A Better Way Forward: Reforming American Education for Real Student Success
For too long, America’s education system has prioritized bureaucracy over students, funneling billions of taxpayer dollars into administrative overhead rather than investing directly in the children who need it most. Our schools are failing—not because of a lack of funding, but because of mismanagement, bloated administrative costs, and a broken system that rewards compliance over innovation.
It’s time to change that.
The future of our country depends on the strength of our education system, and right now, we are failing our children. Too many students are trapped in schools that aren’t preparing them for the real world, stuck in curriculums that ignore individual needs, and overlooked by institutions that should be empowering them. Meanwhile, families have little say in their children's education, and teachers—who should be at the heart of the system—are burdened with excessive red tape and limited resources.
This plan offers a better way forward: a student-first approach that eliminates waste, redirects resources to the classroom, expands school choice, and ensures that every American child, regardless of background, has access to a high-quality education. By prioritizing transparency, accountability, and innovation, we can build an education system that truly serves our children and strengthens our country for generations to come.
1. Reduce Administrative Bloat and Redirect Funds to the Classroom
Over the past few decades, the number of school administrators has skyrocketed, growing at a much faster rate than student enrollment. This has drained resources that should be used to improve classroom learning.
Solution:
Conduct a full audit of administrative spending in public school districts.
Implement caps on administrative costs, ensuring that more funds go directly to student instruction.
Eliminate unnecessary bureaucracy and redirect savings to teacher salaries, classroom materials, and student programs.
2. Prioritize Teacher Salaries and Professional Development
Teachers are the backbone of the education system, yet many are underpaid and overburdened. Instead of spending millions on consultants and district-level management, funds should be used to attract and retain high-quality educators.
Solution:
Increase teacher salaries to remain competitive with private-sector roles.
Invest in ongoing professional development to ensure teachers receive training in best instructional practices.
Provide mentorship programs for new teachers to reduce burnout and increase retention rates.
3. Expand School Choice to Empower Parents
America’s education system is failing too many children, and one of the biggest reasons is a lack of options. Right now, millions of students are trapped in underperforming public schools simply because of their zip code. Families who cannot afford private school tuition or do not have access to alternative education options are left with no choice but to accept whatever their district offers—no matter how poor the results.
Expanding school choice isn’t just about competition; it’s about fairness, freedom, and giving parents control over their child’s future. No child should be forced into a failing school simply because of where they live. By shifting to a student-first funding model, we can create an education system that rewards excellence, promotes innovation, and ensures that every child has access to the best education possible.
Solution: Real Choice, Real Opportunity
Let the Money Follow the Student
Instead of automatically funding school districts, education dollars should be allocated per student, allowing parents to direct that funding toward the school or educational program that best meets their child’s needs.
Whether parents choose a traditional public school, a charter school, a private institution, or homeschooling, they should have access to the funding their tax dollars are already providing.
Expand Charter Schools and Voucher Programs
Charter schools have consistently demonstrated higher student performance, especially in underserved communities. By increasing the number of high-quality charter schools, we provide more families with access to effective education models.
Voucher programs enable parents to use public education funds toward tuition at accredited private schools, ensuring that children are not forced into failing public schools simply because they cannot afford an alternative.
Support Homeschooling and Alternative Education Pathways
Homeschooling is growing rapidly as parents seek more control over their child’s education, yet many families struggle with the financial burden.
Providing grants or tax credits for homeschool families would recognize their right to educate their children as they see fit and remove financial barriers to alternative learning.
Support for micro-schools, co-op learning environments, and online education platforms can further expand access to flexible and high-quality education options.
The Impact: Why School Choice Works
Higher Student Achievement: Studies show that students in school choice programs often perform better academically and graduate at higher rates.
Increased Accountability: Schools that compete for students have more incentive to improve performance, adapt to student needs, and innovate.
Better Outcomes for Disadvantaged Communities: School choice programs have the most significant impact on low-income families who would otherwise be stuck in failing schools.
Restoring Parental Rights: Parents—not bureaucrats—should have the final say in their child’s education. School choice puts decision-making power back where it belongs.
The Bottom Line: More Freedom, Better Schools
Expanding school choice is not an attack on public education—it’s an investment in our children’s futures. The goal is to ensure that no child is denied a quality education simply because of their zip code. By allowing education dollars to follow the student and empowering families with real choices, we can break the cycle of failing schools and give every child the opportunity they deserve.
The time to act is now. America’s children cannot afford to wait.
4. Strengthen Early Literacy and Math Education
A child’s ability to read and understand math by third grade is one of the strongest predictors of future academic success, economic mobility, and even life expectancy. Yet, far too many American students reach middle and high school without mastering these essential skills. According to national assessments, nearly two-thirds of fourth graders in the U.S. are not proficient in reading, and math scores continue to decline. If we fail to address this crisis early, students fall further behind, leading to frustration, academic disengagement, and lower graduation rates.
The early years are critical for brain development, and research confirms that structured, evidence-based instruction in literacy and math during elementary school significantly improves outcomes. By prioritizing high-quality instruction in these core subjects, we can ensure that every child has the skills needed to thrive academically and in life.
Solution: Building Strong Foundations for Success
Implement Structured, Phonics-Based Reading Programs
Decades of research affirm that explicit, systematic phonics instruction is the most effective way to teach children how to read. Yet, many public schools still rely on ineffective, guesswork-based methods like "balanced literacy."
Schools must adopt structured phonics programs that teach letter-sound relationships, decoding, and fluency in a logical, cumulative manner.
Teachers need specialized training in the science of reading to ensure they use evidence-backed strategies in the classroom.
Introduce Evidence-Based Math Instruction in Elementary Grades
Math proficiency is just as critical as literacy, yet too many schools use ineffective methods that do not promote deep understanding.
A shift toward structured, sequential math instruction based on mastery, rather than rushed exposure, is necessary.
Programs should emphasize number sense, problem-solving strategies, and fluency with fundamental operations (addition, subtraction, multiplication, and division) to ensure students develop strong numeracy skills.
Provide Targeted Interventions for Struggling Students
Students who fall behind in reading or math must receive immediate, research-backed interventions to prevent long-term academic struggles.
Schools should implement early screening programs to identify struggling readers by kindergarten and first grade, ensuring they receive the support needed before gaps widen.
High-quality tutoring programs, both in-school and after-school, should be expanded to provide intensive support to students at risk of falling behind.
Schools must also offer summer literacy and math academies to give students extra time to develop foundational skills in a structured environment.
The Impact: Why Early Intervention Matters
Higher Graduation Rates: Students who develop strong reading and math skills in elementary school are more likely to complete high school and pursue higher education or trade careers.
Better Workforce Preparation: Literacy and numeracy are the foundation for future job opportunities. Strengthening these skills early helps create a workforce ready for the modern economy.
Reduced Need for Remediation: Addressing learning gaps in elementary school prevents the need for costly remedial education programs in middle school, high school, and even college.
Increased Student Confidence and Engagement: Children who struggle with basic skills often experience frustration and disengagement from school. Early intervention keeps them on track and builds confidence in their abilities.
The Bottom Line: Invest in Early Learning, Reap Lifelong Benefits
Strengthening early literacy and math education is one of the most impactful investments we can make in our children’s futures. When students master these foundational skills early, they are more likely to succeed in all other subjects and in life. Our education system must stop pushing students forward with gaps in their learning and instead focus on mastery, structured instruction, and intervention.
If we want to improve America’s education outcomes, we must start where it matters most—ensuring that every child can read, write, and solve basic math problems before they leave elementary school.
5. Invest in Vocational and Trade Education
Not every student needs a four-year college degree to succeed. America must return to a system that values skilled trades and alternative career pathways.
Solution:
Expand vocational training programs in high schools.
Partner with local businesses to offer apprenticeships and job training.
Educate students on high-paying careers in trades like plumbing, electrical work, and IT.
6. Improve Special Education Services and IEP Implementation
Individualized Education Programs (IEPs) are meant to support students with special needs, but many schools fail to execute them effectively. This leaves vulnerable students without the help they need.
Solution:
Increase funding for special education teachers and support staff.
Ensure strict oversight of IEP implementation to guarantee that students receive promised services.
Provide parents with more legal recourse when schools fail to meet IEP obligations.
7. Reduce Class Sizes in Struggling Schools
Research shows that smaller class sizes improve student outcomes, particularly in underperforming schools. However, money that could be used for hiring more teachers is being wasted on excessive administrative salaries.
Solution:
Set maximum student-to-teacher ratios for elementary and middle school grades.
Prioritize hiring more classroom teachers in schools with low test scores.
Allocate federal and state funds toward reducing class sizes in disadvantaged districts.
8. Restore Discipline and Classroom Order
Many public schools struggle with discipline issues that disrupt learning and drive good teachers out of the profession. A structured learning environment is essential for academic success.
Solution:
Reinstate firm but fair discipline policies to reduce classroom disruptions.
Support teachers in enforcing classroom rules without fear of retaliation.
Invest in alternative education programs for students who repeatedly disrupt learning environments.
The Bottom Line: Funding Must Be Used to Support Students, Not Bureaucrats
America does not have a funding problem—it has a spending problem. Instead of increasing school budgets without accountability, we must demand that funding be used for direct student support. By cutting administrative waste and reinvesting in teachers, school choice, early literacy, vocational education, and classroom discipline, we can truly transform the American education system.
It’s time for real reform—one that puts students first, supports teachers, and stops funding an inefficient bureaucracy. A better future for America’s children is possible, but only if we take decisive action to restructure the system and ensure every education dollar is spent wisely.
