Trump’s education agenda includes abolishing teacher tenure, implementing universal school choice, and promoting patriotism in schools.

Having former teacher Gov. Tim Walz complete the Democratic ticket could put education in the spotlight during this election.

Republican Presidential candidate Donald Trump has outlined his education policy agenda in Agenda47. Apart from Project 2025, Agenda47 addresses Trump’s official stance on various issues such as crime, healthcare, and immigration. Agenda47 regarding education presents 10 proposals for “excellent schools leading to prosperous careers” covering topics from curriculum mandates to prioritizing monetary support for schools with intern programs.

This election arrives at a critical juncture for educators, according to Jon Valant, director at the Brown Center on Education Policy at the Brookings Institution. With the challenges of the pandemic and ongoing cultural controversies, teachers have faced challenging times, and Valant believes that Trump’s suggestions are unlikely to address the fundamental issues at hand.

“The emphasis here is more on politics rather than actual policies,” stated Valant in an interview. “I am concerned about the distraction caused by such proposals as they divert attention from essential discussions.”

The National Education Association, the largest teachers’ union in the U.S., has thrown its weight behind Vice President Kamala Harris and Walz. NEA President Becky Pringle criticized Trump’s strategy rooted in his appointment of Betsy DeVos as Education secretary. She expressed the need for an administration that supports teachers with more resources and recognition to mitigate the teacher shortage.

“When I began teaching many years ago… I didn’t fully realize that every decision affecting my students, my classroom, and my peers was made by someone in elected or appointed authority,” shared Pringle, advocating for more educators in governmental roles. “We are striving to have an educator in the White House.”

Here are a few of Trump’s proposed education policies impacting teachers and educational systems, as mentioned in Agenda47:

Tim Walz’s career progression: From high school teacher to Kamala Harris’ vice-presidential selection

Prioritizing schools that eliminate teacher tenure

“To reward competent educators, President Trump will implement funding incentives and special considerations for states and school districts that abolish teacher tenure for grades K-12, adopt Merit Pay to recognize good teachers, and grant parents the right to choose the principals overseeing their children’s education.”

◾ The evolution: Valant described this proposition as a classic choice for conservative education reform, historically appealing to conservatives. Nearly a decade ago, several states aimed to reform teacher tenure by extending the probation period, but in recent times, the focus has shifted as other educational issues took precedence.

◾ Current scenario: Valant emphasized the influence of union politics here; teachers unions aim to safeguard tenure as a protection against unjust dismissals. Valant noted that this proposition directly targets teachers unions and expressed concerns about teacher recruitment and retention given the strained circumstances of recent years, fearing that removing tenure could worsen the situation.

Universal freedom in school selection

“President Trump advocates for universal school choice allowing parents to enroll their children in public, private, or religious schools that best align with their requirements, aspirations, and values… President Trump praised states like Arizona, Arkansas, Florida, Iowa, Ohio, Oklahoma, Utah, and West Virginia for spearheading the revolution in American school choice and anticipates collaborating with other states and the U.S. Congress to establish universal school choice for every American family.”

◾ The backstory: School choice encompasses various policies enabling parents to use public funds for private school tuition or home education. Valant highlighted a prior consensus on limited school choice policies, allowing for charter schools. However, the recent years witnessed the widespread expansion of school choice policies, including the distribution of vouchers to parents to subsidize private school expenses. Advocates of school choice argue that it provides an alternative for students in underperforming schools.

◾ In the present context: The full ramifications of broadening school choice policies remain to be seen. Valant cautioned that vouchers may not cover private school fees adequately, mainly assisting affluent families who already have children in private schools. This shift could alter the enrollment landscape, funneling affluent children into private schools and economically disadvantaged children to public schools, posing risks to the public education framework.

Establish a certification body for patriotic teachers

“President Trump intends to reinstate the 1776 Commission, an initiative Trump initially established and was dissolved by Joe Biden on his inaugural day, to ensure American children are taught the authentic history of their nation and fundamental principles of freedom and equality… Trump will veto any attempt to politicize or centralize civics education. Additionally, he will establish a certification authority to accredit teachers who uphold patriotic values and endorse the American way of life.”

◾ The historical context: Trump initiated the 1776 Commission in November 2020 in response to the New York Times’ 1619 Project, which delves into America’s slavery history. This backlash included conservatives enacting bans on “critical race theory” curriculums, igniting cultural clashes. The report generated by the commission shortly before Trump’s departure downplayed America’s slavery past and undercut the civil rights movement’s legacy.

◾ In today’s perspective: Messaging on critical race theory and historical curricula has subdued recently. Valant cautioned against the political motives behind establishing a new certification body, deviating from traditional conservative values of reducing governmental oversight.

Pringle echoed concerns about the political nature of such a body, fearing it may consist of unqualified appointees.

“They lack insight into our children’s needs, are untrained in accommodating diverse learning styles and skills, and are unaware of how to engage with educators,” remarked Pringle. “Every action taken by Trump bears a political inclination.”