To the Point
Has Barack Obama Split the Difference on Education Reform?
Barack Obama has picked a secretary of education who’s endorsed both sides of the raging debate over how to improve American schools. Will he become an agent of change or will splitting the difference reinforce the status quo? Why is Obama so focused on early childhood education? Also, the White House steps in to bail out automakers, and despite an international military crackdown, another band of Somali pirates is about to collect millions in ransom money.
By Warren Olney • • 1h 0m ListenBarack Obama has picked a secretary of education who’s endorsed both sides of the raging debate over how to improve American schools. Will he become an agent of change or will splitting the difference reinforce the status quo? Why is Obama so focused on early childhood education? Also, the White House steps in to bail out automakers, and shipping nations worldwide are launching a military crackdown on Somali pirates, but the Pentagon says at least one more pirate band will get millions of dollars.
Banner image: Chicago Public Schools CEO Arne Duncan, framed by a book shelf. Photo: Tim Boyle/Getty Images
In this episode
3 storiesWhite House Steps In to Bail Out Automakers
Republicans stopped Congress from bailing out the Big Three. Today President Bush promised $17 billion if GM and Chrysler can meet certain conditions early next year.
Read the story6 minCan Obama's Education Chief Save the Nation's Schools?
Democrats are sharply divided between school "reformers" and so-called "traditionalists." They circulated competing manifestos during the presidential campaign: one side wants charter schools, merit pay and accountability for teachers; the other says don't blame teachers for failing schools, provide flexibility and better resources.
Read the story35 minPiracy Pays Almost as Well as Working on Wall Street
In the past year, no less than 100 ships have been attacked and 42 have been seized by Somali pirates, with their crews ransomed for tens of millions of dollars.
Read the story8 min
