Corey DeAngelis: Championing Parental Empowerment and the Future of School Choice

It’s tough not to feel disheartened when the systems meant to support education seem so rigid and unyielding. There’s this sense that meaningful change is always just out of reach, tangled up in politics and competing priorities. Teachers unions and government structures often get painted as the culprits, but the truth is, the issues are usually much more layered. The frustration comes from wanting something better—schools that actually meet kids’ needs—without always knowing how to break through the noise and make it happen.

Corey DeAngelis is a leading voice in the school choice movement, serving as a senior fellow at the American Culture Project and the Educational Freedom Institute. As the author of the book "The Parent Revolution," Corey has been a tireless advocate for educational freedom. Today, Corey talks about his personal experiences with government-run schools and his research linking school choice to positive outcomes like crime reduction. Join in as young leaders pose inquiries about life, personal development, and beyond!

Quotes:

• “We cannot continue to send our children to Caesar for their education and be surprised when they come home as Romans.” – Corey DeAngelis
• “The money doesn't belong to the government schools. Education funding is meant for educating children, not for propping up and protecting a particular institution. We should fund students, not systems.” – Corey DeAngelis
• “If we can create groups, much like the one we have here today, the bigger those groups become, the more effective they will be.” – Corey DeAngelis
• “In anything you are sending, anyone you are partnering with, and anyone you are entrusting your children to, you are giving them the nod to transfer their way of life into your child.” – Matt Beaudreau

Takeaways:

• Arm yourself with quick, compelling responses to counter common arguments against school choice.
• Explore self-publishing and building your platform as a conservative author.
• Organize and empower parent groups in your community.
• Research education savings account programs in your state. These innovative policies can provide families with greater flexibility and control over their children's education.
• Reflect on your own educational experiences and how they shape your views on school choice.

Conclusion:

Meaningful educational reform begins with giving families the freedom to choose the learning environments that best support their children’s growth. By recognizing that every child has unique needs, we can create a system that prioritizes individual potential over one-size-fits-all solutions. Empowering families in this way provides greater opportunities for students to thrive and succeed. This not only benefits children but strengthens the foundation of education.