If they are able to seize the moment, Virginia’s election of Republican Glenn Youngkin as governor and Winsome sears as lieutenant governor provides a great opportunity.
Youngkin and Sears exploited the legitimate fear many parents have in Virginia and nationally over what their children are taught—and not taught—in public schools subsidized by their taxes. Republicans have the opportunity to not only focus on the negative and hope to eradicate it but also on the good that is taught at charter and private schools. This allows tax dollars to follow their children to their school of choice. Teachers’ unions, politicians and bureaucrats should not dictate to parents. It should be the opposite.
The benefit of school choice was again underscored for me when I received a Valentine’s Day “thank you” card from a woman whose daughters are recipients of Children’s Scholarship Fund tuition in New York City. I contribute to the fund which allows children from low income families to escape underperforming public schools. The fund is available to children in 19 states.
“Nissa” wrote: “Both my daughters and myself have promised to work hard and support one another towards reaching their goals so that they can continue to be the best students they can be. This has brought joy and gratitude as well as the inspiration to shine bright during what many may consider a difficult time. It’s truly a blessing and we cannot thank you enough.”
There was also this note from Alexander Guzman, a fourth grader at Incarnation School in Washington Heights, N.Y.: “I love math. This is my specialty. Thank you for the scholarship. I am so happy for the opportunity to continue being in my school.”
Children’s Scholarship Fund President Darla Romfo says the on-time graduation rate for kids who receive scholarships is 98.8 percent. While public high school graduation rates in New York City ticked up 1.5% to 78.8% in 2020, Christine Veija writes on the website Chalkbeat New York, “Though more students are earning diplomas, it’s not clear whether that means they are learning more while in high school.” Given the introduction of so many non-academic subjects designed to track with political correctness, I’m betting they’re not.
According to the Children’s Scholarship Fund , 71.7 percent of graduates who received tuition aid enrolled in a two-, or four-year college for the 2020-2021 semesters. The Programme for International Student Assessment (PISA) is an annual assessment of the reading, math, and science literacy skills of 15-year olds in dozens developed and developing nations. This shows that the public-school system has failed students. The most recent results, from 2015, “placed the U.S. an unimpressive 38th out of 71 countries in math and 24th in science.” Guess which country ranks first in math, science and reading? According to Programme for International Student Assessment it’s China.
Republicans have other options than improving education through national school choice. They also have the opportunity to regain political initiative that could lead to renewal. These would include rebuilding the military so dictators conclude they no longer have carte blanche to invade other countries and a “buy American” campaign to encourage – and shame if necessary—corporations into bringing back production of items they have farmed out to China and other countries whose practices are in opposition to our values and national interests. This should be a patriotic duty.
Then, instead of just bashing Democrats for their failed policies, Republicans should “put on a happy face” and borrow from John F. Kennedy, who said about Republicans, “we can do better.” A positive agenda and outlook overcomes a negative one as light dispels darkness.
We can do better. Will Republicans be able to say so and lead the way?
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