California Education Crisis: Prioritizing Progressive Agenda over Students’ Needs?

California high school student Jordan Brace strongly criticized her state’s education system in a recent op-ed, calling it a “failure” due to its focus on progressive initiatives instead of providing students with proper education. According to U.S. News and World Report rankings, California ranks 38th overall for Pre-K through 12th grade education, placing below average in math (ranking 33rd) and reading (placing 38th). In the current school year, less than half of students performed at their grade level in English, mathematics, and science. Brace explained on “Fox News @ Night” that her state’s education department is more focused on Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion (DEI) initiatives rather than teaching essential skills to its young people. Jill Simonian, the outreach director for PragerU Kids, warned of terrifying statistics coming from California’s educational system, which she believes does not adequately prepare students with fundamental tools necessary to become informed adults. Brace also expanded her argument beyond just education reform in California but argued that young people must look towards their parents as role models and seek guidance at home rather than relying solely on the schooling provided by authorities like the Department of Education, which she believes is failing both its students and parents alike. Simonian agreed with this sentiment, emphasizing how it’s crucial to instill values in children while they are young so that they can grow into responsible adults who respect their country’s traditions as opposed to being taught hateful ideologies aimed at dividing them by differences instead of fostering unity among people. Both Brace and Simonian stressed the importance for parents, students, and society to prioritize education reform over DEI initiatives in order to ensure that young individuals receive a well-rounded educational experience that prepares them with essential skills necessary to become informed citizens who can contribute positively towards their communities as adults.