Education Secretary McMahon targets California school practices

U.S. Education Secretary Linda McMahon is advocating for a shift in educational authority, arguing that Washington should move away from top-down mandates to allow states and parents more control. During her “Returning Education to the States” tour in California, McMahon addressed the state’s low proficiency rates, noting that approximately 60% of California students are not proficient in math and half fail to meet reading standards.

Simultaneously, the U.S. Department of Education has announced investigations into three California school districts: North Monterey County, Palo Alto, and San Francisco Unified. The investigations center on allegations that educators surveyed students regarding sexuality and gender identity without parental knowledge or consent, potentially violating the federal Protection of Pupil Rights Amendment. McMahon emphasized that parents must take an active role in monitoring what their children are being taught.