Former President Joe Biden’s tenure was criticized for favoring teachers’ unions over the interests of students, leading to negative impacts on children’s education. In contrast, President Donald Trump recently issued an executive order aimed at enhancing school choice programs at the state level to better serve families. Highlighting the need for improved educational opportunities, the order acknowledges the shortcomings of the current education system, particularly evident in the low proficiency levels among eighth graders in reading and math.

The push for school choice reforms has gained momentum, with over a dozen states enacting universal choice programs, signaling a shift towards empowering families with more educational options. Trump’s executive order is seen as a catalyst for advancing school choice legislation in various states, such as Texas and South Dakota. Despite opposition from figures like Randi Weingarten, who advocates for maintaining the status quo, there is growing recognition that empowering parents with educational choices can lead to positive outcomes.

While executive orders can signal intent, congressional action is crucial for substantial reforms. Lawmakers have reintroduced the Educational Choice for Children Act to incentivize charitable donations for education scholarships, following a similar strategy implemented during Betsy DeVos’s tenure. Additionally, Trump’s plans to restructure the Department of Education and provide block grants to states demonstrate a commitment to reshaping the education landscape for the better.

Overall, the call for expanding school choice incentives and reevaluating federal involvement in education reflects a broader effort to prioritize student needs and enhance educational outcomes. Collaboration between federal and state entities is essential to drive meaningful change and improve the educational experience for all learners.