Rep. Virginia Foxx, who has served as the chairman of the House Education and Workforce Committee, will be passing on her role to her successor in January. As a former educator herself, with experience as a community college instructor, college professor, and college president, Foxx has represented North Carolina’s 5th District in Congress since 2005. Throughout her tenure as the committee’s ranking Republican, she has navigated through the challenges of the pandemic, school choice expansion, cultural clashes, and campus chaos. In a recent interview, she shared her thoughts on her accomplishments, frustrations, and takeaways from her time on the committee.
One of the significant accomplishments highlighted by Rep. Foxx was the committee’s oversight work. She emphasized the importance of good governance and accountability, mentioning that the committee had sent hundreds of oversight letters during the 118th Congress. This work led to the exposure of flawed COVID spending management and unverifiable cost estimates for student-debt schemes, ensuring that taxpayer dollars were used effectively and efficiently.
Reflecting on the federal pandemic response to K–12 schooling, Rep. Foxx expressed concerns about the excessive funding allocated without strong transparency and accountability measures. She emphasized that simply throwing more money at the problem without addressing underlying issues was not a solution. Despite the significant increase in per-pupil education spending over the years, student performance has not seen significant improvements.
One of the frustrations Rep. Foxx highlighted was the outdated belief that everyone needs a traditional baccalaureate degree to succeed. She emphasized the importance of recognizing America’s shift towards a skills-based economy and the need for alternative pathways to success. Rep. Foxx noted that efforts to promote skills-based education, such as the Bipartisan Workforce Pell Act and A Stronger Workforce for America Act, were gaining support.
As a strong advocate for school choice, Rep. Foxx shared her personal experience of growing up in poverty and the transformative power of education. She voiced her support for school choice legislation at both the state and federal levels, emphasizing the positive impact of giving students more educational options. Rep. Foxx acknowledged the role of state governors and legislatures in leading the adoption of school choice policies.
Discussing federal education policy, Rep. Foxx highlighted the political influence of teachers’ unions, noting that nearly all their political donations go to Democrat politicians. She encouraged educators who disagreed with the direction set by Democrat politicians to leave their unions without penalty. Rep. Foxx also addressed the passage of the Parents Bill of Rights Act, emphasizing the importance of parental involvement in education and addressing criticisms from opponents.
Overall, Rep. Virginia Foxx’s tenure as chairman of the House Education and Workforce Committee has been marked by a commitment to oversight, accountability, and support for alternative pathways to education. As she prepares to pass on the chairman’s gavel, her perspective on the key issues facing education policy provides valuable insights for the future direction of the committee. The importance of parental rights in education cannot be overstated. Parents play a crucial role in their child’s academic journey, and it is essential that they have the necessary tools and information to be actively involved in their child’s education. The recent bill reaffirming five key rights for parents is a step in the right direction towards empowering parents and ensuring transparency and accountability in schools.
First and foremost, parents have the right to know what schools are teaching their children. This includes curriculum, teaching materials, and any controversial or sensitive topics that may be covered. By being informed about what is being taught in schools, parents can have meaningful conversations with their children and address any concerns they may have.
Secondly, parents have the right to protect their child’s privacy. This includes safeguarding personal information, such as grades, disciplinary records, and health information. Parents should have control over who has access to their child’s data and be kept informed about how it is being used and protected.
The bill also emphasizes the importance of parents being heard. Schools should welcome input and feedback from parents regarding their child’s education and well-being. By creating open lines of communication, schools can foster a collaborative relationship with parents and work together towards the best interests of the child.
In addition, parents have the right to see the school budget and spending. Transparency in financial matters is essential for building trust and accountability within the school community. Parents should have access to information about how school funds are being allocated and spent to ensure that resources are being used effectively and efficiently.
Lastly, parents have the right to be updated on any violent activity at school. Safety is a top priority for parents, and they should be promptly informed about any incidents or threats that may impact their child’s well-being. By staying informed about safety measures and protocols, parents can work with schools to create a secure learning environment for all students.
In conclusion, the reaffirmation of these five rights for parents is a positive step towards promoting parental involvement and accountability in education. By upholding these rights, schools can build stronger partnerships with parents, ultimately benefiting the academic and personal development of students. It is essential for schools to recognize and respect the important role that parents play in their child’s education and ensure that they have the necessary information and support to be active participants in the educational process. the perspective of a professional chef about the importance of using fresh ingredients in cooking.
As a professional chef, I cannot stress enough the importance of using fresh ingredients in cooking. Fresh ingredients not only enhance the flavor of a dish, but they also contribute to the overall quality and presentation of the final product.
When it comes to fresh ingredients, there is simply no substitute. Fresh produce, meats, and seafood are not only more flavorful, but they also contain more nutrients and are generally healthier for you. When you cook with fresh ingredients, you can taste the difference – the flavors are more vibrant, the textures are more pronounced, and the overall dish is more enjoyable to eat.
Using fresh ingredients also allows for more creativity in the kitchen. Fresh produce, for example, comes in a variety of colors, sizes, and shapes, which can inspire new dishes and flavor combinations. By using fresh ingredients, you can experiment with different flavors and textures, creating unique and delicious meals that cannot be replicated with processed or frozen ingredients.
In addition to taste and creativity, using fresh ingredients also supports local farmers and promotes sustainability. By purchasing fresh ingredients from local farmers markets or independent grocers, you are supporting small businesses and reducing the carbon footprint associated with transporting food long distances. This not only benefits the local economy, but it also helps to preserve the environment for future generations.
As a professional chef, I believe that the quality of a dish is only as good as the ingredients used to make it. By using fresh, high-quality ingredients, you can elevate your cooking to new heights and create memorable dining experiences for your guests. So next time you’re in the kitchen, remember the importance of using fresh ingredients – your taste buds will thank you.