WASHINGTON, DC (Herald de Paris) -- Graceful, lean and fit as a racehorse with a strong handshake that puts many men to shame

John King has the makings of another Arne Duncan, and on some points (e.g., ESSA Title I state plans), Sen. Lamar Alexander will want to use the Senate to rein King in. However, on other points (e.g., reckless charter spending; pressuring states to deliver on that 95 percent of test takers), King and Alexander will get on just fine.

Although more Black and Latino students are enrolling in higher education, too many are still not college-ready. Given these challenges, it is important that our educational leaders take into account the unique challenges and lived experiences of students of color.

No one has been held accountable for a bungled probe into Navient Corp.

Obama's pick to lead the department can expect to spend the next year justifying its treatment of colleges.

The administration's "aggressive action" to root out wrongdoing may be little more than a branding effort.

The Education Department has the power to put dodgy accreditors out of business, but won't use it.

ESSA puts a lot of emphasis on moving power from Washington to the states, and even if this were not true, it is now time to advocate in state capitols for use of proven programs and evidence-informed decisions. In the states and even in Washington, evidence-based reform needs a lot more allies.