our stance on
Education

Fixing Education: The Pivot Party’s Vision

Education is the foundation of a strong nation, but for many Americans, the system isn’t working. Too much red tape, corporate greed, and profit-driven agendas have taken power away from teachers and failed to prepare students for real-world success. In math, U.S. students rank only 31st globally, and the average reading level for American students has stagnated at below grade level for years. Public schools often focus on standardized tests instead of critical thinking, leaving students unprepared for college or careers. Meanwhile, corporations profit from overpriced supplies, software, and testing services, while students and teachers bear the consequences.

We believe teachers and educators should be in charge of education—not bureaucrats or corporations. The Pivot Party is committed to cutting out the waste, holding big businesses accountable, and building a system that puts students and teachers first.

The Pivot Party’s Plan for Education

Our plan focuses on empowering teachers, cutting corporate influence, and giving every student a fair shot:

1. Give Teachers the Power to Teach:

   • Cut unnecessary paperwork so teachers can spend more time in the classroom.

   • Raise teacher pay so they are treated like the professionals they are.

   • Provide training and tools to help educators grow and adapt to changing needs.

2. Stop Big Business from Profiting Off Schools:

   • Ban overpriced contracts with companies that make millions from schools but don’t help students.

   • Hold corporations accountable for selling overpriced supplies, testing services, and software.

   • Redirect that money into classrooms, where it can actually help students.

3. Make Education Affordable for Everyone:

   • Fund underserved schools to make sure every child has access to quality education.

   • Offer universal pre-K, affordable childcare, and free school meals so every child gets a strong start.

   • Make college affordable by capping tuition and creating debt-free options.

4. Prepare Students for the Future:

   • Modernize curriculums to include skills like technology, critical thinking, and problem-solving.

   • Expand vocational training, apprenticeships, and trade programs to open up more career paths.

   • Use technology wisely in classrooms to enhance learning, not replace teachers.

5. Make School Funding Fair:

   • Replace property tax-based funding with a fair system so all schools have the resources they need, no matter where they are.

   • Invest more in schools in low-income areas to ensure equal opportunities for all students.

6. Reduce Over-Testing:

   • Stop relying so much on standardized tests, which limit learning and stress out students and teachers.

   • Use better ways to measure success that encourage creativity and real learning.

A Better Future for Students and Teachers

We see a future where teachers have the freedom to inspire, and students have the tools they need to succeed. By empowering educators, cutting out corporate greed, and modernizing schools, we can create an education system that benefits every family and community.

What Went Wrong: Key Problems in Education

To fix education, we need to understand how we got here:

1. 1. Unequal School Funding: Brown v. Board of Education (1954):

      • The Supreme Court’s ruling in Brown v. Board of Education (1954) declared school segregation unconstitutional, but funding tied to local property taxes continued to perpetuate inequality. Wealthier districts thrive, while poorer ones struggle with outdated resources and crumbling buildings.

   2. Cuts to Public Funding: Gramm-Rudman-Hollings Act (1985):

      • Federal and state-level funding cuts to public education shifted costs to families, driving up college tuition and leaving students with overwhelming debt. Policies like the Gramm-Rudman-Hollings Act (1985) reduced public investment in critical services, including education.

   3. Corporate Influence in Schools: Education Flexibility Partnership Act (1999):

      • The rise of for-profit companies in education, spurred by policies like the Education Flexibility Partnership Act (1999), allowed corporations to profit from overpriced contracts, supplies, and testing while diverting funds from classrooms.

   4. Neglect of Vocational Training: Carl D. Perkins Vocational and Technical Education Act (1998):

      • Shifts in federal and state priorities reduced funding for trade and vocational programs. The underfunding of the Carl D. Perkins Vocational and Technical Education Act (1998) left many students unprepared for high-paying, skilled jobs.

   5. Too Much Testing: No Child Left Behind Act (2001):

      • The No Child Left Behind Act (2001) mandated standardized testing as the primary measure of success, narrowing curriculums, increasing student stress, and taking control away from teachers.

   6. Too Much Bureaucracy: Every Student Succeeds Act (2015):

      • Federal and state mandates added layers of administrative rules, fueled by acts like the Every Student Succeeds Act (2015). This shifted teachers’ focus from teaching to navigating paperwork and compliance.

By addressing these problems, we can create an education system that works for everyone. Teachers should have the power to teach, students should have the resources to learn, and families should have affordable options for their children’s future.

It’s time to pivot. Let’s fix education for our students, our teachers, and our country.