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.
Education Bennett Names Panel To Study Aid Programs
Secretary of Education William J. Bennett last week assigned an Education Department task force the job of studying how the department might streamline its financial-aid programs for college students.
James Hertling, April 10, 1985
1 min read
Federal E.D. Aides Resign, Clearing Way For Bennett's Team
Secretary of Education William J. Bennett last week obtained the resignations of the department's two top research officials.
James Hertling, March 13, 1985
4 min read
Education Hatch Regulations Misinterpreted, Bennett Asserts
Secretary of Education William J. Bennett said last week that the controversial Hatch Amendment regulations are much narrower in scope than conservative groups' interpretations have claimed.
James Hertling, March 6, 1985
4 min read
Education Bennett Maintains Higher Standards Benefit the Poor
Secretary of Education William J. Bennett said last week that raising academic standards may increase the nation's dropout rate, but he maintained that the excellence movement is "properly directed" since its main beneficiaries are intended to be the economically and educationally disadvantaged.
James Hertling & Alina Tugend, February 20, 1985
3 min read
Education President's Disavowal of E.D. Abolition Moves Bennett Closer to Confirmation
The Senate is expected this week to confirm William J. Bennett as the third secretary of education, following the recommendation of its Labor and Human Resources Committee.
James Hertling, February 6, 1985
4 min read
Federal Bennett Hearings Scheduled
Secretary-designate of Education William J. Bennett was scheduled to be questioned Monday of this week at confirmation hearings before the Senate Labor and Human Resources Committee.
James Hertling, January 30, 1985
1 min read
Federal Bennett Named to Education Post; Is Told To Study Reorganization
President Reagan last week nominated William J. Bennett to be the next secretary of education.
Tom Mirga, January 16, 1985
5 min read
Federal New Secretary: 'Man of Opinions'
People who know William J. Bennett say he has opinion about nearly everything and he takes strong stands on the positions he believes in.
Tom Mirga, January 16, 1985
1 min read
Federal A William J. Bennett Sampler
"Secondary education is the last stage of compulsory, universal education in America--our last shot, if you will, of giving the best we have to offer them."
January 16, 1985
4 min read
Education Silber, Bennett: Lead Contenders For Bell's Post
John R. Silber, president of Boston University, and William J. Bennett, chairman of the National Endowment for the Humanities, appear to have emerged as the leading contenders to become the next secretary of education.
Thomas Toch, November 28, 1984
4 min read