The other day, I heard someone claim, “There is an all-out war on public education.” Hearing this, I couldn’t help but smile and shake my head. This statement not only reflects ignorance but also reveals how out of touch the speaker is. There isn’t an all-out war on public education; rather, people are frustrated with the way public education has embraced “woke” ideologies and allowed classrooms to become venues for propaganda rather than genuine learning. The public education system is indeed flawed, and efforts to fix it have been inadequate. Instead, it has become a platform for promoting political and social agendas that detract from preparing students and developing skills that will lead to their success. It’s not a war; it’s a growing awareness that the public education system is failing in terms of morals, ethics, and truth. And honestly, people are fed up.

According to Populace’s “Purpose of Education Index,” students and parents prioritize practical skills, individualized education, and critical thinking in education. The study reveals that parents want new educational models emphasizing skill development, project-based learning, and character development—areas largely neglected by the current public education system.

The system seems more concerned with standardized test scores, political agendas, and delivering a monotonous, impersonal curriculum. Students still rely on outdated textbooks and rigid schedules instead of engaging in real-world problems that foster collaboration and critical thinking. The public education system appears tone-deaf to what truly matters and what parents and students want from their education.

Despite knowing these issues for years, the public education system remains unchanged. This stagnation is why charter and private schools are proliferating nationwide. Parents seek better options for their children and recognize that the public education system falls short. Public education often fails to encourage critical thinking, problem-solving, or real-world learning, sometimes teaching students what to think rather than how to think.

With misguided policies, such as those emerging from California, it’s no wonder people are leaving public schools in large numbers. Nevertheless, there are commendable parent advocates who have held districts accountable for their unethical and intrusive policies. They have also criticized educators who use classrooms to advance personal political agendas. Education should focus on equipping students with skills and qualities for success and productivity, including discipline, responsibility, accountability, hard work, integrity, respect, and truthfulness. It should also teach students how to think critically, solve problems, collaborate respectfully and effectively, and take pride in their work.

This is the vision for a truly effective public education system. Yet, here we are still grappling with issues like standardized tests, bathroom policies, and ethical concerns unrelated to genuine education. There is no war against public education; rather, parents are finally standing up against a system that is failing their children.