As justification for dismantling the federal Department of Education, President Donald Trump has repeatedly claimed that U.S. schools are “ranked 40 out of 40” in educational outcomes compared with other countries, while the U.S. “ranked No. 1 in cost per pupil.” Neither claim is accurate.
Issues: education
Biden Mangles Statistic About Hispanic Students
According to the Department of Education, about 28% of U.S. students are Hispanic. According to Census Bureau data, about 15% of U.S. students speak Spanish at home. And about 21% of students come from homes where at least one person speaks Spanish. President Joe Biden routinely conflates these statistics.
FactChecking the Second GOP Primary Debate
Video: Hearst on the First GOP Debate
FactChecking the First GOP Debate
FactChecking Ron DeSantis’ Presidential Announcement
Q&A on Biden’s Student Loan Forgiveness
The White House announced on Aug. 24 that President Joe Biden will take action this year to cancel thousands of dollars in federal student loan debt for millions of Americans, fulfilling a campaign promise he made during the 2020 election cycle. We answer some of the questions readers may have about the debt relief plan, and address political claims about the impact of the plan.
Illinois School District’s Shift to Equitable Grading Is Misrepresented Online
A school district in Illinois is considering implementing “equitable grading,” which would focus more on evaluating student learning than class participation or homework. A conservative website misrepresented the idea as a “race-based grading system” in a story that went viral. The equitable grading system would apply to all students.