1. Repeal all federal education laws and regulations.
The federal government regulates curricula (Common Core, Head Start, etc.) and sets conditions for receiving federal funding (see below). Repealing both education laws and regulations will allow state governments and local school districts to experiment with transition solutions without federal interference.
2. Phase out federal funding of education over a predetermined period.
Today the federal government subsidizes both K–12 and higher education through some 110 different programs.24 The subsidies come with strings attached that limit the flexibility of states and school districts. One approach to disengage the federal government is to turn today’s subsidies into block grants to states and school district without any strings attached, and to cut federal funds by 10% per year. This will give the recipients 10 years to gradually adjust and encourage them to pursue alternative funding solutions.
3. Phase out federal income tax deductions for local property taxes funding education over a predetermined period.
The federal income tax deduction for the education portion of your property taxes is a hidden subsidy for government (public) education, as a large part of education funding comes from property taxes. Phasing out the deduction, say, over 5 years, will help level the playing field between school districts and private educational initiatives, as it will move us closer to a true cost comparison between the two. The comparison is not perfect as all property owners pay government (public) school taxes, not just parents with school age children, but phasing out property tax deductions is an important step in the right direction.
4. Repeal state education regulations.
States heavily regulate myriad aspects of education, including class sizes, school environments, curricula, and teacher licensing. Repealing these regulations will prompt reforms by local governments. More importantly, getting rid of state regulations will make room for more private initiatives by small educational coops, neighborhood schools, and larger Walmart-style schools, as well as by tutoring and online education ventures.
The main driver for repeal will be the moral groundswell we talked about earlier. As state and local politicians sense where the wind is blowing, they will start to adjust their positions to remain electable. Some states and school districts will be faster to transition than others. The early successes of those taking the lead will both set examples for and put pressure on states that lag behind.
5. Phase out federal student loans.
Phasing out federal student loans by, for example, reducing the maximum available loan amounts by 10% per year will force higher education institutions to innovate in order to stay relevant, to prioritize and prune their offerings, and to compete more on price. We’ll most likely see a continued surge in online education alternatives. And we’ll see more private financing by for-profit institutions and charities favoring curricula that actually help students land a job. And as basic education improves in quality, higher ed will start to shrink. Because, as we mentioned earlier, why spend time and money on an expensive degree when employers will train you on the job?
Think Right or Wrong, Not Left or Right 