WASHINGTON – This week, U.S. Senator Tim Scott (R-S.C.) penned an op-ed in the New York Post detailing the devastating failures within our nation’s education system and calling on Democrats to stop blocking greater opportunities for all children through school choice.
The New York Post
By Sen. Tim Scott
“President Joe Biden had a unique opportunity during this year’s State of the Union to express a bold vision to expand access to a quality education for all Americans, but, in the typical fashion of his presidency, he fell short. The only thing more disappointing than what he said during his brief mention of our nation’s education system, was what he didn’t say.
[…]“Biden didn’t mention that many kids in underserved communities are being left behind in the classroom simply because of their ZIP code. He didn’t mention that last year, math scores saw their largest-ever decreases while reading scores dropped to levels not seen since 1992. It’s estimated this learning loss could cost American students $2 trillion in lifetime earnings.
“This devastating and unprecedented learning loss affected students from every walk of life — from the rural poor to the inner cities and everywhere in between — and will have lifelong consequences for these children.
[…]“The bottom line: Right now, we have a system that’s built for adults. We need a system that’s built for kids. I trust parents and students to make the best decisions for themselves. I trust them more than I ever will the whims and political calculations of big labor unions and their lobbyists.
[…]“Kids trapped in failing and underperforming schools deserve an opportunity. No child should be denied a chance to learn because of where he lives or how much money her family makes. And no parent should have to buy their child’s way out of a failing school. I know there is no silver bullet, but school choice is a large step — a leap — in the right direction.
“Ultimately, President Biden had an opportunity to open the door to working with Republicans to expand educational opportunity. He had an opportunity to apologize for his administration labeling parents at school-board meetings terrorists, protect parental rights and stand up for kids. He failed to do so. In fact, his administration is blocking the expansion of charter schools by adding burdensome regulations to charter schools’ mission to acquire funding.
“If the president has a change of heart, Republicans stand ready to put parents, students, and families first.”
Click here to read the op-ed in full in the New York Post.