Every School Can and Should Be a Great Place to Learn

If we want a future where every school in the United States is a haven for learning, we must approach reform with a comprehensive strategy that acknowledges the intrinsic link between educational quality and socioeconomic issues. The path to elevating our schools into exceptional institutions of learning is paved with the stones of progressive policy and community investment.

To begin, the assessment of a school's performance should transcend the limitations of geographical and socioeconomic bias. The current system often mirrors societal inequalities, favoring schools in affluent neighborhoods. A reimagined school ranking model that evaluates schools based on efficacy in fostering learning and growth, not just hoarding wealthy or already high performing students. Such a ranking would spotlight institutions that excel in nurturing their students’ potential and encourage a culture of continuous improvement. This type of ranking should be done at the state or federal level and not by private institutions like GreatSchools.

Funding is the lifeblood of public education, yet it flows unequally. Equitable distribution of resources to public schools is critical, ensuring that every child, irrespective of economic background, has access to quality education. Don’t fund schools by local property taxes and parcel taxes. We have to provide equitable funding based on each schools need to reach a minimum standard of quality and safety by renovating schools. Also we need to provide school supplies to all teachers and students, as well as in-school resources such as counselors and school nurses, to best fit the needs of each students.

Addressing childhood poverty is a cornerstone for creating an environment conducive to learning. Financial initiatives, such as reinstating the child tax credit or providing monthly stipends to families with children, are proven to solve childhood poverty which impedes a child's ability to engage fully with their education. By guaranteeing that no child is trapped in poverty, we unleash their potential to excel academically.

Nutrition is another pillar of a student's ability to learn. No child should face the pangs of hunger as they seek knowledge. The provision of free breakfast, lunch, and dinner at schools is a compassionate and logical step toward nurturing the well-being and academic focus of our students.

Moreover, public benefits that contribute to a child's education, such as before and after school programs and preschool, should be universally accessible, not limited by income. The goal is to create a collective stake in the quality and availability of public education, just as we share public amenities like roads and postal services. In this way, the quality of education remains a public good, safeguarded from political erosion over time.

The logistics of getting to school also play a role in attendance and punctuality. Schools should be within walking distance, or at the very least, serviced by efficient and accessible bus routes. This not only eases the daily routine for families but also fosters a sense of community and belonging.

Finally, we might find a blueprint for success in the Department of Defense Education Activity (DoDEA) schools, which serve the children of military personnel. These schools are characterized by robust funding, abundant supplies, competitive teacher salaries, and an environment that supports the well-being of families. Emulating this model as a bare minimum nationwide would mean ensuring that all families have access to stable employment, housing, healthcare, and food security, forming a strong foundation upon which educational excellence can be built.

The realm of private education must also adapt. By challenging the federal tax-exempt status of private K-12 and collegiate institutions, we can incentivize the opening of their doors to underprivileged students. Those that are true to the ethos of nonprofit work should need to massively expand tuition-free attendance to keep their tax-free status, embodying an inclusive rather than exclusive approach to education.

Transforming every school into a great place to learn is a multifaceted challenge that requires systemic changes in funding, policy, and societal support. It is a vision that demands bold action and unwavering commitment to the principle that education is a right, not a privilege. Only then can we hope to see the dawn of an era where every school door opens to a world of limitless possibility, it is a future worth fighting for.