Dr. Wooten was mistaken. Here is what happened: In October of 2017, the Trump administration chose to nominate a Michigan State Representative named Tim Kelly for the position. This was almost one year after the election and about nine months into the administration. It is true that Kelly’s name was floated in May (https://ctepolicywatch.acteonline.org/2017/05/reports-indicate-possible-new-octae-leader.html) but the nomination didn’t come until October. Everyone can judge for themselves as to what this indicates about the Trump administration's level of interest/engagement in filling the position. Kelly's nomination was then withdrawn in early November, in response to personal blog posts he had authored that were deemed offensive. (https://www.edweek.org/ew/articles/2017/11/09/trump-nominee-for-careertech-position-being-pulled.html). Here are some excerpts from the posts in question (as reported by Education Week): > "Forget for a moment, that this young man from Nigeria purchased his one-way ticket with cash, had no luggage, or that his father had warned the authorities of his radicalism. He should have been on anybody's no-fly list because his name is UMAR FAROUK ABDULMUTALLAB! Zenaphobic [sic]? No, I'm being pragmatic ... Instead of assuming that all people are interested in, let alone capable of, blowing up Western, Christian, or Jewish things, let's assume all Muslims are.” (my emphasis) > "Research shows that bias against women in the sciences is extremely weak. Studies point to data that indicate men and women simply have different tastes when it comes to areas of study. For instance, women may be underrepresented in the fields of engineering, but thrive in the areas of sociology and biology. ... For my money, this kind of ridiculousness in academia should not be rewarded and certainly not paid for by the American taxpayer.” (my emphasis) Sadly, Kelly’s "Citizen Leader” blog appears to have ceased publication, so we are no longer able to benefit from his insightful commentary. We also never had the chance to see how leaders in our field would have handled working with someone who had published such racist, xenophobic, and sexist views. Would have been interesting. (By the way, Kelly ran for Congress this year in Michigan’s 5th district, losing to incumbent Dan Kildee.) Once Kelly’s nomination was withdrawn, there was nothing for a long time. Until finally, on May 14th of 2018 — one year and four months into the President’s term — he nominated Scott Stump for the role. (https://www.whitehouse.gov/presidential-actions/president-donald-j-trump-announces-intent-nominate-personnel-key-administration-posts-43/) Stump was confirmed (by a vote of 85-0) on July 16, about two months later. (https://www.senate.gov/legislative/LIS/roll_call_lists/roll_call_vote_cfm.cfm?congress=115&session=2&vote=00155) I don’t think 60 days is an especially unreasonable amount of time between a nomination and confirmation — and the confirmation was unanimous — so I wouldn’t characterize Stump as an appointee who was "held up during the confirmation processes." I don’t think that is an accurate characterization of what happened with Kelly, either. His hearing was set for November 15, 2017, roughly a month after his formal nomination. It was only "held up" in the sense that press reports came out about his blog posts and he decided to withdraw, to the great disappointment of Senator Murray, who I’m sure was looking forward to asking him questions about it. In short, it took the Trump administration 16 months to nominate an acceptable candidate, and the Senate 60 days to (unanimously) approve his nomination. To put another way, the facts are at odds with Dr. Wooten’s assertion. Jeff > On Nov 10, 2020, at 11:07 PM, Sharon Bonney <sharonmbonney@coabe.org> wrote: > > Hi Jeff, > We heard a bit of a different story - that the Trump administration tried to place appointees that were held up during the confirmation processes. That's what Dr. Michael Wooten told us when we first met with him. > > At any rate, we at COABE felt that the last few years have been very good and quite productive. And we also very much appreciated our meeting early i2017 with the Secretary and the ongoing work with Assistant Secretary Stump. > > As a side note, we have also enjoyed an enduring relationship with Johan Uvin and Dr. King from the Obama era. > > Sharon Bonney > Chief Executive Officer | Coalition on Adult Basic Education | sharonmbonney@coabe.org > P: 888-44-COABE (888-442-6223) | F: 866-941-5129 | www.COABE.org | PO Box 1820 Cicero, NY 13039 > <Outlook-pgyieqtj.png> <Outlook-ypchiwyh.png> <Outlook-bmwu12t1.png> <Outlook-33bwvdxa.png> > <Outlook-2pfarni5.png><Outlook-bfvfwoeo.png> > > > > From: Members <members-bounces@lists.national-coalition-literacy.org> on behalf of Jeff Carter <jcarter@literacypolicy.org> > Sent: Tuesday, November 10, 2020 6:25 PM > To: Deborah Kennedy <deborah.kennedy@key-words.us> > Cc: National Coalition for Literacy Members List <members@lists.national-coalition-literacy.org> > Subject: Re: [NCL Members] Biden Transition Teams Announced > > Thanks, you are too kind. > > To be crystal clear, I should clarify that these are the "agency review teams” — sort of the nuts and bolts operation of the transition process… > > I will possibly be talking with some of the members in the areas I work on now (energy, EPA, state — have a friend on the state team, in fact, I was excited to see) but not sure what I’ll gather on education that might be useful. And I know next to nothing about this stuff — I wasn’t actually doing national AE policy yet during the Obama transition — Art Ellison (who I think is still on this list) may have some insights. In fact, probably many people on this list who know more than I! > > My only kinda/sorta experience during Trump transition was well after the traditional transition period — a March or April 2017 meeting with the Vice President’s staff w/CEF that is best forgotten… You’ll recall the Trump administration couldn’t be bothered to even name an OCTAE Assistant Security until many, many months into his term. > > If I learn anything this time around, happy to share. > > Jeff > >> On Nov 10, 2020, at 6:09 PM, Deborah Kennedy <deborah.kennedy@key-words.us> wrote: >> >> Hi, Jeff, >> >> Good to hear from you, and thanks for the reminders about familiar names. We are hearing the same things you are about moving forward, and we're in the process of identifying connections so that we can follow up on multiple fronts. Do you still have a link to James Kvaal or Roberto Rodriguez that you can share? >> >> We sure do miss you. Going through a presidential transition without you is Just Not The Same. Don't be a stranger! >> >> Deborah >> >> >> Deborah Kennedy >> Executive Director >> National Coalition for Literacy >> >> >> >> ---- On Tue, 10 Nov 2020 17:45:32 -0500 Jeff Carter <jcarter@literacypolicy.org> wrote ---- >> >> Hello old friends, >> >> Biden Transition Teams Announced: >> https://buildbackbetter.com/the-transition/agency-review-teams/ >> >> On the education list, some familiar names here and there we worked with during the Obama years — Roberto Rodriguez, James Kvaal. >> >> Don’t know what you are hearing, but my understanding is that while certain transition activities within executive branch agencies can’t take place until GSA acknowledges the election results, communication — including meetings — with the transition team are appropriate and permissible and I think this work is moving ahead full speed. >> >> Linda Darling-Hammond, who I believe led the Obama transition team on education, is the team lead here as well. Unlike last time, she has already proactively taken her name out of the running for the Secretary of Education job. Biden had previously pledged to name a person who has been a teacher in this role. >> >> Jeff >> >> >> Jeff Carter >> Cell: (202) 374-4387 | @jeffcrtr >> >> >> Occasional Policy Advisor to the >> National Coalition for Literacy >> www.national-coalition-literacy.org >> jcarter@literacypolicy.org >> Former President, Committee for Education Funding >> >> Executive Director >> Physicians for Social Responsibility >> 1111 14th St, NW, Suite 700 >> Washington, DC 20005 >> www.psr.org | jcarter@psr.org >> >> >> _______________________________________________ >> National Coalition for Literacy Members mailing list >> Members@lists.national-coalition-literacy.org >> To unsubscribe: http://lists.national-coalition-literacy.org/mailman/listinfo/members_lists.national-coalition-literacy.org

Thank you for this detailed account. I would expect nothing less of this administration (i.e., assertions unsupported by facts). We cannot take any statements or claims at face value. Best, Esther From: Members <members-bounces@lists.national-coalition-literacy.org> On Behalf Of Jeff Carter Sent: Wednesday, November 11, 2020 7:29 PM To: National Coalition for Literacy Members List <members@lists.national-coalition-literacy.org> Subject: Re: [NCL Members] Biden Transition Teams Announced Dr. Wooten was mistaken. Here is what happened: In October of 2017, the Trump administration chose to nominate a Michigan State Representative named Tim Kelly for the position. This was almost one year after the election and about nine months into the administration. It is true that Kelly’s name was floated in May (https://ctepolicywatch.acteonline.org/2017/05/reports-indicate-possible-new-octae-leader.html) but the nomination didn’t come until October. Everyone can judge for themselves as to what this indicates about the Trump administration's level of interest/engagement in filling the position. Kelly's nomination was then withdrawn in early November, in response to personal blog posts he had authored that were deemed offensive. (https://www.edweek.org/ew/articles/2017/11/09/trump-nominee-for-careertech-position-being-pulled.html). Here are some excerpts from the posts in question (as reported by Education Week): "Forget for a moment, that this young man from Nigeria purchased his one-way ticket with cash, had no luggage, or that his father had warned the authorities of his radicalism. He should have been on anybody's no-fly list because his name is UMAR FAROUK ABDULMUTALLAB! Zenaphobic [sic]? No, I'm being pragmatic ... Instead of assuming that all people are interested in, let alone capable of, blowing up Western, Christian, or Jewish things, let's assume all Muslims are.” (my emphasis) "Research shows that bias against women in the sciences is extremely weak. Studies point to data that indicate men and women simply have different tastes when it comes to areas of study. For instance, women may be underrepresented in the fields of engineering, but thrive in the areas of sociology and biology. ... For my money, this kind of ridiculousness in academia should not be rewarded and certainly not paid for by the American taxpayer.” (my emphasis) Sadly, Kelly’s "Citizen Leader” blog appears to have ceased publication, so we are no longer able to benefit from his insightful commentary. We also never had the chance to see how leaders in our field would have handled working with someone who had published such racist, xenophobic, and sexist views. Would have been interesting. (By the way, Kelly ran for Congress this year in Michigan’s 5th district, losing to incumbent Dan Kildee.) Once Kelly’s nomination was withdrawn, there was nothing for a long time. Until finally, on May 14th of 2018 — one year and four months into the President’s term — he nominated Scott Stump for the role. (https://www.whitehouse.gov/presidential-actions/president-donald-j-trump-announces-intent-nominate-personnel-key-administration-posts-43/) Stump was confirmed (by a vote of 85-0) on July 16, about two months later. (https://www.senate.gov/legislative/LIS/roll_call_lists/roll_call_vote_cfm.cfm?congress=115&session=2&vote=00155) I don’t think 60 days is an especially unreasonable amount of time between a nomination and confirmation — and the confirmation was unanimous — so I wouldn’t characterize Stump as an appointee who was "held up during the confirmation processes." I don’t think that is an accurate characterization of what happened with Kelly, either. His hearing was set for November 15, 2017, roughly a month after his formal nomination. It was only "held up" in the sense that press reports came out about his blog posts and he decided to withdraw, to the great disappointment of Senator Murray, who I’m sure was looking forward to asking him questions about it. In short, it took the Trump administration 16 months to nominate an acceptable candidate, and the Senate 60 days to (unanimously) approve his nomination. To put another way, the facts are at odds with Dr. Wooten’s assertion. Jeff On Nov 10, 2020, at 11:07 PM, Sharon Bonney <sharonmbonney@coabe.org<mailto:sharonmbonney@coabe.org>> wrote: Hi Jeff, We heard a bit of a different story - that the Trump administration tried to place appointees that were held up during the confirmation processes. That's what Dr. Michael Wooten told us when we first met with him. At any rate, we at COABE felt that the last few years have been very good and quite productive. And we also very much appreciated our meeting early i2017 with the Secretary and the ongoing work with Assistant Secretary Stump. As a side note, we have also enjoyed an enduring relationship with Johan Uvin and Dr. King from the Obama era. Sharon Bonney Chief Executive Officer | Coalition on Adult Basic Education | sharonmbonney@coabe.org<mailto:sharonmbonney@coabe.org> P: 888-44-COABE (888-442-6223) | F: 866-941-5129 | www.COABE.org<https://nam01.safelinks.protection.outlook.com/?url=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.coabe.org%2F&data=04%7C01%7Cesp150%40psu.edu%7C5670a06e58734afc61bb08d886a2146c%7C7cf48d453ddb4389a9c1c115526eb52e%7C0%7C0%7C637407377975210907%7CUnknown%7CTWFpbGZsb3d8eyJWIjoiMC4wLjAwMDAiLCJQIjoiV2luMzIiLCJBTiI6Ik1haWwiLCJXVCI6Mn0%3D%7C1000&sdata=4TRIL%2BZe4TOZnHweb8b9Yzy0DnwetrKif0ceC7pNgnA%3D&reserved=0> | PO Box 1820 Cicero, NY 13039 <Outlook-pgyieqtj.png><https://nam01.safelinks.protection.outlook.com/?url=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.facebook.com%2FCOABEHQ%2F&data=04%7C01%7Cesp150%40psu.edu%7C5670a06e58734afc61bb08d886a2146c%7C7cf48d453ddb4389a9c1c115526eb52e%7C0%7C0%7C637407377975220902%7CUnknown%7CTWFpbGZsb3d8eyJWIjoiMC4wLjAwMDAiLCJQIjoiV2luMzIiLCJBTiI6Ik1haWwiLCJXVCI6Mn0%3D%7C1000&sdata=ZB%2F6WFwV%2BSu2J5zoabiIHc4NJL9l6aYy3g%2B3aQ3GMTk%3D&reserved=0> <Outlook-ypchiwyh.png><https://nam01.safelinks.protection.outlook.com/?url=https%3A%2F%2Ftwitter.com%2FCOABEHQ&data=04%7C01%7Cesp150%40psu.edu%7C5670a06e58734afc61bb08d886a2146c%7C7cf48d453ddb4389a9c1c115526eb52e%7C0%7C0%7C637407377975220902%7CUnknown%7CTWFpbGZsb3d8eyJWIjoiMC4wLjAwMDAiLCJQIjoiV2luMzIiLCJBTiI6Ik1haWwiLCJXVCI6Mn0%3D%7C1000&sdata=bggZ0qrVnWMGttSnWVoJH3QJHppnv29%2FUiPjg5DRGrE%3D&reserved=0> <Outlook-bmwu12t1.png><https://nam01.safelinks.protection.outlook.com/?url=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.linkedin.com%2Fcompany%2Fcoalition-on-adult-basic-education%2F&data=04%7C01%7Cesp150%40psu.edu%7C5670a06e58734afc61bb08d886a2146c%7C7cf48d453ddb4389a9c1c115526eb52e%7C0%7C0%7C637407377975230894%7CUnknown%7CTWFpbGZsb3d8eyJWIjoiMC4wLjAwMDAiLCJQIjoiV2luMzIiLCJBTiI6Ik1haWwiLCJXVCI6Mn0%3D%7C1000&sdata=gSplz0ycjaXh0sTaaoGSbWblFuBTYrkEFM0X6gK7eYA%3D&reserved=0> <Outlook-33bwvdxa.png><https://nam01.safelinks.protection.outlook.com/?url=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.youtube.com%2Fchannel%2FUCvCmd7QzQq3e5XzawnVgnTg&data=04%7C01%7Cesp150%40psu.edu%7C5670a06e58734afc61bb08d886a2146c%7C7cf48d453ddb4389a9c1c115526eb52e%7C0%7C0%7C637407377975230894%7CUnknown%7CTWFpbGZsb3d8eyJWIjoiMC4wLjAwMDAiLCJQIjoiV2luMzIiLCJBTiI6Ik1haWwiLCJXVCI6Mn0%3D%7C1000&sdata=Rb7q4YxBLlRgY00kGR2XYIZ3LH5gJY43r6d3OeEzx8Q%3D&reserved=0> <Outlook-2pfarni5.png><Outlook-bfvfwoeo.png> ________________________________ From: Members <members-bounces@lists.national-coalition-literacy.org<mailto:members-bounces@lists.national-coalition-literacy.org>> on behalf of Jeff Carter <jcarter@literacypolicy.org<mailto:jcarter@literacypolicy.org>> Sent: Tuesday, November 10, 2020 6:25 PM To: Deborah Kennedy <deborah.kennedy@key-words.us<mailto:deborah.kennedy@key-words.us>> Cc: National Coalition for Literacy Members List <members@lists.national-coalition-literacy.org<mailto:members@lists.national-coalition-literacy.org>> Subject: Re: [NCL Members] Biden Transition Teams Announced Thanks, you are too kind. To be crystal clear, I should clarify that these are the "agency review teams” — sort of the nuts and bolts operation of the transition process… I will possibly be talking with some of the members in the areas I work on now (energy, EPA, state — have a friend on the state team, in fact, I was excited to see) but not sure what I’ll gather on education that might be useful. And I know next to nothing about this stuff — I wasn’t actually doing national AE policy yet during the Obama transition — Art Ellison (who I think is still on this list) may have some insights. In fact, probably many people on this list who know more than I! My only kinda/sorta experience during Trump transition was well after the traditional transition period — a March or April 2017 meeting with the Vice President’s staff w/CEF that is best forgotten… You’ll recall the Trump administration couldn’t be bothered to even name an OCTAE Assistant Security until many, many months into his term. If I learn anything this time around, happy to share. Jeff On Nov 10, 2020, at 6:09 PM, Deborah Kennedy <deborah.kennedy@key-words.us<mailto:deborah.kennedy@key-words.us>> wrote: Hi, Jeff, Good to hear from you, and thanks for the reminders about familiar names. We are hearing the same things you are about moving forward, and we're in the process of identifying connections so that we can follow up on multiple fronts. Do you still have a link to James Kvaal or Roberto Rodriguez that you can share? We sure do miss you. Going through a presidential transition without you is Just Not The Same. Don't be a stranger! Deborah Deborah Kennedy Executive Director National Coalition for Literacy<https://nam01.safelinks.protection.outlook.com/?url=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.national-coalition-literacy.org%2F&data=04%7C01%7Cesp150%40psu.edu%7C5670a06e58734afc61bb08d886a2146c%7C7cf48d453ddb4389a9c1c115526eb52e%7C0%7C0%7C637407377975240886%7CUnknown%7CTWFpbGZsb3d8eyJWIjoiMC4wLjAwMDAiLCJQIjoiV2luMzIiLCJBTiI6Ik1haWwiLCJXVCI6Mn0%3D%7C1000&sdata=hHxuVRDzGn1Lpk7sRzRy0d%2BjH%2FfxZTCyCxrW8vVO6Cs%3D&reserved=0> ---- On Tue, 10 Nov 2020 17:45:32 -0500 Jeff Carter <jcarter@literacypolicy.org<mailto:jcarter@literacypolicy.org>> wrote ---- Hello old friends, Biden Transition Teams Announced: https://buildbackbetter.com/the-transition/agency-review-teams/<https://nam01.safelinks.protection.outlook.com/?url=https%3A%2F%2Fbuildbackbetter.com%2Fthe-transition%2Fagency-review-teams%2F&data=04%7C01%7Cesp150%40psu.edu%7C5670a06e58734afc61bb08d886a2146c%7C7cf48d453ddb4389a9c1c115526eb52e%7C0%7C0%7C637407377975240886%7CUnknown%7CTWFpbGZsb3d8eyJWIjoiMC4wLjAwMDAiLCJQIjoiV2luMzIiLCJBTiI6Ik1haWwiLCJXVCI6Mn0%3D%7C1000&sdata=VqFlUEc%2B42Yv7luz8t7UA1W9HdDiadj8uZwnUebmllA%3D&reserved=0> On the education list, some familiar names here and there we worked with during the Obama years — Roberto Rodriguez, James Kvaal. Don’t know what you are hearing, but my understanding is that while certain transition activities within executive branch agencies can’t take place until GSA acknowledges the election results, communication — including meetings — with the transition team are appropriate and permissible and I think this work is moving ahead full speed. Linda Darling-Hammond, who I believe led the Obama transition team on education, is the team lead here as well. Unlike last time, she has already proactively taken her name out of the running for the Secretary of Education job. Biden had previously pledged to name a person who has been a teacher in this role. Jeff Jeff Carter Cell: (202) 374-4387 | @jeffcrtr Occasional Policy Advisor to the National Coalition for Literacy www.national-coalition-literacy.org<https://nam01.safelinks.protection.outlook.com/?url=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.national-coalition-literacy.org%2F&data=04%7C01%7Cesp150%40psu.edu%7C5670a06e58734afc61bb08d886a2146c%7C7cf48d453ddb4389a9c1c115526eb52e%7C0%7C0%7C637407377975250900%7CUnknown%7CTWFpbGZsb3d8eyJWIjoiMC4wLjAwMDAiLCJQIjoiV2luMzIiLCJBTiI6Ik1haWwiLCJXVCI6Mn0%3D%7C1000&sdata=MY0NX0RHaoof7AiaWlQg9mqfQuCU7j07sTMoARSSra4%3D&reserved=0> jcarter@literacypolicy.org<mailto:jcarter@literacypolicy.org> Former President, Committee for Education Funding Executive Director Physicians for Social Responsibility 1111 14th St, NW, Suite 700 Washington, DC 20005 www.psr.org<https://nam01.safelinks.protection.outlook.com/?url=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.psr.org%2F&data=04%7C01%7Cesp150%40psu.edu%7C5670a06e58734afc61bb08d886a2146c%7C7cf48d453ddb4389a9c1c115526eb52e%7C0%7C0%7C637407377975250900%7CUnknown%7CTWFpbGZsb3d8eyJWIjoiMC4wLjAwMDAiLCJQIjoiV2luMzIiLCJBTiI6Ik1haWwiLCJXVCI6Mn0%3D%7C1000&sdata=P45eFoLR9fJxcgNWiSYT5%2FXCxgbSmAMjF0hoFfuj2bo%3D&reserved=0> | jcarter@psr.org<mailto:jcarter@psr.org> _______________________________________________ National Coalition for Literacy Members mailing list Members@lists.national-coalition-literacy.org<mailto:Members@lists.national-coalition-literacy.org> To unsubscribe: http://lists.national-coalition-literacy.org/mailman/listinfo/members_lists.national-coalition-literacy.org<https://nam01.safelinks.protection.outlook.com/?url=http%3A%2F%2Flists.national-coalition-literacy.org%2Fmailman%2Flistinfo%2Fmembers_lists.national-coalition-literacy.org&data=04%7C01%7Cesp150%40psu.edu%7C5670a06e58734afc61bb08d886a2146c%7C7cf48d453ddb4389a9c1c115526eb52e%7C0%7C0%7C637407377975260875%7CUnknown%7CTWFpbGZsb3d8eyJWIjoiMC4wLjAwMDAiLCJQIjoiV2luMzIiLCJBTiI6Ik1haWwiLCJXVCI6Mn0%3D%7C1000&sdata=kskllwvqjgEvYvyLiEjH0H2%2BDL6lAdsHyJ2jqQrUJhI%3D&reserved=0>