In a recent interview with Breitbart News Editor-in-Chief Alex Marlow, PragerU CEO Marissa Streit shared her insights on how the United States can effectively scrap the Department of Education at the federal level. Streit, who has been at the helm of PragerU since 2016, is a strong advocate for education reform and believes that the current system is failing our children.
Streit began by highlighting the flaws of the Department of Education, which was established in 1979 under President Jimmy Carter. She pointed out that the department has become bloated and bureaucratic, with a budget of over $68 billion and over 4,000 employees. Despite this massive investment, the U.S. education system continues to lag behind other developed countries in terms of academic achievement.
According to Streit, the solution to this problem is to scrap the Department of Education at the federal level and return control of education to the states and local communities. She believes that this will lead to more efficient and effective education policies, as well as greater accountability for the results.
Streit also emphasized the importance of parental choice in education. She argued that parents should have the freedom to choose the best education for their children, whether it be public, private, or homeschooling. This would not only empower parents but also create healthy competition among schools, leading to better outcomes for students.
Furthermore, Streit highlighted the need for a more practical and skills-based education system. She believes that the current system is too focused on standardized testing and academic achievement, neglecting important life skills such as financial literacy and critical thinking. By giving states and local communities control over education, they can tailor their curriculum to meet the needs of their students and prepare them for the real world.
Streit also addressed the issue of federal funding for education. She argued that the federal government should not be involved in funding education, as it often comes with strings attached and leads to a one-size-fits-all approach. Instead, she suggested that states and local communities should have the autonomy to decide how to allocate their education budgets, based on the needs of their students.
When asked about the potential backlash from teachers’ unions and other groups, Streit remained optimistic. She believes that by involving parents and local communities in the decision-making process, the focus will shift from the interests of these groups to the well-being of students. She also pointed out that many teachers are frustrated with the current system and would welcome a change that allows them to have more control over their classrooms.
In conclusion, Streit’s vision for education reform in the United States is one that prioritizes parental choice, practical skills, and local control. By scrapping the Department of Education at the federal level, she believes that we can create a more efficient, effective, and accountable education system that truly serves the needs of our children. It is time for the U.S. to take a bold step towards education reform, and Streit’s ideas provide a promising path forward.