Part 2:
How We’re Failing Schools
Public education has become the latest American institution to face an erosion of support.
As conceived by America’s founding fathers, public education was supposed to bind together a nation of immigrants from disparate classes. But public schools today are at the center of controversy, over curricula, security protocols, mask mandates, and more. As of June, only 29% of Americans—and just 14% of Republicans—put their trust in them, the lowest level since Gallup began asking the question in 1973. Parents are increasingly voting with their feet. Voucher programs in 15 states now use taxpayer dollars to subsidize tuition at private or religious schools. Charter schools account for almost 7% of overall enrollment; in Washington, D.C., 43% of public school children attend one. Also, more kids are getting home-schooled. This fragmentation is fostering divisions along racial and socioeconomic lines in ways that run contrary to the original ideal.
Politics
Opinions—and funding—are becoming more polarized
Students
Enrollment in traditional public schools is down, while alternatives grow more popular
Censorship
Conservatives are targeting books, classroom curricula, and school boards
Violence
School shootings make big headlines and spur increasing security measures
Teachers
Covid has created new challenges and eroded job satisfaction
Home-Schooling
More are trying it, but it’s not a good fit for all families
Demographics
Alternatives to public schools are less diverse in terms of socioeconomics and race
