Can the U.S. rise to the challenge of restoring the American school system?
PRAY FIRST for those in the education system in our nation. Pray for wisdom and guidance for our educators, leaders, and communities to work to provide quality education for all students. Pray for safety on school campuses.
Train up a child in the way he should go; even when he is old he will not depart from it. – Proverbs 22:6
Education in the U.S. has been a growing topic of national concern, with debates around its quality and effectiveness intensifying in recent years. As of 2024, the U.S. public education system faces significant challenges in maintaining its global standing, particularly in the areas of English Language Arts (ELA), math, and science.
State of U.S. Education
One of the most telling indicators of these challenges is the U.S.’s performance on the global stage. The U.S. education system—once considered among the best in the world—has seen a noticeable decline in its global rankings. According to the Programme for International Student Assessment (PISA) scores, the U.S. ranks in the middle of the pack among developed nations. In 2022, the U.S. ranked 13th in reading, 18th in science, and 37th in math out of 79 countries. These rankings reflect a broader trend of stagnation and decline in educational outcomes over the past two decades.
These global rankings are not just statistics; they represent real challenges in foundational areas such as literacy and proficiency in critical subjects. The U.S. literacy rate, which has historically been high, has also shown signs of stagnation. Current data indicates the literacy rate for adults in the U.S. is around 87 percent, which, while still high, has not improved significantly over the past few decades. Moreover, disparities in literacy rates among different demographic groups suggest that some students may not be receiving the same quality of education as others.
National Assessment of Educational Progress (NAEP) scores have shown a decline in proficiency levels, particularly in math and science, where U.S. students lag behind their peers in countries like Finland, Singapore, and South Korea. The U.S. education system’s struggle to keep up with global standards raises questions about the effectiveness of current educational policies and practices.
Major Changes in the Education System
To understand the root causes of these challenges, it is essential to examine the significant changes that have occurred within the U.S. public education system and the Department of Education. One of the most notable shifts has been the increasing emphasis on standardized testing as a measure of educational success. While intended to ensure accountability and high standards, this focus has led to a narrowing of the curriculum, with subjects like art, music, and physical education receiving less attention.
The legislative landscape has also played a crucial role in shaping the U.S. education system. Various laws and policies have been enacted over the years, affecting the U.S. education system. The No Child Left Behind Act (NCLB) of 2001, for example, introduced high-stakes testing and accountability measures. While NCLB sought to close achievement gaps, it also placed immense pressure on schools to perform well on standardized tests, sometimes at the expense of a well-rounded education.
Charter schools and voucher systems have reshaped the educational landscape in some states. While some argue these options provide opportunities for students in under-performing schools, others contend they divert much-needed resources from public schools.
Debates over curriculum content have led to a focus on changes to what is taught in the classrooms. While important considerations, these hotly debated curriculum changes are focused on non-core subjects and raise concerns about academic freedom and the politicization of education, rather than a well-rounded education.
As these changes and challenges accumulate, they paint a complex picture of the current state of U.S. public education. Despite these challenges, there is hope for revitalizing the education system. Experts suggest that a renewed focus on early childhood education, equitable funding, and better teacher support could help improve outcomes. Also, integrating technology in a meaningful way and fostering critical thinking skills may better prepare students for the demands of the 21st century.
The Consequences of Educational Decline
The implications of these challenges extend far beyond the classroom. A lack of education can affect nearly every aspect of society. A poorly educated populace can lead to poor health, shorter life expectancy, poverty, unemployment, increase in crime, and reduced civic engagement. Education drives innovation and scientific advancements, so poorly educated countries may struggle to complete globally, hindering economic growth and development.
Pray the Vote 2024 – Candidate and Party Positions
As the election nears, the presidential candidates have expressed their views on how to address the concerns in the United States Educational system. There has been support for boosting the educational system, offering reform legislation, and planning for the future. Here are their platforms.
SPECIAL NOTE: The full platform for each party can be found on their respective websites. The following excerpts are unedited. Reader discretion is encouraged as these are political statements and have not been checked for accuracy. The Presidential Prayer Team is non-partisan and does not support or endorse any of the following statements.
2024 Democratic Party Platform – EDUCATION:
Democrats believe all children should be able to lead happy, successful lives. That’s why we’re dedicated to ensuring the next generation has access to a quality education and the tools to drive our economy forward. Our country is strongest when our workers are trained with the knowledge and ingenuity to perform at the highest levels. Every child should have the opportunity to reach that horizon and to fulfill the American Dream.
Democrats have long valued education as the key to success, both for individuals and for our nation. In 1944, Democratic President Franklin Roosevelt enacted the G.I. Bill, a landmark piece of legislation that provided World War II veterans with opportunities for higher education. The G.I. Bill helped create the modern middle class in America. And in 1965, Lyndon B. Johnson and a Democratic Congress enacted the Elementary and Secondary Education Act with the goal of providing a quality education to every child.
In recent years, Democrats have further increased access to higher education, restructured and dramatically expanded college financial aid — while making federal programs simpler, more reliable, and more efficient for students. In 2010, President Obama signed into law student loan reform that cut out the role of big banks. The Obama administration also doubled our investment in Pell Grants and made it easier for students to pay back student loans. As Donald Trump and Betsy DeVos attempt to roll back the progress we’ve made on education by stripping protections for students and student loan borrowers, we’ll keep fighting to elect Democrats who will advocate for education.
Democrats want every child – no matter their ZIP code – to have access to a quality public K-12 education, and for college to be affordable for every American. We know that as the global marketplace grows more competitive, we need to expand opportunities for higher education and job training. Democrats are committed to increasing the college-completion rate as well as the share of students who are prepared for budding industries with specific job-related skills.
Democrats recognize education as the most pressing economic issue in America’s future, and we cannot allow our country to fall behind in a global economy. We must prepare the next generation for success in college and the workforce.
2024 GOP Platform – CULTIVATE GREAT K-12 SCHOOLS LEADING TO GREAT JOBS AND GREAT LIVES FOR YOUNG PEOPLE:
Republicans offer a plan to cultivate great K-12 schools, ensure safe learning environments free from political meddling, and restore Parental Rights. We commit to an Education System that empowers students, supports families, and promotes American Values. Our Education System must prepare students for successful lives and well-paying jobs.
1. Great Principals and Great Teachers Republicans will support schools that focus on Excellence and Parental Rights. We will support ending Teacher Tenure, adopting Merit pay, and allowing various publicly supported Educational models.
2. Universal School Choice Republicans believe families should be empowered to choose the best Education for their children. We support Universal School Choice in every State in America. We will expand 529 Education Savings Accounts and support Homeschooling Families equally.
3. Prepare Students for Jobs and Careers Republicans will emphasize Education to prepare students for great jobs and careers, supporting project-based learning and schools that offer meaningful work experience. We will expose politicized education models and fund proven career training programs.
4. Safe, Secure, and Drug-Free Schools Republicans will support overhauling standards on school discipline, advocate for immediate suspension of violent students, and support hardening schools to help keep violence away from our places of learning.
5. Restore Parental Rights Republicans will restore Parental Rights in Education, and enforce our Civil Rights Laws to stop schools from discriminating on the basis of Race. We trust Parents!
5. Restore Parental Rights Republicans will restore Parental Rights in Education, and enforce our Civil Rights Laws to stop schools from discriminating on the basis of Race. We trust Parents!
6. Knowledge and Skills, Not CRT and Gender Indoctrination Republicans will ensure children are taught fundamentals like Reading, History, Science, and Math, not Leftwing propaganda. We will defund schools that engage in inappropriate political indoctrination of our children using Federal Taxpayer Dollars.
7. Promote Love of Country with Authentic Civics Education Republicans will reinstate the 1776 Commission, promote Fair and Patriotic Civics Education, and veto efforts to nationalize Civics Education. We will support schools that teach America’s Founding Principles and Western Civilization.
8. Freedom to Pray Republicans will champion the First Amendment Right to Pray and Read the Bible in school, and stand up to those who violate the Religious Freedoms of American students.
9. Return Education to the States The United States spends more money per pupil on Education than any other Country in the World, and yet we are at the bottom of every educational list in terms of results. We are going to close the Department of Education in Washington, D.C. and send it back to the States, where it belongs, and let the States run our educational system as it should be run. Our Great Teachers, who are so important to the future wellbeing of our Country, will be cherished and protected by the Republican Party so that they can do the job of educating our students that they so dearly want to do. It is our goal to bring Education in the United States to the highest level, one that it has never attained before!
Why It Matters and How We Can Respond
As these consequences become increasingly evident, it’s clear why we should care deeply about the state of education. As followers of Christ, we are called to care about one another and the education system plays a critical role in shaping the future of individuals in our society. Education is not just about academic achievement; it is about developing the whole person and equipping individuals to contribute positively in their communities.
We can live out our faith by actively engaging with local schools, offering encouragement and support to teachers, and advocating for policies that reflect Christ’s love. By doing so, we can help create an environment where every child is valued and nurtured, following the example of Jesus who welcomed and blessed the children, showing them the importance of love and care in their development.
Given the broad impacts of education, it’s clear our education system is at a crossroads. While it faces significant challenges, there are also opportunities for improvement. By addressing systemic issues, supporting good teachers, and advocating for all students’ needs, we can help ensure that we will not fail our future generations or fall behind in education. As believers, our role in this effort is vital, and through prayer, action, and advocacy, we can help make a difference in the lives of students and the future of our nation.
HOW THEN SHOULD WE PRAY:
— Pray for quality and proper education opportunities for children where they can reach their full potential. Give instruction to a wise man, and he will be still wiser; teach a righteous man, and he will increase in learning. Proverbs 9:9
— Pray for our teachers and educators to have godly direction, be encouraged, and find inspiration as they face the challenges of teaching in today’s world. And let us not grow weary of doing good, for in due season we will reap, if we do not give up. Galatians 6:9
CONSIDER THESE ITEMS FOR PRAYER:
- Pray for unity among parents, educators, and communities as they work together to support our children’s education.
- Protection over our schools, keeping our children safe from harm, and for a peaceful environment where students can learn without fear.
- Pray for the future generations of students in our nation.
- Pray for God to guide and direct those seeking public office, that their decisions regarding how to address education in America would be in the best interest of America’s youth and the future of our nation.
Sources: Organisation for Economic Co-operation and Development, National Center for Education Statistics, U.S. Department of Education, Mississippi Department of Education, Democrats.org, RNCPlatform.DonaldJTrump.com
