William J. Bennett

Read our coverage of the third U.S. Secretary of Education, who served under President Ronald Reagan from 1985 to 1988

Explainer

William J. Bennett, Third U.S. Education Secretary: Biography and Achievements
Background and highlights of William J. Bennett's tenure as the third U.S. Secretary of Education.
Federal Bennett To Resign 'Drug Czar' Post
William J. Bennett announced last week that he was resigning his position as the federal government's first drug-policy director.
November 14, 1990
3 min read
Federal Bennett Questions Value of Drug Education
William J. Bennett, the nation's drug-policy director, testified during hearings to examine President Bush's anti-drug strategy.
February 14, 1990
3 min read
Federal On Last Day, His Favorite Mix—Some Pedagogy, Much Politicking
William J. Bennett ended his combative tenure as Secretary of Education here last week in the style he has become noted for.
Julie A. Miller, September 28, 1989
5 min read
Education Cavazos, Bennett, and Bell: First Steps
Following is a summary of the early initiatives of Secretary of Education Lauro F. Cavazos and his two Reagan Administration predecessors. A well-received package of regulatory, legislative, and administrative measures designed to reduce student-loan defaults.
Julie A. Miller, June 21, 1989
1 min read
Federal Anti-Drug Efforts Need Resources, Those in the Trenches Advise 'Czar'
When William J. Bennett goes before the Senate this week to become the first "drug czar" school officials will be listening carefully to his testimony.
Ellen Flax, March 1, 1989
8 min read
Education Bennett Names Members of NAEP Board
The 23 members of the new and more powerful governing board of the revamped National Assessment of Education Progress were appointed by Secretary of Education William J. Bennett last week.
Robert Rothman, September 21, 1988
2 min read
Education Bennett, Bloom Will Create Education Research Center
Secretary of Education William J. Bennett plans to team up with Allan Bloom, the University of Chicago scholar, to form a research center to study liberal-arts education and other public-Education Department officials said last week.
Robert Rothman, September 21, 1988
1 min read
Education Dukakis Versus Bennett--Sort of
Gov. Michael S. Dukakis of Massachusetts last week made a Presidential campaign swing through California speaking on education issues, but in his major speech generally avoided committing himself to any specific proposals for improving schools.
William Snider, September 7, 1988
3 min read
Federal Bennett Sends College-Savings Plan to Hill
Secretary of Education William J. Bennett has sent a proposal to allow parents to save for their children's college expenses by earning tax-free interest on U.S. savings bonds.
Reagan Walker & Julie A. Miller, June 22, 1988
2 min read
Federal Bennett Says 'No' to Legal Drug Use
Secretary of Education William J. Bennett criticized calls for the legalization of drug use as a dangerous threat to anti-abuse efforts.
Julie A. Miller, June 1, 1988
1 min read
Education Bennett, Senators Joust on 'Commitment'
Secretary of Education William J. Bennett appeared last week before a Senate Appropriations panel to answer questions about the Administration's 1989 budget request for education. Instead, he was forced to defend controversial spending cuts proposed in previous years.
May 18, 1988
1 min read
Education On the Road Again: Travels With Bennett
Staff Writer Julie Miller hit the road to cover Secretary Bennett's activities on recent trips to California and Florida. Following is her account:

Thursday, 8 p.m.; the Mariott
Crocker Center Hotel,

April 13, 1988
14 min read
Federal Bennett: Public Schools Haven't Earned an 'A'
U.S. Secretary of Education William J. Bennett has provided a preview of his forthcoming "status report'' on American schools.
Lynn Olson & Kirsten Goldberg, April 13, 1988
4 min read
Federal Man on the Move
A funny thing has happened since William J. Bennett became Secretary of Education: He has become one of his most visible Cabinet members.
Julie A. Miller, April 13, 1988
17 min read