Beth Akers

In this discussion, Dr. Beth Akers, a senior fellow at the American Enterprise Institute and author of "Making College Pay," dives into the potential elimination of the Department of Education. She explains its limited role in K-12 education and the implications for federal student loan programs. Topics include rising tuition costs, the impact of loan forgiveness, and the need for reforms to streamline student loan structures. Akers also advocates for opening Pell Grants to trade schools, emphasizing innovative educational pathways and school choice.

Scott Yenor, a senior director at the Center for the American Way of Life, Frederick Hess, an education policy expert at the American Enterprise Institute, and Beth Akers, a fellow specializing in education economics, delve into critical issues in higher education. They advocate for state legislators to enhance accountability in universities, shifting focus from research to quality teaching. The discussion critiques inflated grading practices, redefines faculty workloads, and promotes transparency, arguing for reforms that prioritize effective student education and school choice for all families.