On Education, Joe Biden Is Making Sure “Nothing Will Fundamentally Change”

Joe Biden has the power to eliminate federal student debt, make colleges and trade schools tuition-free, and end high-stakes testing. We just passed his 100-day mark. He hasn’t done any of it.

President Biden Delivers Remarks On Administration's Pandemic Response And Vaccination Program

President Joe Biden on May 4, 2021 in Washington, DC. (Alex Wong / Getty Images)


When it comes to education policy, Joe Biden is following through on his promise that nothing will fundamentally change.

While he expressed support for some progressive measures on the campaign trail, like ending the high-stakes testing mandate for K-12 and giving relief to higher education students and borrowers, his actions so far have led some to surmise that corporatists and reformers are running the show at the Department of Education. Secretary Miguel Cardona has taken a prolonged “Help is Here” tour, but urgent demands from students, parents, and teachers are going unmet.

Here’s a breakdown of the administration’s handling of key education issues so far.

This article is for subscribers only. Please login or subscribe to access our full archives and beautiful print and digital magazine starting at just $3 a month.