Free market principles are needed in K-12 education. Public education has been the world’s largest monopoly, except for state-owned monopolies in China. Take that out of the equation and K-12 public education is the largest monopoly.
In the U.S., roughly 50 million students are enrolled in K-12 public schools. Those schools are staffed by teachers who are members of teachers unions and pay dues from their paychecks. That results in hundreds of millions of dollars going to the teachers unions each year.
The teachers unions pump money almost exclusively into the political endeavors of a single political power, including helping elect and reelect candidates. That money buys the teachers unions enormous political power, including protection of the public school monopoly, which keeps the money from teachers unions’ dues flowing to their coffers.
The teachers unions use their power to advance radical political agendas that have nothing to do with the education of children.
Breaking down the public school monopoly by employing free market principles is the much-needed solution. When families are afforded the choice of where their children are educated, competition occurs. A competitive, free market drives down cost and spurs innovation—both desperately needed in K-12 education.
Tremendous progress has occurred toward this end over the past three years as 12 states have enacted universal or near-universal school choice into law. More states are positioned to join in the coming years.
Setting families free so their children can be educated outside of the failing public education system beholden to a single political party and be able to choose the educational avenue that aligns with their values is essential. Not only will those individuals have the opportunity to receive a high-quality education with market-driven accountability, but those states will experience significant workforce development, economic, and societal benefits.
Click HERE to listen to Dr. Keri D. Ingraham’s interview on the Futures Edge Podcast with hosts Jim Iuorio and Bob Iaccino or listen below.