Vice President Kamala Harris is facing the challenge of shifting focus on her education policies to appeal to a broader audience and strengthen her political position. With the opportunity to position herself as a centrist candidate without the burden of unpopular positions from previous Democratic primaries, Harris can leverage her flexibility to address her weaknesses and improve her chances of success.
One key area where Harris can demonstrate moderation is in the realm of education. By acknowledging the importance of teaching patriotism in schools and advocating for greater discipline and respect in the classroom, she can position herself as a candidate willing to challenge progressive orthodoxy. Addressing issues such as classroom discipline, cell phone policies, and chronic absenteeism can help Harris appeal to a broader base, including teachers who are grappling with chaos and violence in schools.
While Harris may have the support of powerful teachers unions, she can distinguish herself from President Biden by advocating for accountability in teacher performance and supporting public charter schools. By emphasizing the need for teachers to earn tenure based on merit and effectiveness, Harris can show that she is not beholden to union interests and is committed to improving student outcomes through innovative education policies.
Public charter schools have been shown to effectively boost student learning and graduation rates, making them a viable option for Harris to support as part of a broader education reform agenda. By signaling her openness to all forms of public schools, including charter schools, Harris can align herself with the growing demand for school choice among parents, especially within minority communities.
As Harris navigates the complex landscape of education policy, she has the opportunity to redefine her political identity and appeal to a wider range of voters. By embracing education reform and demonstrating a willingness to challenge the status quo, Harris can position herself as a candidate committed to improving educational opportunities for all students and closing achievement gaps exacerbated by the pandemic. This strategic shift in focus on education policies could be the key to reshaping Harris’s political image and broadening her appeal to a diverse electorate.
