Koch group touts education push on curriculum, technology

INDIAN WELLS, Calif. (AP) — Officials with the powerful political network led by conservative billionaire Charles Koch are promoting a new state-level education strategy that they hope teachers and their unions will support.

Koch network Chairman Brian Hooks said Monday that it’s launching a new group next month that will focus on 15 million students in five unnamed states. 

Hooks didn’t give details on the policy priorities but said the initiative will focus on curriculum, technology and uniting a coalition that will include outreach to teachers unions.

The announcement was made during a private retreat for wealthy donors who have committed to giving at least $100,000 annually to the sprawling Koch network of political, policy, educational and philanthropic organizations.