Back To Basics Education
Raise the Bar for Learning
Too many students are falling behind in basic skills like reading, writing, and math. Not because they lack ability, but because our education system isn’t holding itself to high enough standards. While other countries continue to raise the bar, we’ve allowed ours to slip. Our students are just as capable, but they need a system that expects more and supports them in meeting those expectations.
It’s time to refocus on strong academics. That means clear benchmarks in core subjects, more time spent on real learning, not testing, and a renewed culture of reading, curiosity, and discipline in the classroom.
Introduce Trades and Hands-On Learning Sooner
Not every student learns best through traditional classroom instruction, and that’s okay. Some are builders, creators, problem-solvers, and doers. For those students, hands-on, practical learning isn’t a fallback it’s their strength.
Trades education and career skills should be offered earlier in middle and high school. This way students have time to explore real-world paths that fit them. Welding, carpentry, electrical, mechanics, IT, culinary arts and more should be just as respected as any college prep course. With the right programs in place, we can give every student a chance to succeed on their own terms.
Expand School Choice and Local Control
Parents deserve a real say in how and where their children are educated. One-size-fits-all public systems can’t meet the needs of every student, and shouldn’t be the only option. School choice gives families the power to choose the education that best fits their child, whether that’s a neighborhood school, charter school, homeschool, or private alternative.
Expanding school choice puts pressure on all schools to perform better. It allows innovation to take root and gives parents tools to hold educators and administrators accountable. Policies like Education Savings Accounts and open enrollment strengthen competition and help ensure that funding follows the student.
Rein in Bloated Higher Education Costs
College tuition has skyrocketed, leaving too many young Americans drowning in debt and questioning whether the degrees they earned were worth the price. Much of the problem lies in administrative bloat, endless facility expansion, and a disconnect between academic offerings and real-world job markets.
Federal aid should be tied to cost transparency and outcome-based accountability. Schools that raise tuition far beyond inflation or steer students into unmarketable degrees shouldn’t be rewarded with more taxpayer funding. Instead, we should support affordable community colleges, apprenticeships, and trade schools as equally valid paths to success. By refocusing spending on education that delivers real value, we can relieve debt burdens and give students more practical options.