Betsy DeVos’ First Semester: A Status Report

Education Secretary Betsy DeVos listens during her introduction to speak at George Mason University in Arlington, Va.

Jacquelyn Martin / AP

It has been more than six months since Betsy DeVos was confirmed as education secretary after one of the most contentious Cabinet nomination battles in memory, and so we thought it worth an update on her major moves so far — and the public response.

School choice

DeVos is most associated with one idea: school choice. In particular, she has a record of supporting options other than traditional district public schools, such as charter schools, virtual schools, vouchers for private schools and home schooling. She has signaled that support as secretary by often visiting private and charter schools.