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U.S. Education Secretary Linda McMahon on Tuesday, May 20, outlined three proposed priorities for the department’s discretionary grants: evidence-based literacy, expanding education choice and returning education to the states. These priorities are intended to influence future grant competitions and are currently open for a 30-day public comment period.
The literacy priority is based on the science of reading, emphasizing systematic instruction in phonological awareness, decoding, vocabulary, fluency, and comprehension. The education choice priority includes a range of options such as charter schools, open enrollment, home-based education, career preparation, and tutoring. The third priority focuses on giving states greater authority in education grant implementation and reducing administrative oversight by the federal government.
“Discretionary grants coming from the Department of Education will now be focused on meaningful learning and expanding choice, not divisive ideologies and unproven strategies,” said U.S. Secretary of Education Linda McMahon. “It is critical that we immediately address this year’s dismal reading and math scores by getting back to the basics, expanding learning options, and making sure decisions in education are made closest to the child.”
