Inspired choice for schools

The Washington Post’s first reaction to President-elect Joe Biden’s selection of Miguel Cardona as secretary of education was one of simple relief. In the mix for the job had been teachers’ union leaders and others with polarizing positions, so it was good that Biden opted for the middle ground. But that reaction does not do justice to Cardona, whose stirring life story, educational experience and priorities make him an inspired choice to lead the nation’s schools.

Cardona has spent much of his career focused on the achievement gap between Latino and Black students and those who are white or of Asian descent. His doctoral thesis was titled “Sharpening the Focus of Political Will to Address Achievement Disparities.” That’s a plus, as is his recognition that testing is an important tool in determining whether all students are achieving. It is unclear how he will deal with charter schools, but it’s encouraging that he has not sought — as some in the Democratic Party have done — to demonize them; he once called them “a viable option” for parents seeking choice. “He is, at his heart, much more of an educator than a politician or an ideologue,” said Dacia Toll, the chief executive of Achievement First, a national network of charter schools that includes several schools in Connecticut.

To be sure, there are questions that Cardona will need to address during his confirmation hearings, including his views on higher education and how he will manage the vast Education Department. Based on what he has already said and done, The Post looks forward to the answers.