Why America's Education Deficit Needs a New Equation

As the 2024 presidential campaigns heat up, one critical issue has gone largely unaddressed – America's education deficit. It's perplexing, given that the stakes are high, and the consequences of inaction are dire. Despite the gravity of the situation, candidates from both parties have failed to address this pressing concern. What if politicians genuinely cared about the future of America's children? What if they acknowledged that the current system is broken and refuses to adapt to the changing needs of students? What if they recognized that empowering parents is key to unlocking better outcomes for our nation's youth? Since the pandemic, parents have become increasingly disillusioned with the traditional public school system. The National Assessment of Educational Progress report revealed that the average eighth grader's math scores have hit their lowest level since 1990, and reading scores have plummeted to their lowest since 1975. This crisis demands immediate attention from our national leaders. Instead, we're seeing a disheartening lack of vision from both parties. Republicans are stuck in their outdated playbook, promising to eliminate the Department of Education. Democrats, on the other hand, are dismissing reforms that would put parents in control as "schemes. " Is it too much to ask for presidential candidates to put the needs of students first? The data tells a compelling story. States like Arizona, Florida, and Washington, D. C. have successfully put parents first, leading to improved educational outcomes for low-income students. In these jurisdictions, parents have the freedom to choose the education that best suits their child's needs. This approach has resulted in dramatic increases in academic achievement.But it's not just about the numbers. It's about the children, their families, and the future of our nation. We're witnessing a seismic shift in the way America approaches education. More families are opting out of traditional public schools in favor of innovative, tech-driven learning models. In 2021-22, only 83 percent of students attended traditional public schools, a 10% drop since the turn of the century. Here's the rub: our national leaders are missing the boat. They're more interested in ideological posturing than in delivering concrete solutions that address the education deficit. The stakes are high; the momentum is building. Parents are mobilizing, demanding more control over their child's education. Election Day is fast approaching, and neither party can afford to miss this school bus. If a parent is lucky enough to live in a community or state where diverse learning opportunities abound, their student will thrive. But what about the millions of children stuck in underperforming schools? What about those who are running out of time and options? The answer lies in empowering parents, giving them the autonomy to choose the education that best meets their child's needs. The challenge is simple: ensure every student is worth the same amount of money in every state, and parents are permitted to spend those dollars on the education that best meets their children's needs. It's not about siphoning funds off for administrative bloat or special interests; it's about putting parents in charge of their child's educational destiny.