We’ve been saying this since Jimmy Carter created the federal Dept. of Education, back in 1979. President Donald Trump is saying it now. He wants the department “closed immediately” because “It’s a big con job” (https://www.breitbart.com/politics/2025/02/12/trump-calls-department-education-closed-immediately/).
Trump cited the international rankings of 40 countries on the list. The United States ranks No. 1 in per pupil cost… and 40th in general quality. Dead last. We pay the most and get the least.
Thank you, teachers’ unions.
“What I want to do is let the states run the schools,” Trump said.
Here at Chalcedon we’ve advocated for homeschooling and religious private schooling for some 60 years. The figures have always supported our position. When R.J. Rushdoony first spoke out for homeschooling, it was almost unheard-of: everyone was sending their children to the public schools.
We are happy to be able to say that that has changed. Not near enough, yet–but enough so you’d notice.
Bringing the decisions closer to home will help, at least in states where there are sensible leaders. Local cultural norms and even local conditions should be a high priority. A student in North Dakota faces a far different world than a student in California, for example. Children should learn about the wider world, but should have educations that prepare them for the communities in which they live.
When I was in my early teens, my parents moved about 1000 miles. The schools were different, but then again, the places were different. We had gone from a place where winters were and ordeal to be endured, to a place where grass was visible year round. Because of this, commerce was different, and the requirements placed upon workers was different. The schools had to be different.
Democrats, Jimmy Carter very much included, ALWAYS try to extend the reach of the central government. Hence the DOE. The sooner it goes, the better.
Yes, I agree. We can see what a mess things are since this bunch have been in control.