To reduce economic and health disparities, we must reopen schools, colleges, and child care facilities, and enable microschool ‘pods’ for those who would otherwise stay home.
Education
A high-quality K-12 educational system is a critical component of ensuring every student has the opportunity to thrive in adulthood. It needs to impart basic skills and knowledge, like reading, writing, and math, and empower students to secure a good job upon graduating. That’s why graduating high school is the first step of the rightly-celebrated “success sequence.”
Unfortunately, our current K-12 public education system is failing too many students and parents. Despite spending an average of more than $16,00 per student annually, many students are behind in reading, writing, and math proficiencies. The students suffering the most are those most in need: children from low-income households.
Government subsidized college and university has enabled public universities to explode their price tags, while softening their grading standards, leaving students with mountains of debt and unprepared for the workforce.
America needs a career-first education system that helps all children reach their potential in adulthood, including by preparing children for the workforce or succeeding in postsecondary education. At the same time, it should set aside its broken degree-first model.
The United States should give parents the power to choose high-quality learning environments for their children. Post-secondary education should focus on ensuring students get skills valued by employers. Colleges should focus on degrees that will prepare students for in-demand careers and help them build a better future. Families also need to understand the return on investment to assess the potential value of going to college.
All Education
A landmark ruling ends anti-religious bigotry in school choice programs.
Low-income children have fewer resources to learn when schools are closed. Children’s Savings Accounts can help them.
Ending the use of tests in college admissions could exacerbate, rather than reduce, inequities.
America’s decentralized higher education system is a strength, not a weakness.
If Democrats surrender to lobbyists over surprise medical billing, they won’t be able to enact a public option or Medicare for All.
Letting parents choose providers could double hours of care, increase earnings by 20% or more.
We spend a similar amount on education for poor and wealthy children. So why do achievement gaps persist?