- Julián Castro
« Education
Plan
Julián for the Future
For Immediate Release: Monday, May 13, 2019
Contact: Sawyer Hackett
Julián Castro Unveils ‘People First Education’ Plan
First-in-the-field
comprehensive education plan proposes universal pre-K, tuition-free
college, student loan debt relief, and new federal commitments to
teachers and school infrastructure
SAN ANTONIO, TX (May 13, 2019) – On Monday, May 13, presidential candidate, former Obama Secretary of Housing and Urban Development (HUD) and Mayor of San Antonio, Texas, Julián Castro, unveiled his ‘People First Education’ plan, a sweeping new approach to education that would reshape public education from pre-kindergarten through college.
Secretary Castro’s People First Education plan calls for, among other tenets, universal pre-kindergarten for three- and four-year-olds nationwide; substantial federal investment to combat teacher attrition, shortages and chronic underpayment; comprehensive student loan debt reform to address the $1.5 trillion student loan debt crisis and ensure no student pays more than their income allows; and tuition-free public college, university, community college, and technical and vocational education. The plan also includes specific policies aimed at mitigating persistent and stark disparities in both access and achievement experienced by students of color.
"Education is the foundation of the American Dream and one of the most critical investments our nation makes in its future," said Secretary Julián Castro. "However, we have failed to adequately invest in our students, teachers and schools—disproportionally affecting lower-income communities and students of color. My 'People First Education' plan calls for a sweeping new approach and commitment—one that supports students from pre-K to college and beyond. Education policy doesn't exist in silos, and I'm proud to put forward the first comprehensive education plan to invest in our students holistically and keep our nation competitive in the years to come."
The release of Secretary Castro’s "People First Education" plan follows his "People First Immigration" plan on April 2, which has set the standard for immigration policy among 2020 Democratic contenders. On Friday, May 3, Secretary Castro’s campaign announced that in addition to meeting polling requirements, it had also secured the 65,000 unique individual contributions needed to guarantee a spot at the June and July Democratic National Committee debates.
The full policy outline can be viewed here and below:
People First Education
Our Smartest Investment
Education is at the core of the American Dream. It is the foundation by which we fulfill our collective promise to every student that if they work hard, they have a shot at reaching their dreams. Quality education powers economic mobility, helps to alleviate poverty, and ensures that opportunity is available to every student.However, our government has failed to live up to its end of the bargain. Chronic underinvestment in our schools, teachers, and students over many decades and at all levels has allowed our competitors to leave us behind, and made an already unequal system more inequitable. Structural flaws, growing financial burdens, and inadequate support for students and families have prevented many from accessing quality education, from childhood to post secondary school. Our antiquated commitment to a K-12 system that starts some children ahead of others, and prevents many from continuing their education after high school has left our students and nation at a disadvantage.
We need a new commitment and a new approach that puts people first—one that sees the federal role in education as supporting a seamless continuum that begins before elementary school and continues after high school. If the United States is to continue being a leader in the generations to come, it means we can’t afford to waste a single student. That begins with extending our commitment to pre-kindergarten learning, which research tells us is one of the most critical periods for childhood development. But we can’t stop there. We need to ensure every student in our public education system can graduate high school and put their foot in the door for college, vocational training, or a quality career. And it means that those who have committed to further their education in college aren’t saddled with tens of thousands of dollars in student loan debt that hampers their ability to start a family, buy a home, or launch their careers. We also have to make a new commitment to the thousands of teachers and support staff that guide and teach our children. We need to pay our teachers more, cut down on class sizes to foster individualized learning, and equip our educators and schools with the resources they need to be successful.
Finally, we need to make a new commitment to ensure our schools are more fair and equitable to all students. At the onset of our public school system, one student’s success was valued over another. Although we ended sanctioned segregation in our schools many years ago, widespread disparities between students continue today. We can’t have integrated schools if our housing and communities are segregated. We also haven’t done enough to protect LGBTQ students, or ensure that students with disabilities have an equal opportunity to succeed in every community. It’s not enough to just invest in our schools and hope that inequities are repaired—we need targeted approaches that ensure all students have access to a quality education.
My People First Education plan would make a new commitment by the federal government to see that every student has access to a quality education—from pre-K through college and beyond. My plan would help bridge the gap both in access and achievement by ensuring every student begins elementary school with a strong foundation, and leaves high school prepared for college or a good job. My plan would invest in our nation’s educators, and ensure that the teaching profession remains competitive and attractive for future generations. My plan would help mitigate chronic inequities between students, and extend our educational commitment to those whom it has been out of reach. And my plan would address the pervasive student loan debt crisis—both for those who are feeling crushed under insurmountable debt, and for those who have yet to enroll in higher education. These investments are not only helpful in addressing the long-standing problems in our education system, but are required if we are to remain a competitive leader in the generations to come.
1. Pre-K for USA: Making Pre-K the Foundation for Lifelong Learning
Decades of research has told us that a significant portion of childhood development begins prior to entry into kindergarten. These formative years lay the groundwork for the future health and success of our nation’s students. While competitors like Germany, Japan, and China have made significant investments in early childhood education and school readiness, the United States continues to trail behind, both on enrollment and quality of pre-K programs. In an increasingly competitive global economy, the United States cannot afford to leave our youngest students at a disadvantage. As the former Mayor of the city of San Antonio, I know first hand the benefits of investing in access to high quality pre-Kindergarten education. I asked the residents of San Antonio to support a citywide pre-K initiative, ‘Pre-K for SA’, that has transformed our city’s education system, and delivered results for thousands of children and families that participated.My People First Education plan aims to close the pre-K access gap, making high-quality preschool universal for 3- and 4-year-olds across the United States through a nationwide ‘Pre-K for USA’ program. This will require making a serious investment in existing local programs and expanding successful models to new communities, boosting training, education, compensation, and support for pre-K teachers across the country, and linking pre-K to Kindergarten—ensuring the transition from early childhood education to elementary school is seamless. For every dollar we invest in early childhood education, we see up to $9 in return on investment. Investing in early childhood education isn’t just the right thing to do on behalf of our children, it’s an investment that we can’t afford not to make.
- Create a universal, high-quality,
publicly-funded, full-day Pre-K for USA program for three and
four-year-olds.
Funded through a grant program to state and local governments, this
program would provide children a foundation for educational success and
provide parents the flexibility to return to work if desired.
- Support sustained training and education
for Pre-K teachers, including
access to post-secondary degrees and professional skills development,
to ensure that all teachers have, or are on a supported path, to earn
the required competencies and appropriate bachelors degree to educate
our youngest learners. Support state-level partnerships with
institutions of higher education that enable pathways for early
childhood teacher preparation.
- Require linkages between Pre-K and K-12
systems, ensuring
kindergarten readiness and a seamless transition into a high quality
full-day kindergarten program with alignment across standards,
curricula, and educator professional development.
- Expand home visiting and other programs
for infants and toddlers,
through Early Head Start and relevant state-federal partnerships. These
programs promote healthy prenatal outcomes for pregnant women, enhance
the development of infants and toddlers, and promote healthy and
supportive family environments.
2. Reimagining High School
In an increasingly competitive global economy where the United States can’t afford to waste a single student, high school graduation remains critically important to both individual potential for success, and U.S. competitiveness around the globe. At around 85%, the U.S. graduation rate ranks behind many of our international competitors. To continue to remain competitive in the years to come, we should make sure every student can graduate from high school by targeting resources to students and schools where persistent gaps exist, and that graduates leave high school with the skills to succeed in universities, community colleges, apprenticeship programs, or in their careers.My People First Education plan would help students get their foot in the door to college by expanding access to college credits and accelerated learning opportunities. My plan would ensure that students have the flexibility and support to pursue careers in trade, and would encourage high schools to partner with employers to help students obtain work-based learning opportunities after they graduate. Additionally, my plan would support and encourage students interested in opportunities in the arts and language—strengthening programs that celebrate cultural and language learning that are required in an interconnected global economy.
- Close the modernization gap of our
nation’s schools. Make
a $150 billion dollar investment in school facilities, technology
infrastructure, and organizational support across the pre-K through
12th grade system to ensure teachers are well-supported with the tools
needed to educate their students and require state governments
contribute funding to qualify for this assistance.
- Support investment in music, arts, and
foreign language programs to provide a broad range of
educational opportunities in high school.
- Ensure all students have the opportunity
to graduate from high school with at least one year of college credit,
at
no
additional
cost,
by expanding access to dual enrollment, early college, and other
accelerated learning opportunities, especially for traditionally
underserved students and those likely to require remediation at the
postsecondary level.
- Provide educators and public schools
flexibility in defining success, including
competency-based assessments and support for transitions away from
seat-time requirements. Provide maximum flexibility for school leaders,
teachers, and students to work together to develop rigorous,
competency-based pathways to a diploma and industry-recognized
credentials.
- Address the shortage of skilled workers
in the economy by
establishing dedicated trade programs in high school and partnerships
between schools and employers. Expand work-based learning
opportunities, inform program design — at both the secondary and
postsecondary levels — according to labor-market needs, and provide
federal tax credits to support hiring and on-the-job educational
opportunities.
3. Creating Affordable Pathways to Success After High School
The student loan debt crisis has now topped $1.5 trillion, surpassing both auto loan debt and credit card debt, nationally. As states have picked up less and less of the bill for public universities and colleges, tuition rates have skyrocketed to defray the costs—driving students to take out thirty, forty, fifty, and even a hundred thousand dollars in loans just to get their undergraduate degrees. To make matters worse, the federal government has failed to adequately step in to support students and universities—pushing more and more students towards costly loans that can at times be predatory. Make no mistake: this is a crisis. More and more students are defaulting on their loans, tanking their credit for years to come. College graduates are finding it increasingly difficult to pursue advanced degrees, to buy a home or start a business, or to just keep up with their day-to-day bills. It’s time we break the work-school tug of war.Serious problems like these deserve serious solutions. That’s why my People First Education plan would eliminate tuition at public universities, community colleges, and technical and vocational programs, expand grant programs and loan forgiveness programs to lower-income students, boost transparency and accountability of student loan programs, and institute an income-based repayment program that guarantees no student is paying more than their income allows. Students and graduates who have made a commitment to invest in their futures should see an investment from their government in return. My plan would make that investment, knowing it will pay off both for students and for our national prosperity in the long run.
- Eliminate tuition at public colleges,
universities, community colleges, and technical and vocational schools,
breaking the work-school tug of war. Share the financing of tuition
costs with state governments and provide incentives to reduce the cost
of college programs including fees, discourage underinvestment into
public education by states. Require accountability and standards that
include fair pay for all employees and staff, including adjuncts and
non-faculty staff, and respect for their right to join a union.
- Alleviate burdens of existing student
loan debt, ensuring
no student pays more than their income allows. Reform the student loan
and repayment process to ensure that payment is not expected until the
investment of higher education begins to pay off for the borrower and
so that student loan debt does not impede major life choices.
- Until a borrower is earning at least 250% of
the
federal poverty line, their monthly loan payment will be capped at $0
with no interest accrual on unpaid interest for three years, exempting
half of unpaid interest after three years. This is not
a deferred payment. The payment amount is $0.
- Once the borrower is earning above
250% of
the federal poverty line, they will not pay more than 10% of their
qualified income each month. Qualified income referring
to adjusted gross income with an amount equivalent to 250% of the
federal poverty line exempted.
- After 240 monthly payments (including any
where the
repayment amount was capped at $0), the borrower will receive
non-taxable forgiveness of any remaining amount.
- All loans will have an interest accumulation
cap
relative to the borrowed amount to limit lifetime increase in the loan
to 50%, and any balance in excess of that will be forgiven.
- This program will be streamlined and easy for
borrowers, including automatic enrollment once loans go into repayment,
streamlining the process for those who opt-in. This program will allow
borrowers to credit payments made under other programs, including
existing income-driven repayment programs that will be ended for future
borrowers. Charging origination or similar fees will be prohibited.
- Until a borrower is earning at least 250% of
the
federal poverty line, their monthly loan payment will be capped at $0
with no interest accrual on unpaid interest for three years, exempting
half of unpaid interest after three years. This is not
a deferred payment. The payment amount is $0.
- Expand the Pell Grant program to
a
maximum
grant
of
$10,000,
and allow these grants to be used for
living expenses, summer programs, short term programs, and for
emergency assistance.
- Support Historically Black Colleges and
Universities (HBCUs), Hispanic Serving Institutions (HSIs) and other
Minority Serving Institutions, that serve an important
role in American society through an additional investment of $3 billion
per year towards financial support and increasing access for low-income
students.
- Create a new program of targeted loan
forgiveness
to forgive a proportion of loans for individuals who qualify for and
receive means tested federal assistance such as Supplemental Security
Income (SSI), Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP), or
Medicaid for any three years within a five year period.
- Allow borrowers to discharge or structure
a payment plan for student loans through bankruptcy.
- Reform and Improve the Public Service
Loan Forgiveness program to make it significantly more
borrower-friendly and transparent.
- Streamline the program by automating the
enrollment
process and ending the practice of un-enrolling borrowers in the
program because of missed payments or without their knowledge.
- Allow for consolidated loans, legacy Federal
Family
Education Loan Program loans, and all other types of student loans to
be eligible for loan forgiveness.
- Grant early credit towards loan forgiveness
at intervals before ten years have elapsed.
- Streamline the program by automating the
enrollment
process and ending the practice of un-enrolling borrowers in the
program because of missed payments or without their knowledge.
- Require universities to certify private
loans,
provide financial counseling, and inform students about any federal
loans that may offer more favorable terms. Strengthen federal consumer
protections through the Consumer Financial Protection Bureau, including
responsiveness to complaints, for borrowers who utilize private loans.
- Restructure the university endowment tax
from
the 2017 Tax Cuts and Jobs Act to fund debt relief for students and
allow schools that provide substantial financial aid to undergraduate
students an exemption from the tax.
- Streamline the Free Application for
Federal Student Aid (FAFSA) program to reduce
complexity and promote accuracy, including through pre-populating the
FAFSA with information from tax returns on file.
- End public support for private for-profit
colleges,
including the use of benefits and federal student loans for private
enrollment and ensure oversight for for-profit schools that convert to
non-profit status, after a transition period to minimize harm to
current students.
- Increase awareness of higher education
opportunities,
especially among students from low-income families. Assist communities
in establishing targeted programs such as San Antonio’s “Cafe College,”
which provides students with helpful information on higher-education
school options, college admissions, and financial aid.
- Ensure transparency and accountability in
higher education,
including through expanding the College Scorecard initiative with data
available to prospective students and their families to better
understand college costs, degree completion, and employment outcomes;
and by creating an accountability system that protects students from
colleges that too often leave students saddled with debt and no degree
or improved employment prospects.
4. Elevating the Profession of Teaching
Educators play a vital role in shaping the success of our students and the prosperity of our nation. They are the backbone of our education system, and shape the lives of their pupils from pre-K to college and beyond. And yet, too often, teachers are not fairly compensated for their critical work or equipped with the resources and facilities required to meet the needs of our students. Nationwide, nearly 80% of parents say their children’s teachers are underpaid and, adjusted for inflation, the national average teacher salary has decreased 4.5% over the last decade. This chronic underpayment and under-appreciation of our nation’s teachers has led to a severe drop in college enrollment in education programs, a high rate of teachers leaving the profession within five years, and a teacher shortage that some estimate is in the millions.Additionally, the lack of sustained investment in our schools’ infrastructure has contributed to dilapidated school buildings and inequities in access to broadband internet—creating a multi-billion dollar gap between what is currently spent on education and what is needed to fully modernize our schools. My People First Education plan would end decades of under-investment in our nation’s teachers. It would help close the modernization gap in our school systems—ensuring properly-equipped teachers have the facilities and technology to foster quality learning. My plan would also help to ensure that teaching is an attractive profession to future generations—strengthening programs that incentivize teaching and attracting quality teachers that are representative of the diversity of our country to underserved communities.
- Bridge the teacher pay gap with
a
federal
tax
credit
that
boosts teacher pay by up to $10,000 per year,
with a minimum credit of $2,000 and increasing for teachers at schools
based on the proportion of students on free or reduced lunch programs
within their schools. This investment would help address chronic
underinvestment in education, combat teacher attrition, provide
incentives for state and local governments to pay teachers fairly, and
direct federal resources to the communities with the greatest need.
- Support unionization in education
for educators and for student workers, including graduate
students, at every level of federal education policy, including in
judicial policy.
- Create a clear and consistent pipeline of
qualified teachers to high need areas and combat teacher
shortage with a national teacher residency initiative. Fund
one-year teacher residency programs and grants to states to support
transitions of local students and educational professionals into a
teaching career, including Grow Your Own Programs—directing these
initiatives at individuals who intend on making a life-long commitment
to teaching. Integrate these programs with teacher preparation programs
at Minority Serving Institutions to support hiring and retention of
teachers of color. Residency program would be prioritized in high-need,
underserved communities through placement and training, and would
support individuals and mentors in these programs for five years
through direct grants and stipends.
- Incentivize teaching in the highest-need
communities
through competitive grant funding to states and through federal tax
credits, loan forgiveness programs, and enhanced title funding and
grants to boot compensation for all of the educators serving in
hard-to-staff positions and schools.
- Foster supportive and rewarding teaching
environments through
targeted investments in school infrastructure that increase access to
mental health and behavioral supports, lowering class sizes, improving
physical spaces and access to key technology resources, and ensuring
that students, families, and educators form a cohesive, collaborative
community.
5. Fairness in Education
Despite the goal of our public education system to offer mobility and opportunity to all students, the status quo exacerbates, rather than alleviates, inequities that exist between students. Historic and stark disparities between rich and poor, black and white, documented and undocumented, and those with and without disabilities, are made worse by decades of underinvestment in a public school system that, in many ways, remains segregated. On top of these inequities, research tells us that race is a strong determinant in whether a student is suspended or expelled, and affects placement in gifted and talented programs. All of these disparities have led to an achievement gap between students—highlighting that a child’s race and social class are clear predictors of their potential for educational success.My People First Education plan seeks to combat the inequities in our school system that exist from pre-kindergarten through college. My plan would take major steps forward in closing gaps both in access and achievement for students of color, it would extend protections against discrimination for LGBTQ students, it would boost diversity at universities and community colleges, and it would ensure that no student—regardless of their criminal history or immigration status—is prevented from obtaining a quality education.
- End the school-to-prison pipeline and reform student discipline practices. Combat unfair, harsh, and unequal disciplinary methods by ensuring that schools receiving federal funding commit to reforms including eliminating the use of police officers as disciplinary agents, implementing positive, evidenced-based disciplinary practices, and requiring unconscious bias training for school personnel. Provide federal grants to promote positive and supporting school climates and reforming disciplinary practices. Provide expanded support and counseling for students and training for teachers and staff.
- Combat racial segregation in schools and
reduce educational disparities by working to integrate communities.
Fulfill
the promise of Brown v. Board of Education through a progressive
housing policy that includes affirmatively furthering fair housing,
implementing zoning reform, and expanding affordable housing in high
opportunity areas. These efforts will reduce racial segregation in
classrooms.
- Create school environments that are accessible, affirming, and inclusive for students with disabilities, including learning disabilities. Fully fund and expand disability programs under the Individuals with Disabilities Education Act to ensure all schools receiving federal funding are equipped to meet the needs of students with disabilities. Support increased flexibility and individualized education plans for all students who could benefit from them. Partner with schools to establish a pathway to meaningful employment after graduation from school for students with disabilities. Additionally, all education professionals should have access to meaningful, ongoing professional development to enhance skills and strengthen the learning of students with disabilities.
- Expand educational opportunities, including higher education, for individuals currently incarcerated or detained. End discrimination against the formerly incarcerated in higher education in admissions and financial aid decisions, including financial assistance and Pell Grants. Support educational opportunities for juvenile and adult individuals who are incarcerated. Ensure those residing in immigration detention facilities have access to educational opportunities.
- Strengthen and clarify Title IX
protections so they are fully extended to all students. Issue
regulations
clarifying
that
Title
IX
protections include a prohibition
against discrimination based on sexual orientation, gender identity,
pregnancy, and parenting status. Increase oversight and enforcement to
ensure that violations of students’ Title IX rights are properly
addressed.
- Encourage meaningful family engagement in
school. Create
federal grants for schools adopting family and community engagement
policies to encourage shared leadership and true partnerships between
the family, community, and school to best support student learning,
including LGBTQ parents and non-traditional families such as single
parents, foster parents, and grandparents raising their grandchildren
as their own.
- Launch an 8-year plan to extend the
community schools model to schools in areas of high-need
to operate as community hubs that have resources and facilities, such
as health centers, adult education classes, food banks, and other
support facilities for families and support nutrition through food
pantries to combat hunger and serve the nutritional needs of students,
their families, and their communities while cutting down on food waste.
- Ensure no student goes hungry at school. Create a partnership between the Department of Education and the U.S. Department of Agriculture to expand free breakfast and lunch programs for all students at public schools, and to expand access to meals during the summer.
- Institute strong federal protections against sexual assault, bullying and harassment at school. Establish federal regulations that promote transparent, accountable, and just recourse for victims. Support discipline and resolution methods that are positive and evidence-based, and, where practical, based on a restorative justice model.
- Equip public schools to support immigrant families. Prohibit immigration enforcement agents from conducting arrests, interviews, searches, or surveillance at schools and school bus stops. Ensure support for families that are integrating into the United States through well-funded English as a Second Language programs.
- Ensure DACA recipients, TPS, and DED holders are eligible for federal higher education assistance. Pending final passage of the Dream and Promise Act, ensure these individuals can access federal funding and other public education programs, and that citizenship status is not considered in admissions decisions by public schools or institutions of higher education.
- Ensure Americans in Puerto Rico, U.S. territories, and indigenous communities are not left behind. Invest in school infrastructure, residency programs, and teacher compensation to include the entirety of the United States.
- Protect students in schools and universities from gun violence by repealing Trump administration policies that promote arming educators and instead taking meaningful steps to address gun violence, such as instituting universal background checks, a renewed assault weapons ban, and extreme risk protection orders.
- Work with local communities to combat
cyber-bullying, and
support laws that allow law enforcement officials to investigate and
deter instances of cyber-bullying, including through criminal penalties
for adults that enable or incite such behavior.
- Prioritize student wellness. Make a significant investment in onsite school healthcare personnel including school nurses, counselors, and mental health providers.
###
Julián for the
Future
For Immediate Release: Tuesday, May 14, 2019
Contact: Sawyer Hackett
SAN ANTONIO, TX (May 14, 2019) – On Monday, presidential candidate, former Obama Secretary of Housing and Urban Development (HUD) and Mayor of San Antonio, Texas, Julián Castro, became the first 2020 Democratic candidate to unveil a comprehensive education policy. The ‘People First Education’ plan, released yesterday on JulianCastro.com, is the second comprehensive plan released by Secretary Castro, following his ‘People First Immigration’ plan unveiled on April 2, which has set the standard for immigration policy among 2020 Democratic contenders.
People First Education calls for, among other tenets, universal pre-kindergarten for three- and four-year-olds nationwide; substantial federal investment to combat teacher attrition, shortages and chronic underpayment; comprehensive student loan debt reform to address the $1.5 trillion student loan debt crisis and ensure no student pays more than their income allows; and tuition-free public college, university, community college, and technical and vocational education. The plan also includes specific policies aimed at mitigating persistent and stark disparities in both access and achievement experienced by students of color.
The plan was met with strong praise from education leaders, elected officials, policy experts, Democratic activists, journalists, and voters. Here’s a snapshot of what they’re saying about Secretary Castro’s groundbreaking People First Education plan:
Lily Eskelsen Garcia, president of the National Education Association, said, “We applaud @JulianCastro for his comprehensive education proposal that calls for universal pre-K, full-day kindergarten for all students, investments in quality educators in neighborhood schools, and a plan to tackle student debt and college affordability. #StrongPublicSchools. Lily continued, “These proposals are in line with NEA's mission to ensure that students of color have EVERYTHING they need to succeed. We look forward to a robust debate among all candidates to ensure every opportunity for each student no matter the ZIP code @JulianCastro”
AFT President Randi Weingarten tweeted, “Presidential candidate @JulianCastro released a strong education proposal today. Many of the details of this proposal are really good and worth lifting up. #PeopleFirstEducation .@JulianCastro's proposal includes the support for unionization in education for both educators and graduate workers. Unions provide a voice at work and I'm glad to see his commitment to workers in his platform. #PeopleFirstEducation. I'm excited about @JulianCastro's plan to extend the community schools to more areas. The success of community schools across the country is clear and Castro's plan is based in that success. #PeopleFirstEducation”
Congressman Vincente Gonzales (TX-15) tweeted, “Sec. @JulianCastro's #PeopleFirstEducation plan represents a bold commitment to our nation's students, teachers, and classrooms—from pre-K to college and beyond."
Jessie Hernandez, an undergraduate student at UCLA tweeted, “This Monday morning, I am excited about @JulianCastro’s #PeopleFirstEducation plan. He is the 1st contender to reveal a comprehensive, intersectional #edplan, AND it is clear he understands what it takes to provide an equitable education for all students.”
I really respect this education plan from @JulianCastro,” said activist Shaun King. “It's ambitious AND achievable. It addresses systemic inequality and makes the nation better for all.”
Vox reporter Matthew Yglesias said, “It’s a little buried in a big, multi-faceted education plan but @JulianCastro is singing my tune here on housing.”
Gabe Ortiz, an LGBTQ and Latino rights activists and staff writer at the Daily Kos wrote, “Castro was the first 2020 Democratic presidential candidate to release a detailed immigration plan, which featured bold—and compassionate—proposals, including “a new call to end criminal penalties for migrants entering the country without permission and a plan to remove detention as a tool for most immigration enforcement.” And like in his immigration plan, Castro’s education plan seeks to put people first.”
Texas State Representative Diego Bernal tweeted, “.@JulianCastro knows public education is usually an afterthought in national politics. But not this time. Here we have a hard stop & a real conversation. I don't know what you want from your president, but I do. I want this:”
Mayor of West Wendover Daniel Corona said, “Tuition-free college and apprenticeship programs will allow millions more students to reach their potential. Excited to see @JulianCastro prioritize college in his #PeopleFirstEducation plan.
Donna West, Clark County Democratic Chair noted, “Our education system is in dire need of reform and investment. Secretary @JulianCastro's #PeopleFirstEducation plan would overhaul the status quo and keep our country competitive in future generations.
AnhViet Nguyen noted, “Sec. @JulianCastro set the standard with his #PeopleFirstImmigration plan - and he's done it again with his #PeopleFirstEducation plan! His inspiring leadership and comprehensive, intersectional policies will help more families reach their American Dream.”
“Thank you @JulianCastro for creating an education platform that I can throw my entire self behind,” said Sage Carson.
Claudette Perez Przygoda said, “Again, @JulianCastro has the lived experience and therefore, perspective of someone who’s had to figure out how to overcome the hurdles. He understands a lot of these systemic problems because he’s seen them upfront, and it shows in his plans to address them. #Julián2020”
Katerine Bowser tweeted, “Hi undecided voter who just read @JulianCastro’s ed plan. Also #edpolicy #phd student who is always on a soap box about residential & school segregation and the need to not create policy in a vacuum. So this is 🔥 Housing policy IS school policy.”
Lynn V said, “I'm not gonna lie. I've been paying close attention to candidates' education plans & #JulianCastro sets the bar extremely high with his #PeopleFirstEducation plan. I have my two or three faves in this race. This plan alone is making me start rethinking my #1.”
“Wow. This plan is *really* comprehensive, spanning from Pre-K to post-college,” said Mangy Jay. “It also directly addresses disparities in education. I haven't gotten down into the weeds yet, but I am so happy to see candidates display such an in-depth approach to pre-k & k-12. 🙏🏻 @JulianCastro”
“Sec. @JulianCastro is the 1st candidate to release an intersectional & comprehensive plan for education reform, #PeopleFirstEducation. It addresses issues of poverty, housing discrimination, special ed., school to prison pipeline, + many others. Your candidate would never 🤧,” said Yia Bla Bla Bla
“@JulianCastro’s People First Education plan is incredibly detailed, ambitious, inspiring, exactly what our students deserve and what our country needs 💯,” said Mimi Woldeyohannes.
Marie Liz said, “This plan from @JulianCastro is 🔥🔥 We need a president who understands fixing education means improving K-12, reducing cost of higher ed, reforming existing student debt, food insecurity and racial inequalities.”
“2020 Candidates are fired up! said CaneiWalk. “@JulianCastro put out a comprehensive #PeopleFirstEducation policy proposal in which he is highlighting disparities in education including disability! We are excited to see such bold policy for our disabled youth! Thank you! #DisabilityInclusion 💯”
About Secretary Julián Castro
Julián Castro served as U.S. Secretary of Housing and Urban Development under President Barack Obama from 2014-2017. Before that, he was Mayor of his native San Antonio, Texas — the youngest mayor of a Top 50 American city at the time. In 2012, he gave a rousing keynote speech at the Democratic National Convention, during which he described the American Dream as a relay to be passed from generation to generation. In 2018, Castro founded Opportunity First, an organization to invest in the next generation of progressive leaders. In October 2018, Little, Brown published Castro’s memoir, An Unlikely Journey: Waking Up from My American Dream. On January 12, 2019, Secretary Castro announced his candidacy for President of the United States. Follow Julián Castro on Twitter, Facebook and Instagram. JulianfortheFuture.com and Julianparaelfuturo.com.
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For Immediate Release: Tuesday, May 14, 2019
Contact: Sawyer Hackett
What They’re Saying: Julián Castro’s People First Education Plan
First-in-the-field
comprehensive education plan draws praise from education leaders,
elected officials, policy experts, activists, journalists, voters
SAN ANTONIO, TX (May 14, 2019) – On Monday, presidential candidate, former Obama Secretary of Housing and Urban Development (HUD) and Mayor of San Antonio, Texas, Julián Castro, became the first 2020 Democratic candidate to unveil a comprehensive education policy. The ‘People First Education’ plan, released yesterday on JulianCastro.com, is the second comprehensive plan released by Secretary Castro, following his ‘People First Immigration’ plan unveiled on April 2, which has set the standard for immigration policy among 2020 Democratic contenders.
People First Education calls for, among other tenets, universal pre-kindergarten for three- and four-year-olds nationwide; substantial federal investment to combat teacher attrition, shortages and chronic underpayment; comprehensive student loan debt reform to address the $1.5 trillion student loan debt crisis and ensure no student pays more than their income allows; and tuition-free public college, university, community college, and technical and vocational education. The plan also includes specific policies aimed at mitigating persistent and stark disparities in both access and achievement experienced by students of color.
The plan was met with strong praise from education leaders, elected officials, policy experts, Democratic activists, journalists, and voters. Here’s a snapshot of what they’re saying about Secretary Castro’s groundbreaking People First Education plan:
Lily Eskelsen Garcia, president of the National Education Association, said, “We applaud @JulianCastro for his comprehensive education proposal that calls for universal pre-K, full-day kindergarten for all students, investments in quality educators in neighborhood schools, and a plan to tackle student debt and college affordability. #StrongPublicSchools. Lily continued, “These proposals are in line with NEA's mission to ensure that students of color have EVERYTHING they need to succeed. We look forward to a robust debate among all candidates to ensure every opportunity for each student no matter the ZIP code @JulianCastro”
AFT President Randi Weingarten tweeted, “Presidential candidate @JulianCastro released a strong education proposal today. Many of the details of this proposal are really good and worth lifting up. #PeopleFirstEducation .@JulianCastro's proposal includes the support for unionization in education for both educators and graduate workers. Unions provide a voice at work and I'm glad to see his commitment to workers in his platform. #PeopleFirstEducation. I'm excited about @JulianCastro's plan to extend the community schools to more areas. The success of community schools across the country is clear and Castro's plan is based in that success. #PeopleFirstEducation”
Congressman Vincente Gonzales (TX-15) tweeted, “Sec. @JulianCastro's #PeopleFirstEducation plan represents a bold commitment to our nation's students, teachers, and classrooms—from pre-K to college and beyond."
Jessie Hernandez, an undergraduate student at UCLA tweeted, “This Monday morning, I am excited about @JulianCastro’s #PeopleFirstEducation plan. He is the 1st contender to reveal a comprehensive, intersectional #edplan, AND it is clear he understands what it takes to provide an equitable education for all students.”
I really respect this education plan from @JulianCastro,” said activist Shaun King. “It's ambitious AND achievable. It addresses systemic inequality and makes the nation better for all.”
Vox reporter Matthew Yglesias said, “It’s a little buried in a big, multi-faceted education plan but @JulianCastro is singing my tune here on housing.”
Gabe Ortiz, an LGBTQ and Latino rights activists and staff writer at the Daily Kos wrote, “Castro was the first 2020 Democratic presidential candidate to release a detailed immigration plan, which featured bold—and compassionate—proposals, including “a new call to end criminal penalties for migrants entering the country without permission and a plan to remove detention as a tool for most immigration enforcement.” And like in his immigration plan, Castro’s education plan seeks to put people first.”
Texas State Representative Diego Bernal tweeted, “.@JulianCastro knows public education is usually an afterthought in national politics. But not this time. Here we have a hard stop & a real conversation. I don't know what you want from your president, but I do. I want this:”
Mayor of West Wendover Daniel Corona said, “Tuition-free college and apprenticeship programs will allow millions more students to reach their potential. Excited to see @JulianCastro prioritize college in his #PeopleFirstEducation plan.
Donna West, Clark County Democratic Chair noted, “Our education system is in dire need of reform and investment. Secretary @JulianCastro's #PeopleFirstEducation plan would overhaul the status quo and keep our country competitive in future generations.
AnhViet Nguyen noted, “Sec. @JulianCastro set the standard with his #PeopleFirstImmigration plan - and he's done it again with his #PeopleFirstEducation plan! His inspiring leadership and comprehensive, intersectional policies will help more families reach their American Dream.”
“Thank you @JulianCastro for creating an education platform that I can throw my entire self behind,” said Sage Carson.
Claudette Perez Przygoda said, “Again, @JulianCastro has the lived experience and therefore, perspective of someone who’s had to figure out how to overcome the hurdles. He understands a lot of these systemic problems because he’s seen them upfront, and it shows in his plans to address them. #Julián2020”
Katerine Bowser tweeted, “Hi undecided voter who just read @JulianCastro’s ed plan. Also #edpolicy #phd student who is always on a soap box about residential & school segregation and the need to not create policy in a vacuum. So this is 🔥 Housing policy IS school policy.”
Lynn V said, “I'm not gonna lie. I've been paying close attention to candidates' education plans & #JulianCastro sets the bar extremely high with his #PeopleFirstEducation plan. I have my two or three faves in this race. This plan alone is making me start rethinking my #1.”
“Wow. This plan is *really* comprehensive, spanning from Pre-K to post-college,” said Mangy Jay. “It also directly addresses disparities in education. I haven't gotten down into the weeds yet, but I am so happy to see candidates display such an in-depth approach to pre-k & k-12. 🙏🏻 @JulianCastro”
“Sec. @JulianCastro is the 1st candidate to release an intersectional & comprehensive plan for education reform, #PeopleFirstEducation. It addresses issues of poverty, housing discrimination, special ed., school to prison pipeline, + many others. Your candidate would never 🤧,” said Yia Bla Bla Bla
“@JulianCastro’s People First Education plan is incredibly detailed, ambitious, inspiring, exactly what our students deserve and what our country needs 💯,” said Mimi Woldeyohannes.
Marie Liz said, “This plan from @JulianCastro is 🔥🔥 We need a president who understands fixing education means improving K-12, reducing cost of higher ed, reforming existing student debt, food insecurity and racial inequalities.”
“2020 Candidates are fired up! said CaneiWalk. “@JulianCastro put out a comprehensive #PeopleFirstEducation policy proposal in which he is highlighting disparities in education including disability! We are excited to see such bold policy for our disabled youth! Thank you! #DisabilityInclusion 💯”
About Secretary Julián Castro
Julián Castro served as U.S. Secretary of Housing and Urban Development under President Barack Obama from 2014-2017. Before that, he was Mayor of his native San Antonio, Texas — the youngest mayor of a Top 50 American city at the time. In 2012, he gave a rousing keynote speech at the Democratic National Convention, during which he described the American Dream as a relay to be passed from generation to generation. In 2018, Castro founded Opportunity First, an organization to invest in the next generation of progressive leaders. In October 2018, Little, Brown published Castro’s memoir, An Unlikely Journey: Waking Up from My American Dream. On January 12, 2019, Secretary Castro announced his candidacy for President of the United States. Follow Julián Castro on Twitter, Facebook and Instagram. JulianfortheFuture.com and Julianparaelfuturo.com.
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