The promotion of free market principles in education and the elimination of political indoctrination are essential for the future of our country. It is no secret that the American education system has flaws in teacher selection, training, and accountability. Dr. Keri D. Ingraham, Senior Fellow & Director, American Center for Transforming Education, Discovery Institute, discusses their mission to reform K-12 education and reform and empower parents by providing school choice to improve education outcomes. The conversation touches on the rise of micro-schools as an alternative to traditional public schools, the pushback from teacher unions, and the importance of reading and critical thinking in education. She also discusses the role of the federal government in education and the need to shrink its footprint.

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The mission of Discovery Institute’s American Center for Transforming Education is to work with state government policymakers, parents, educators, business leaders, and other education stakeholders to transform our nation’s education system. We advocate for policies that empower parents, allow for innovation, and equip students with the skills, knowledge, and character necessary to thrive as citizens in their communities and as contributors to our increasingly competitive economy.

Takeaways

-The Discovery Institute focuses on K-12 education and aims to empower parents with education freedom and parental rights.

-Micro schools have emerged as an alternative to traditional public schools, offering a more personalized and effective learning experience.

-Teacher unions pose a significant challenge to education reform, as they prioritize their own interests over the needs of students and parents.

-Reading and critical thinking are crucial skills that need to be emphasized in education, as they lay the foundation for academic success and independent thought.

-Teacher unions often prioritize the interests of teachers over the quality of education.

Empowering parents and providing school choice can lead to improved education outcomes.

-The federal government's role in education should be reduced to allow for more state-level control.

-Supporting organizations like the Discovery Institute can help drive education reform.

Chapters

00:00 Introduction and Overview of the Discovery Institute

01:09 Focus on Education Freedom and Parental Rights

02:16 The Rise of Micro Schools

04:10 Challenges from Teacher Unions

06:19 The Importance of Reading and Critical Thinking

09:29 Promoting Free Market Principles in Education

11:04 Eliminating Political Indoctrination in Schools

14:52 Discussion on Bernie Sanders and Socialist Policies

31:13 Flaws in the American Education System

36:28 Empowering Parents and School Choice

42:10 Reducing the Federal Government's Role in Education

50:28 Potential Leaders in the Conservative Movement

54:47 Supporting Education Reform Organizations