****

President-elect Donald Trump has unveiled an ambitious agenda aiming to thoroughly overhaul the American public school system. With sweeping changes, his proposed policies focus on increasing parental control, eliminating certain federal oversight, and adjusting funding mechanisms for schools.

During a speech in September 2023, Trump criticized the current system for "indoctrinating" young people with inappropriate materials and emphasized the need to refocus education toward preparing children for the workforce. Among his most significant proposals, Trump plans to eliminate the U.S. Department of Education, believing that school choice should be returned to the states. He also pledged to restore parental rights, ensuring that parents are well-informed about their children’s curriculum, school expenditures, and any acts of violence at school.

One of Trump’s primary objectives is to cut federal funding for schools that promote Critical Race Theory or gender ideology. He also intends to instigate civil rights investigations into any school districts that engage in race-based discrimination, particularly against Asian Americans.

A notable aspect of Trump's plan includes the right of parents to elect school principals, which he believes will foster accountability and improve school performance. He also proposed the implementation of a credentialing body to certify teachers and supports measures to allow concealed carry of weapons by teachers to enhance school safety.

Trump's policies may significantly impact Title IX, a federal law preventing sex-based discrimination in federally funded education programs. His approach would bar transgender girls from participating in girls' sports, which may conflict with current Title IX directives.

While Trump has not focused on student loan forgiveness, eliminating the Department of Education could indirectly affect student loans and other educational programs. He has also proposed increasing discipline for students involved in drug use and supporting the right to pray in schools.

In summary, Trump’s education policy plan seeks not only to restructure the administrative and financial foundations of public schooling but also to ensure that parents have a more significant role in shaping their children's educational experiences.