Why the States Must Reclaim Authority from Washington

Washington has had its chance—and failed. The future of America’s children is too important to leave in the hands of distant bureaucrats. States have the tools, the knowledge, and the passion to lead. All they need is the opportunity.

For decades, Americans have debated the federal government's role in education. The Department of Education, established in 1979, promised national progress and equity.

But, has it been delivered?

Or has it widened gaps, stifled innovation, and distanced decision-making from the affected people: students, parents, and local educators?

Decentralizing education isn’t just a policy shift; it’s a revolution in how we think about learning. It’s about trusting communities over bureaucracies, parents over politicians, and innovation over stagnation.

America’s education system is failing its students, and the reason is clear: Washington is too far removed from the classrooms. The federal Department of Education has spent decades overpromising and underdelivering, leaving parents, teachers, and local leaders frustrated. It’s time to take action—real action—and return education to the people who know what’s best: the states and their communities.

This isn’t just an idea; it’s a necessity. The facts don’t lie, and neither do the solutions.

America’s future depends on its students. A distant, bureaucratic federal department cannot meet the unique needs of 50 states, thousands of communities, and millions of children. It’s time to rethink our approach.

The vision is clear: a decentralized, state-driven education system that fosters accountability, innovation, and excellence. It’s not just about cutting bureaucracy—it’s about giving every child the opportunity to thrive.

Take Back Control: Why States Must Lead America’s Education

America’s education system is failing its students, and the reason is clear: Washington is too far removed from the classrooms. The federal Department of Education has spent decades overpromising and underdelivering, leaving parents, teachers, and local leaders frustrated. It’s time to take action—real action—and return education to the people who know what’s best: the states and their communities.

This isn’t just an idea; it’s a necessity. The facts don’t lie, and neither do the solutions. Let’s break it down.

Case Studies and Inspirations

1. Successful Decentralized Models: Finland: Despite being a centralized nation, Finland empowers local educators with curriculum design, showing the value of localized autonomy in education. United States Pre-1979: Before the creation of the Department of Education, states and local districts had more control, and many areas thrived through local innovation and responsibility.
2. Inefficient Centralization Examples:

Large bureaucracies often delay responses to local crises, such as school safety or curriculum controversies. Highlighting these inefficiencies strengthens the case for decentralization.

Success Stories from the States:

1. Florida’s School Choice Program: By offering vouchers and tax-credit scholarships, Florida has empowered parents to choose schools that meet their children’s needs. The result? Improved test scores and graduation rates among disadvantaged students.
2. Texas’s State-Led Accountability: Texas resisted adopting Common Core and instead implemented its own rigorous standards, leading to steady gains in student performance.
3. Pre-1979 Decentralization: Before the Department of Education, states managed their systems independently, with many achieving strong results through localized innovation.

Putting Education Back Where It Belongs:

America’s future depends on its students. But a distant, bureaucratic federal department cannot meet the unique needs of 50 states, thousands of communities, and millions of children. It’s time to rethink our approach:

• End Federal Overreach: Phase out the Department of Education, transferring its functions to states and local districts.
• Invest in Innovation: Reward states for pioneering new models of teaching and learning.
• Empower Parents and Educators: Give families and teachers the tools and autonomy to shape education at the grassroots level.

The vision is clear: a decentralized, state-driven education system that fosters accountability, innovation, and excellence. It’s not just about cutting bureaucracy—it’s about giving every child the opportunity to thrive.

The Federal Department of Education: A Bureaucracy That Fails

Since its inception in 1979, the Department of Education has ballooned into a multi-billion-dollar bureaucracy, yet American students consistently rank behind their global peers. Here are the cold, hard facts:

1. Billions Spent, Minimal Gains: Federal education spending soared from $14 billion in 1980 to over $80 billion in 2023. Yet, national test scores for math and reading remain stagnant. The U.S. ranks 13th globally in reading and 36th in math—behind nations that spend far less per student.
2. One-Size-Fits-All Policies: Programs like No Child Left Behind and Common Core have failed to deliver promised results, forcing states into compliance with policies that don’t reflect local needs or values.
3. Unnecessary Red Tape: Federal regulations cost schools and districts billions annually in compliance costs, money that could go directly into classrooms.

Why the States Are Better Equipped

The states, not Washington, are the rightful stewards of education. Here’s why:

1. Local Solutions for Local Problems: States can tailor policies to address their unique challenges. For example: Florida’s School Choice Program: Expanded vouchers and tax-credit scholarships have helped low-income families access better schools, leading to higher test scores and graduation rates.
2. Cultural Relevance: Local educators know their communities best. Why should Washington decide what’s taught in Boise, Idaho, or Birmingham, Alabama?
3. Financial Efficiency: Cutting federal bureaucracy would free up billions for direct classroom investment. A decentralized model ensures that resources go where they’re needed most.

Real-World Success Stories

Here’s proof that states thrive when given the reins:

1. Florida: Impact: Florida implemented the nation’s most robust school choice program. As a result, low-income students have shown marked improvements in both standardized tests and graduation rates. Lesson: Local solutions that empower parents work.
2. Texas: Impact: Texas resisted adopting Common Core, instead focusing on state-designed standards tailored to their students. Texas students consistently outperform national averages. Lesson: States can innovate without federal mandates.
3. Pre-1979 America: Impact: Before the Department of Education, states like California and Massachusetts led the nation in educational outcomes without federal oversight. Lesson: Decentralized education is not a new experiment—it’s a return to proven success.

A Clear Plan for Change

Change doesn’t happen without a plan. Here’s how we take back control:

1. Phase Out the Federal Department of Education: Conduct an immediate audit to identify wasteful programs. Transition federal funding into block grants for states.
2. Empower Local Control: Shift curriculum decisions to school boards and educators. Encourage community involvement in school governance.
3. Ensure Equity Without Federal Overreach: Establish state-managed equity funds to support underfunded schools. Prioritize universal broadband access so every student, rural or urban, can access digital learning tools.
4. Reward Innovation: States like Florida and Texas have already proven they can succeed. Offer incentives for states to pioneer new teaching models and share best practices.

Balancing Decentralization and Unity

Decentralizing education should not result in fragmentation. To maintain a sense of national cohesion while empowering states:

• National Voluntary Standards: States could adopt shared benchmarks (e.g., reading levels) voluntarily.
• Incentives for Cross-State Accreditation: Make it easier for students and teachers to move across states without losing credentials.

What Can You Do?

This isn’t just a policy debate; it’s a fight for our children’s future. Here’s how you can make a difference:

1. Demand Accountability: Call your state representatives. Ask them where they stand on taking back control of education.
2. Educate Yourself: Learn about successful state-led education programs like Florida’s school choice initiative and Texas’s tailored standards.
3. Get Involved Locally: Attend school board meetings. Advocate for policies that put parents and educators back in charge.
4. Spread the Word: Share this article. The more people understand the issue, the stronger the movement will become.

The Final Word: It’s Time to Act

America has done this before. It worked. It can work again. The question is, will we let it?