Rod Paige, a prominent figure in American education, passed away on Tuesday at the age of 92. He leaves behind a legacy as both an educator and an administrator, best known for implementing the No Child Left Behind (NCLB) law during his tenure as the first African American U.S. Secretary of Education. Former President George W. Bush, who appointed Paige to the position, announced his death but did not provide further details about the circumstances.
Born in Monticello, Mississippi, to two teachers, Paige was shaped by a family environment that valued education. Growing up as the eldest of five siblings in a small town, he would later serve in the U.S. Navy before diving into the world of sports as a football coach. His coaching journey began at the high school level, evolving into a head coaching position at Jackson State University, a historically black institution.
In a significant milestone for racial integration in sports, Paige’s team made history in 1967 by playing at the Mississippi Veterans Memorial Stadium, which had previously barred black athletes. This pioneering step not only marked an achievement in sports but also showcased his commitment to breaking down systemic racial barriers.
After relocating to Houston in the mid-1970s, Paige transitioned from athletics to academics, taking on roles as a teacher and later as an administrator, ultimately becoming the dean of Texas Southern University’s College of Education. His renowned commitment to educational excellence led him to the superintendency of the Houston Independent School District, one of the largest in the nation. Here, he initiated numerous reforms that would draw the attention of high-profile political figures including George W. Bush.
Under Paige’s leadership, the Houston district emerged as a model for educational reform, often referred to as the “Texas Miracle.” His work caught the eye of Bush during his presidential campaign, paving the way for Paige’s historic appointment as Education Secretary. NCLB, enacted in 2002, became a hallmark of Bush’s administration and was largely derived from initiatives Paige successfully implemented in Houston, emphasizing standardized testing and accountability.
Paige championed the belief that high expectations are essential for student development. He stated, “The easiest thing to do is assign them a nice little menial task and pat them on the head. And that is precisely what we don’t need.” His proactive approach sought to ensure that a child’s background or where they lived didn’t determine their potential for success, which resonated with many as he took on the challenges in American education.
While NCLB was applauded for leveling the educational playing field, it also drew criticism over time. Detractors voiced concerns about the overemphasis on standardized tests and the potential for “teaching to the test,” which some felt stifled creativity in classrooms. By 2015, bipartisan lawmakers sought to amend the law, resulting in a significant overhaul of federal education policies, focusing more on local control and flexibility.
Post his service in the Cabinet, Paige returned to Jackson State University, stepping into the role of interim president at the age of 83. This move symbolized a full-circle moment, as he aimed to guide the institution that had once nurtured him as a student. Even in his 90s, Paige remained fervently engaged in educational discussions, advocating for improvements in the system that greatly influenced his life and career.
In an opinion piece published in the Houston Chronicle, Paige highlighted the need for ongoing reform and innovation in education. He called on readers to draw inspiration from Houston’s educational landscape and learn from both its successes and shortcomings. His commitment to education was unwavering, illustrating that even late in life, he held vibrant hopes for the future of U.S. education.