Arne Duncan and Education

President-elect Obama continues to impress with his cabinet picks. The WaPo has a good primer on one of his latest: Arne Duncan for Secretary of Education.

Duncan’s résumé appeals to those identify themselves as reformers and tend to support tough accountability, charter schools, performance-pay plans and other steps that shake up the status quo. But his calls for increased funding and willingness to partner with teachers also wins the approval of unions and school officials who think the federal government imposes too many sanctions without offering enough support.

Net: There’s something for everyone in this pick. David Brooks, among others, should be pleased. John Burke certainly seems to be, as is current SecEd Margaret Spellings.