Senators press secretary on literacy, charter expansion and short‑term Pell options
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Summary
Lawmakers and the secretary discussed declines on national reading assessments, state 'science of reading' reforms, funding for charter schools, and proposals to allow Pell Grants for short‑term workforce programs; the secretary said evidence‑based literacy is a top priority and expressed support for short‑term Pell expansions.
Senators used the hearing to press Secretary McMahon on literacy declines reflected in National Assessment of Educational Progress results and to discuss the administration’s proposals to increase charter school funding and expand Pell Grant eligibility for short‑term workforce programs.
Subcommittee Chair Capito opened by noting persistent declines on NAEP math and reading scores and said “a third of eighth graders are not even reading at basic level.” She and others urged federal spending to prioritize basic reading and math skill recovery. McMahon said evidence‑based literacy instruction and a return to the “science of reading” are priorities and cited state examples (Louisiana, Mississippi, Iowa and Alabama) where early‑grade interventions corresponded with gains.
Senator Britt (Alabama) asked about the FY26 proposal to increase charter school program funding to $500,000,000 and how that money would be used to expand options in rural and underserved communities. McMahon said the administration supports charter expansion as an option for families and described the request as intended to increase choice for students in failing schools.
On workforce training, multiple senators including Senator Hyde Smith asked about using Pell Grants for short‑term credential and apprenticeship pathways. McMahon said she “wholeheartedly support[s] these workforce Pell options” and said the administration hopes to include short‑term Pell proposals and stackable credentials in near‑term budget or legislative work.
There were no committee votes. Senators requested additional detail about how proposed charter and literacy funds would be allocated and sought timelines for short‑term Pell implementation.