Education is unlikely to be a marquee issue in this November's presidential election, but it will still have a significant impact on voters' decisions. School boards are grappling with declining enrollment, the effects of new school choice programs, and district budgets. As the country heads towards the polls, here are some key education issues that need attention.
School Choice: A Complex Landscape
School choice has become a catch-all term for various types of public and private school choice programs, which have rapidly expanded. These include charter schools, vouchers, tax-credit scholarships, and education savings accounts. Each type of program has its own politics, with charter schools once enjoying bipartisan support but now facing opposition from both sides.
According to a tracker on private-school choice programs, twelve states currently have at least one 'universal' private school choice program, meaning any family can take advantage of them. Many states also have other tailored programs with more restrictive eligibility criteria. As the debate around school choice continues, it's essential to understand the nuances and complexities involved.
ESSA: A Four-Year Review
The Every Student Succeeds Act (ESSA) has been a focal point for education reform since its passage in 2015. The law aimed to give states more control over education policy while maintaining certain federal requirements. As we approach the four-year review of ESSA, it's crucial to assess its impact on schools and students.
Teacher Pay: A Growing Concern
Teacher pay has been a long-standing issue in education, with many teachers struggling to make ends meet. In recent years, both Republican- and Democratic-led states have taken steps to increase teacher pay, making it a priority for the Democratic presidential nominee, Vice President Kamala Harris.
Religion in Public Schools: A New Debate
The role of religion in public schools has become a growing concern, with several events sparking controversy. Oklahoma's education chief has mandated that all schools make the Bible available in school and teach about it, while a proposed English/language arts curriculum in Texas includes Christian figures and themes. As activists push for a greater emphasis on faith in public schools, it's essential to understand the implications of this trend.
Critical Race Theory: A Fading Focus
Critical race theory (CRT) was once a hot topic in education politics, with key figures claiming that schools were using CRT to indoctrinate students. The specific focus on CRT has died down somewhat, but its legacy lives on. Attacks on 'diversity, equity, and inclusion' programs have become more prominent, especially after the U.S. Supreme Court's 2023 ruling forbidding race-based affirmative action programs.
Teacher Unions: A Growing Force
Teacher unions have become a significant force in education politics, with many teachers striking and protesting for better working conditions and higher pay. As teacher labor unrest continues to grow, it's essential to understand the role of teacher unions in shaping education policy.
The State of Education: Key Takeaways
- School choice programs continue to evolve, with complex landscapes and varying eligibility criteria.
- ESSA has had a significant impact on schools and students since its passage in 2015, but its four-year review is essential for assessing its effectiveness.
- Teacher pay remains a growing concern, with both Republican- and Democratic-led states taking steps to increase teacher compensation.
- Religion in public schools has become a new debate, with implications for the role of faith in education.
- Critical race theory may have faded as a focus, but its legacy continues to shape debates around diversity, equity, and inclusion.
- Teacher unions are becoming increasingly influential, shaping education policy through teacher labor unrest.