As the former superintendent of the Denver Public Schools, Michael understands the importance of a high-quality education to a child's chances of success. Yet more often than not, our schools are failing to prepare the next generation for the 21st century.

Michael believes our country's competitiveness depends on a fundamental transformation of public education that gives schools and districts more flexibility to innovate and make decisions in the best interests of their students while holding them to high standards for all our children. As a leader on the Senate Committee on Health, Education, Labor, and Pensions (HELP), Michael helped overhaul No Child Left Behind, replacing it with a bipartisan law that returns power to states and local communities. Michael also helped secure provisions that reward innovation in schools, support rural school districts, and improve teacher training.

In his ongoing efforts to modernize the higher education landscape, Michael works tirelessly to ensure every student can pursue some form of higher education without incurring crushing debt. Michael supports policies that make it easier for students to earn degrees that prepare them for 21st century careers, including programs for career and technical education. He also has championed bipartisan solutions to simplify the financial aid process and expand year-round Pell Grants so students can finish college with less debt and on their own schedule.