Education money ought to lead to reforms

CONGRESS' proposed $819 billion economic-stimulus package includes education spending that would practically double the Department of Education's 2008 budget. That's wholly appropriate.

Infusing strapped state education budgets with some $120 billion preserves education. At least $39 billion would go toward helping schools and colleges avoid staff layoffs and program cuts.

The stimulus package ought to be seen as protector of programs vulnerable to budget cuts, preserving special-education programs and those for disadvantaged students. All of this helps maintain important consistency for Washington state's 1.1 million public-school kids.

But the money ought to have strings attached. The largest infusion of cash in recent history ought to not only stimulate the education industry, but reform it.

President Obama promised as much from the campaign stump. His pick for secretary of education, Arne Duncan — a reformer from the Chicago Public Schools system — was a welcome signal for reform.

A recession may seem a heartless time to demand something in exchange for help, but it is actually a golden opportunity for supporting ongoing efforts and persuading those slow to embrace change. Unions representing teachers and other school employees haven't been very enthusiastic about reform efforts. In some cases, they have been strong opponents, for example, of including tests as part of high-school-graduation requirements.

Money can be a great motivator. Secretary Duncan has an advantage here with $15 billion from the stimulus package to be turned into incentive grants earmarked for states and school districts that boost student achievement.

All of this is likely a one-time investment in education. But Michelle Obama, visiting a charter school earlier this week, highlighted what such investments can do. The first lady said the money should protect education budgets and also "accelerate education reform."