STANFORD, Calif., Feb. 24 (UPI) -- The $100 billion headed for U.S. schools as a part of the president's economic stimulus plan could affect educational reform efforts, a researcher says.
In the new issue of Education Next, Richard Lee Colvin of the Teachers College at Columbia University wrote there is a rift among Democrats over how to improve the nation's schools.
Lee says that with the $100 billion windfall going to school districts around the country, the debate could become more acrimonious, with President Barack Obama and Education Secretary Arne Duncan in the middle.
"Widespread agreement that only a massive stimulus package could rescue the U.S. economy has presented the new administration with the opportunity to placate both sides of the Democratic divide," said a statement from the Hoover Institution, which publishes Education Next.
"The unions and their allies will get a massive infusion of federal funds into the schools that would help offset state and local budget cuts. And this could give President Obama cover to push for tougher reforms down the road," the think tank added.
