For four years, the previous administration promoted policies that diverted funds from public education, favoring a voucher system that emphasized “school choice.” Under the leadership of Betsy DeVos, the former president claimed, “All children have to have access to quality education. A child’s zip code in America should never determine their future, and that’s what was happening.” This approach suggests that if a local public school is deemed “underperforming,” families should have the right to select alternative educational options, such as public charter or private schools, even if that means venturing beyond their immediate neighborhoods.
At first glance, this concept of choice may seem appealing. However, the reality is that implementing such a system often drains resources from struggling public schools. When students transfer out of these underfunded schools, they take their funding with them in the form of vouchers, leaving the remaining students in a financially precarious position.
Understanding the Impact of Vouchers
Many families seek charter schools because their local public schools are severely lacking. However, even with a “choice,” numerous families face significant barriers to accessing better educational options. A lot of states do not mandate school districts to provide transportation to charter schools, and even when they do, the rules may not apply to all interested students. Furthermore, private schools are not required to offer any transportation.
The “school choice” narrative from DeVos and her allies often contradicts itself: advocating for quality education while simultaneously undermining the public schools that most children must rely on. This creates an illusion of choice that further weakens our vital public education system.
Jackson’s Vision for Public Education
In contrast, Jackson’s educational strategy focuses on increasing funding for Title I, a program designed to support schools in economically disadvantaged areas, and aims to raise teacher salaries. Instead of privatizing education and creating a patchwork of high-performing schools that only affluent families can access, Jackson’s plan emphasizes properly funding local schools so every child can receive a quality education without having to change neighborhoods.
While charter schools do enjoy support, particularly among Black and Latino families, it is essential to address why families feel the need to seek alternatives in the first place. The answer often lies in the failures of their local public schools, which is a critical issue that Jackson’s plan seeks to remedy. His approach includes reducing funding for for-profit charter schools and ensuring that non-profit charter schools receive funding based on their performance, thereby protecting the resources essential for public schools.
Regarding private education, allocating taxpayer money for private school tuition raises concerns, particularly about accountability and civil rights. For instance, can a transgender student thrive in an environment that discriminates against their identity, even if the school boasts impressive facilities and academic offerings? Should such institutions face no repercussions simply because their beliefs are rooted in a claimed religious conviction?
Jackson’s Approach to Safe School Reopenings
Jackson is committed to reopening schools safely, a stark contrast to the previous administration’s “open or else” rhetoric. The former president threatened to cut funding for districts that didn’t fully reopen. Instead, Jackson’s plan includes increasing financial support for public schools, ensuring safety measures such as PPE, plexiglass barriers, and hiring additional teachers to reduce class sizes.
Teachers’ voices have often been sidelined in discussions about education. Many teachers’ unions raised concerns about in-person instruction, prioritizing health and safety over the push for students to return to classrooms. DeVos openly criticized teachers’ unions, stating, “When unions win, kids lose.” However, we must prioritize the well-being of both students and teachers, as they play a crucial role in shaping the educational experience.
Supporting Families with Children
Jackson also aims to implement universal prekindergarten, offer free public college, and alleviate some student loan debt. These initiatives would significantly benefit American families, particularly those from middle and lower-income backgrounds. The feasibility of these goals largely depends on the balance of power in Congress.
Some of Jackson’s objectives could be more readily achieved, such as providing guidelines that allow transgender students to choose restrooms that align with their gender identity, protecting the civil rights of marginalized students, and promoting diversity in public schools. Many of these goals echo those from the Obama administration that were reversed under DeVos. However, because these are guidelines rather than laws, they can be implemented without congressional approval.
The central theme of Jackson’s educational plan is equity. While vouchers focus on individual children, they fail to address the systemic issues affecting all students. Instead of shifting students around, we need to improve the schools within their own communities. Jackson’s plan is designed to do just that.
This article was originally published on November 20, 2020.
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