With the Rudd Government increasingly looking to the United States for ideas and policies on school education, the appointment of Arne Duncan as Secretary of Education in the Obama Cabinet is significant.
In some quarters, Duncan is referred to as Klein-lite because of his record in closing poor performing schools and re-opening them as charter schools, supporting merit pay for teachers and reporting school results. However, others see him as a progressive pragmatist.
Some perspectives on the policies favoured by the new US Secretary of Education can be found at:
Education Week – Duncan Doesn’t Blink on Tough Decisions
New Education Secretary’s Impact on Schools
New York Times –Schools Chief From Chicago is Cabinet Pick
Catalyst Chicago – Duncan’s Track Record
Schools Matter Blog – Arne Duncan: The Darling of the Disruptors and Preserver of the Status Quo
Fairness and Accuracy in Reporting (FAIR) – Media’s Failing Grade on Education Debate