Federal File

When it comes to education, one former U.S. secretary envisions a system where teachers are paid up to $100,000 a year based on performance, the federal government hands its reins to states, and students attend any school they choose.

Lamar Alexander recently told the House Education Oversight and Investigations Subcommittee that he would like to "recharter and replace every public school" in the next 15 years and eliminate the federal role. In his words, replace the pony express...