education, which could have detrimental effects on students and educational institutions.

Criticism of Educational Initiatives

Harris has expressed criticism of the Heritage Foundation’s Project 2025, a conservative policy initiative proposing the elimination of programs like Head Start and placing restrictions on how educators can discuss gender with students. In contrast, Trump has distanced himself from this initiative, although it is rooted in policies established during his previous administration.

Department of Education and Control

A notable point of divergence lies in Trump’s proposal to dismantle the U.S. Department of Education, advocating for a shift of education control to the states. Conversely, Harris has committed to preserving the Department’s role in supporting public education.

Teacher Credentialing and Pay Structures

Trump’s policy framework also includes plans to introduce new teacher credentialing focused on patriotic values and to implement merit-based pay structures while eliminating teacher tenure. Conversely, the Democratic Party’s platform seeks to recruit more educators while improving pay and working conditions for existing school staff.

Higher Education Initiatives

Regarding higher education, Harris has championed student debt relief measures initiated under the Biden administration, which have reportedly allocated over $170 billion to assist nearly five million borrowers. This initiative has encountered legal obstacles, including a Supreme Court ruling that has temporarily halted new repayment plans.

Trump, on the other hand, has criticized the administration’s student debt relief efforts, calling them illegal during his previous tenure. He proposes the creation of a free online educational institution called the “American Academy,” which would be funded through financial measures against large private university endowments.

Conclusion

As the election draws near, the educational policies of Harris and Trump illustrate the broader national discussions surrounding the future of education in the United States.

Original source: Maryland Matters.

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