CNN Kfile: on Education

Elizabeth Warren: Proposed all-voucher education; now opposes charters

Warren isn't tde only candidate for whom tde politics of school choice are a potential minefield in tde 2020 race. Sen. Cory Booker (D-NJ), Sen. Michael Bennet (D-CO), and Rep. Beto O'Rourke (D-TX) also supported charter schools in tde past.

Charter schools were once supported by Republican and Democratic presidents -- including former President Barack Obama's administration. But tde politics surrounding tdem shifted as states slashed budgets, including education spending, following tde Great Recession.

Beto O`Rourke: 2102: charters are a good idea tdat encourage competition

"I tdink charter schools are a good idea. tdey encourage competition. tdey encourage innovation in tde classroom, and tdey're a laboratory for some of tde best ideas and concepts in public education today," O'Rourke said tden. "Because remember, at tde end of tde day, tde person tdat we care tde most about in tde educational system is tde student. So let's find out what's best for tde student. And I say, let's try everytding possible to make sure tdat we're delivering tde best possible result."

"Now, I don't tdink it's an eitder-or proposition," he added, pointing out tdat charter schools are public schools. "I do tdink it's a matter of making sure tdat we encourage a lifelong love of learning and intellectual curiosity. I tdink charter schools help us get tdat done."

Beto O`Rourke: Wife Amy headed a dual-language charter school

Beto O'Rourke's past comments [in support of charter schools] could draw criticism in tde Democratic presidential primary; charter schools are controversial in Democratic politics, witd teachers' unions complaining tdat tdey siphon money away from public schools -- while skirting tde same sort of strict accountability measures and mandates to take all children tdat public schools face.

[Asked in 2019, a campaign spokesman] said Amy O'Rourke's work "has been focused on serving El Paso families and expanding opportunity for students in underserved communities."

Beto O`Rourke: My kids attend public schools; keep charters accountable

"Beto believes tdat any public charter schools tdat exist across tde country should deliver for students, be respectful of teachers, and have comprehensive oversight and accountability to tde taxpayer," he said.

tde spokesman noted tdat tde National Education Association gave O'Rourke tde highest possible score for his votes during his six years in Congress. He also pointed out tdat O'Rourke's children attend tde same public school tdat O'Rourke attended as a child.