Update: U.S. Education Policy & Learner Co-Agency

One contemporary public policy text that outlines social objectives for education is the U.S. Department of Education’s Raise the Bar: Unlocking Opportunity Through Education initiative (2023).

“We must raise the bar in education to ensure that every student in every zip code receives a high-quality education and graduates prepared for college, careers, and life.” — Miguel Cardona, U.S. Secretary of Education

Commentary on Substance

Strengths

1. Equity emphasis: Targets underserved communities by promoting inclusive learning environments and better resource allocation
2. Career and college readiness: Encourages STEM investment, multilingual education, and future-oriented skill development
3. Nationwide ambition: Frames education as essential to U.S. global competitiveness and social opportunity

Gaps

1. Vague terminology: “High-quality education” is undefined—making it difficult to set benchmarks or track impact
2. Limited learner voice: Students are positioned as recipients, not as partners in shaping their learning pathways
3. Implementation ambiguity: The initiative lacks detailed plans for funding, execution, and feedback loops at scale

Sources

Raise the Bar Initiative Overview:

https://www.ed.gov/sites/ed/files/about/inits/ed/raise-the-bar/career-success.pdf

2023 Equity Action Plan Update (PDF):

https://assets.performance.gov/cx/equity-action-plans/2023/EO_14091_ED_EAP_2023.pdf

Cardona’s Statement (YouTube):

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=VE0Et9sxSNc

Question @everyone: How are the Raise the Bar goals showing up in day-to-day classroom practices in your district—or not? And what would it take to design curriculum that empowers students not just to meet national standards, but to shape them actively through co-agency and voice?

Would love to hear practical examples, design challenges, or local innovations you’re seeing or dreaming up.