U.S. Secretary of Education Linda McMahon visited Arizona State University on October 22, commending the institution for providing an affordable, world-class education. Her remarks were part of her speaking series, “The Next 250: American Education.”
During her visit, McMahon emphasized ASU’s achievements in making higher education accessible without compromising quality. She highlighted the university’s collaboration with Starbucks and the launch of three-year education degrees as examples of innovation in education.
Innovative Teaching Models
McMahon’s day began at Mesa Mountain View High School, where she observed a team-teaching model developed by ASU’s Mary Lou Fulton College of Education. This approach encourages collaboration among educators and allows for breaks, which McMahon noted benefits both teachers and students. She expressed her excitement about the students’ engagement with their learning environment, stating, “Kids were excited. They were happy to be studying and learning.”
Later, at ASU’s Tempe campus, she experienced the Dreamscape Learn platform, which incorporates virtual reality into science education. McMahon participated in a Chemistry 113 exercise, engaging with real-world environmental challenges. She remarked on how this technology resonates with students accustomed to gaming and virtual experiences, making learning both fun and relevant.
Commitment to Affordability
In her address, McMahon praised ASU President Michael Crow for his leadership in establishing the university as a benchmark for affordability and accessibility. She noted that approximately 40% of ASU undergraduates are first-generation college students, and over half are enrolled in online courses. McMahon acknowledged ASU’s efforts to keep tuition increases modest for Arizona residents and to double institutional aid within a decade, enhancing affordability for families.
Highlighting ASU’s pioneering three-year Bachelor of Education degrees, McMahon noted that this model could expedite teacher preparation, allowing new educators to enter the workforce sooner and without incurring additional financial burdens. She expressed hope that other universities would adopt similar strategies.
Building Pathways for Success
McMahon also recognized ASU’s strong partnerships with employers, particularly the Starbucks College Achievement Plan, which has provided nearly 20,000 Starbucks employees with tuition coverage for degrees through ASU Online since 2014. She praised ASU’s consistent ranking as the number one institution in innovation for twelve consecutive years, asserting that such leadership is crucial for redefining higher education as a catalyst for social mobility.
Overall, McMahon’s visit underscored ASU’s commitment to transforming educational experiences and outcomes for students across the nation.
Source: Arizona State University
