I understand that Donald Trump’s approach may not resonate with everyone, but he is at least attempting to tackle longstanding, serious issues in education that have not seen much progress through traditional methods.
Merely increasing funding hasn’t solved these problems. As was done in the past, a return to emphasizing the teaching of core skills is part of the solution. Minimizing distractions in the classroom and teaching respect for authority from an early age are also crucial aspects of educational reform.
Some schools no longer require standardized tests to assess student achievement, leading to students passing even when they fall below the minimum standards. This practice needs reform; otherwise, the U.S. education system faces significant challenges. Studies show there is no question we’re turning out high school and college graduates who are not functionally illiterate.
Parents bear responsibility if they are unaware that their child is illiterate; they should actively participate in their child’s learning, not just delegate it to teachers. Ensuring homework is done, even if the child resists, is a fundamental role of parenting. But it goes both ways.
When parents have tried to voice their concerns through protests, they’ve often been met with police action and negative media portrayal, with the narrative that “educators” understand what’s best for children more than their own families. Therefore, schools need to be more receptive to parents playing a role.
A discussion of eliminating the Department of Education should be on the table. The idea that one size fits all is ludicrous. The modern Department of Education has been in place for just over 40 years; federal involvement in education has had a longer, though less centralized, history.
So, maybe the best approach is to return education to the state and local levels, where it was originally meant to be.