High Country Times

Today, Education and Workforce Committee Chairman Tim Walberg delivered an opening statement at a hearing titled "The State of American Education." The session marked the first hearing of the House Committee on Education and Workforce in the 119th Congress.

Chairman Walberg expressed concerns about students' readiness for success after graduation. He noted that many are not acquiring necessary skills, with core subjects like math and reading being overshadowed by what he described as indoctrination. He praised efforts by the Trump administration to promote common sense, personal responsibility, and parental choice in education but emphasized that more work is needed.

Walberg highlighted findings from the National Assessment of Educational Progress, which showed students have not fully recovered from pandemic-related disruptions. Scores in math and reading remain below 2019 levels. He attributed these results partly to schools losing focus on essential skills due to divisive ideologies promoted by federal funding.

On a positive note, Walberg acknowledged growth in school choice programs benefiting over one million students—double the number from three years ago—and increased parental involvement in education. He emphasized research showing parental involvement's significant impact on student achievement.

In higher education, Walberg pointed out issues such as antisemitism and restricted speech on campuses linked to DEI bureaucracies. He criticized foreign influence through funding aimed at manipulating educational institutions. Furthermore, he discussed challenges within the federal student loan program, arguing for reforms to prevent unsustainable debt burdens on taxpayers.

Walberg also addressed workforce system shortcomings under the Workforce Innovation and Opportunity Act (WIOA), noting a mismatch between available jobs and workforce skills. However, he commended progress made with bipartisan support for A Stronger Workforce for America Act during the previous Congress.

He concluded by acknowledging both challenges and opportunities ahead while expressing eagerness to collaborate with committee members toward solutions.