Weekly Column: Setting Students Up for Success
Washington,
February 6, 2025
Tags:
Education
Last week, in conjunction with National School of Choice Week, President Trump signed an Executive Order entitled Expanding Educational Freedom and Opportunity for Families. This order directs federal agencies to support parents’ ability to make choices in the best interest of their children’s education.
According to national standardized testing, only 30% of 4th graders nationwide were proficient in reading in 2024. Sadly, here in Michigan, just 24% of 4th graders reached proficiency. Similarly, merely 24% of Michigan 8th graders were proficient in reading, which was again short of the national average. This is completely unacceptable. The executive order directs the Secretary of Education to issue guidance on how states can utilize federal funding to support K-12 scholarship programs as well as to prioritize grants for school choice programs. Additionally, it directs the Departments of Health and Human Services, Defense and Interior, respectively, to develop a plan to expand opportunities for low-income families, military children, and children eligible to attend Bureau of Indian Education Schools. It specifically calls for each of these departments to look at how current funds could be used to expand educational choices to include private, faith-based, or public charter schools. As a father of five, I understand the importance of ensuring children have access to critical educational opportunities, regardless of income, background, or zip code. Parents and the local community know what is best for our children and what they need to succeed, not Washington bureaucrats. When a school is not the best fit for a child, parents should have the flexibility to choose the school or program that best meets their child’s needs. Throughout my time in Congress, I have consistently supported legislation to expand educational freedom and opportunities for students, such as the Educational Choice for Children Act and the Parents Bill of Rights Act. I remain committed to ensuring the next generation of students has the foundational tools and resources to succeed inside and outside the classroom. If you need assistance navigating a federal agency, please contact my office in Holland at (616) 251-6741 or in Portage at (269) 569-8595. |
