Ryan Walters writes for the Washington Examiner about the importance of getting education policy right.

The fact of the matter is that government-controlled, top-down, one-size-fits-all education systems just aren’t working the way that students and parents deserve. High school math scores have plummeted and are lagging behind other developed countries on the world stage. 

Most people think our K-12 STEM education is average at best. Civics scores for middle schoolers are alarmingly low, and many students are showing up to college without knowing basic facts about American civics. 

America has ramped up spending on K-12 education to over $15,000 per pupil on average. We are not getting what we pay for.

The simple fact is that education freedom is statistically proven to be better for students, parents, and taxpayers.

School choice programs are saving taxpayers money. Recent research from EdChoice looked at 48 education freedom programs in 26 states. Findings show these programs saved taxpayers up to $7,800 per student. Previous research from Dr. Greg Forster found similar results across 28 case studies in education freedom programs, with 25 out of 28 saving taxpayers money and zero programs costing taxpayers any more than the status quo.

And despite the lower average costs, education freedom leads to far better education outcomes. One empirical review of 33 different education freedom programs found improved outcomes for students in 31 of the studied cases. Further, a more recent case study review of 188 different such programs found overwhelmingly positive outcomes in test scores, educational attainment, and even school safety. That is why so many parents, especially those zoned to failing school districts, support greater school choice.

Unfortunately, too many school systems are controlled at various levels by radical ideologues who would rather prioritize political and social indoctrination over educational fundamentals like reading, math, science, and civics. And all of this is despite the fact that most voters are vehemently against them.