Chapter 1: The Current State of Education

In discussions about America's challenges, education often takes center stage, especially among Democrats. However, this largely reflects a self-critique since they dominate the educational landscape.

Data from the FEC indicates that approximately 87% of high school educators and 90% of college professors identify as Democrats. Since 1980, teachers' unions such as the NEA and AFT have contributed significantly more to federal campaigns than any other entity, with a staggering 95% of those funds directed towards Democratic candidates. Therefore, it's hardly surprising that they argue for increased funding, despite the reality that the U.S. already spends more on education per student than nearly every other nation and at any point in its history.

In my home state of New York, where the literacy rate ranks among the lowest in the country, spending reaches $25,000 per student. Absurd!

This situation doesn't imply that our educational framework lacks effectiveness; rather, it excels at generating funds and consolidating power. The ruling elite benefit from advocating for free pre-K and college, as they prefer to influence your thinking for a longer duration—ideally, molding you into a compliant citizen by the age of 18.

As Noam Chomsky succinctly put it, "The education system is designed to teach obedience and conformity, stifling a child’s natural abilities." Similarly, George Carlin remarked, "Governments don’t desire well-informed, educated individuals capable of critical thought; such people threaten their control."

Milton Friedman also criticized the current state of education, calling it a disgrace, noting that nearly half of all students fail to graduate properly. He attributes this failure to the monopolistic nature of government-run schools and the powerful influence of teacher unions.

Do you possess the critical thinking skills and intellectual bravery to confront this reality? The core issue isn’t insufficient funding; it’s the lack of freedom. Hence, the pivotal question arises: How can students reclaim their educational autonomy?

Republican leaders have championed school vouchers and charter schools for decades, a notion I support. Yet, even in the most conservative states, these programs are almost nonexistent, accounting for less than 0.4% of total U.S. K–12 education funding. Clearly, a reevaluation is needed.

On a federal level, it is imperative to dismantle the Department of Education and eliminate student loans, as education should fall under state jurisdiction. Federal loans inflate tuition costs for degrees that often do not align with job market needs.

At the state level, we should consider a system where degrees are accredited through examinations. Residents should be able to obtain high school diplomas, associate degrees, vocational degrees, and bachelor’s degrees solely by passing tests, free of charge. If an exam suffices to become an EMT or pilot, surely it should be adequate for a history degree as well.

A state university could offer free online courses in high-demand fields like computer science, nursing, and economics. Students would need to pass ten exams for an associate or vocational degree and an additional ten for a bachelor’s degree, with assessments scheduled monthly.

Your learning approach would be entirely up to you!

Additionally, upon enrolling for an exam, students would receive an Education Savings Account (ESA) with $300. Each time a student passes an exam, they could access further funds for subsequent tests, enabling them to graduate with minimal or no debt.

It’s conceivable that a dedicated student could earn a high school diploma and a bachelor’s degree by age 16 without incurring any financial burden!

The reality is that much of education serves as a signaling mechanism. Students can already attend university lectures for free, yet few do. Many opt for "easy A's" while neglecting classes, despite the high costs. The focus often shifts to obtaining that coveted diploma rather than genuine learning. If students can demonstrate knowledge, they should be awarded their degrees!

However, any alternative to our current education system will face significant resistance from those in power who wish to maintain their influence over public perception. Critics often dismiss standardized testing, fearing accountability for their inadequate teaching methods. The refrain, "I don't want to teach to a test," is often a disguise for their reluctance to have their effectiveness measured.

While excessive testing is undesirable, the current requirement for a bachelor's degree involves more exams than the proposed 20. The real issue lies not in over-testing but rather in the poverty, debt, and indoctrination perpetuated by the system. Expanding and standardizing credentialing could liberate our youth!

I foresee a future where standardized credentials become the norm, but the question remains: who will take the initiative first—a state like Mississippi, a corporation, or even a foreign entity?

As online education grows and artificial intelligence improves, obtaining degrees through examination will become increasingly accessible. Knowledge could become quantifiable, enhancing political discourse and potentially shifting public opinion to the right.

The beauty of the Degree-by-Examination + Education Savings Account (DEESA) model is its simplicity—it could be implemented tomorrow if just one state exhibits the vision and determination to do so.

DEESA may also prove to be more politically viable than the ongoing debate over vouchers and charter schools, as it offers a straightforward solution rather than a complex battle with established educational norms.

As more individuals choose DEESA over traditional, costly education, employers will recognize these graduates as superior candidates compared to those from conventional institutions. As DEESA gains traction, universities will feel compelled to enhance their affordability and quality. It’s a win-win scenario.

The state that adopts DEESA will likely witness a significant improvement in its citizens' skills, civic awareness, critical thinking, personal accountability, and overall prosperity. It’s a monumental opportunity!

This is a small step out of the Ivory Tower, but a giant leap for society. The knowledge housed within these towers is already widely accessible; thus, credentials should follow suit—let’s dismantle the barriers to education!

The first video, "Here's How to Fix Public Education," explores practical solutions to enhance our educational framework, addressing key issues and proposing actionable steps towards reform.

In the second video, "The ONLY Way to Fix Our Education System" by Simon Sinek, the speaker outlines a vision for transforming education that empowers students and promotes accountability.