After a whirlwind of executive orders to kick off his term, former President Donald Trump is shifting gears to focus on something that impacts every family: education. And he’s not easing into it—Trump’s next move aims to shake up the way schools are funded and how families make decisions about their children’s education.
A Bold Executive Order on School Choice
Reports from CBS News reveal that Trump plans to sign an executive order that could change the game for parents across America. The order is expected to allow federal funding to support school choice, giving families more freedom to decide where their kids go to school.
Here’s what’s on the table:
- For Military Families: Secretary of Defense Pete Hegseth will be tasked with crafting a plan to help military families access funds for schools of their choice.
- Department of Education: Federal grant programs will prioritize school choice.
- Faith-Based Schools: The Department of Human Services will assist states in using federal block grants to support faith-based education.
Trump shared his enthusiasm for these changes in a post on Truth Social, commending Tennessee lawmakers for supporting school choice. He emphasized his mission to elevate education in America, stating, “Our goal is to bring education in the United States to the highest level it has ever attained.”
The Numbers Don’t Lie
Why is this shift so critical? Just take a look at the data. The National Assessment of Education Progress (NAEP) 2024 report paints a worrying picture:
- 40% of fourth-graders are not meeting reading standards—the highest percentage ever reported.
- 70% of eighth-graders are not proficient in reading, and 72% fall short in math.
These statistics are more than just numbers; they reflect a broken system that isn’t preparing kids for success.
What Is School Choice?
At its heart, school choice is about empowering parents. Amy Smith, an education expert, explains it best: “School choice is really about parents and guardians having the ability to choose, regardless of how those options are funded.”
Parents want what’s best for their kids. But sometimes, the schools assigned to them simply don’t meet their needs. School choice offers a way out, letting families pick the school that aligns with their values, goals, and aspirations for their children.
A Step Towards Change
Of course, not everyone is on board. Some worry that government funding for school choice could lead to undue influence on private institutions. However, advocates argue that funding should follow the student, empowering families to make decisions without strings attached.
Trump’s proposed executive order acknowledges the failings of the current system. “Every child deserves the best education available, regardless of their zip code,” the draft states. It aims to address decades of inequality and inefficiency, opening doors for students to access schools that meet their unique needs.
Why This Matters
America’s future depends on its children, and those children need the tools to succeed. The numbers show we’re falling short—but this initiative could be a turning point.
Is it a perfect solution? Not yet. But it’s a bold move in the right direction. Because, at the end of the day, every child deserves a chance to thrive, no matter where they come from.
