American Education & Civics Foundation Act (AECF Act)
Section 1: Purpose and Short Title
- This Act shall be cited as the “American Education & Civics Foundation Act,” or “AECF Act.”
- Purpose: To replace the Department of Education with a decentralized model that supports state-driven educational programs. This Act emphasizes civics education, the principles of the United States as a constitutional republic, and local control over curriculum decisions.
Section 2: Establishment of the American Education & Civics Foundation (AECF)
- The American Education & Civics Foundation (AECF) is hereby established as an independent federal body under the supervision of a nonpartisan board appointed by the President and confirmed by the Senate.
- Mission of the AECF: To provide guidance, resources, and support to states for developing educational standards and curricula that reflect local needs while prioritizing civics education, American history, and foundational documents.
Section 3: Structure and Functions of the AECF
- Guidance and Resources: AECF shall provide optional frameworks, curriculum resources, and research on best practices, with no mandates for states to adopt these resources.
- Funding: AECF shall administer federal education funding through block grants based on each state’s population and need. Grants are intended to support state-specific goals, particularly in civics education and underserved regions.
- Protection of State Autonomy: AECF shall have no authority to impose national education standards or curricula, respecting each state’s unique educational needs.
Section 4: Focus on Civics and Constitutional Literacy
- Foundations of Freedom Curriculum: AECF shall develop a suggested civics curriculum, including the Declaration of Independence, the Constitution, the Bill of Rights, and the Federalist and Anti-Federalist Papers, available to states at their discretion.
- Key Civic Principles: The curriculum shall emphasize the U.S. as a constitutional republic, the difference between republics and democracies, and the importance of individual rights and civic duties.
- Civics Literacy Requirement: AECF shall encourage states to adopt a civics literacy graduation requirement based on primary documents and the structure of American government, ensuring students understand the importance of civil liberties and civic participation.
Section 5: Establishment of Regional Education & Civics Councils
- Regional Councils: AECF shall establish regional councils to foster collaboration among states, share resources, and discuss innovative education practices. These councils shall have representation from each state’s department of education, local educators, and community leaders.
- Pilot Programs: The regional councils shall act as incubators for pilot programs in areas such as career and technical education, civics, STEM, and teacher training, with results shared among participating states.
Section 6: Teacher Training and Professional Development
- Civics Certification: AECF shall offer voluntary civics certification programs for educators, focusing on constitutional knowledge, American history, and civic responsibility.
- Professional Development Grants: AECF shall allocate funds to states for continuous professional development, especially in the areas of American history, government, and civics education.
Section 7: Funding and Accountability
- Block Grant Structure: Federal education funds shall be allocated through block grants based on criteria including state population, need, and demonstrated commitment to civics education. States may use these funds for their specific educational priorities, as long as they address measurable improvements in student outcomes.
- Outcome Metrics: States shall develop and report annually on accountability metrics, including literacy rates, graduation rates, and civics knowledge, as determined by state standards.
Section 8: Federal Role as Safety Net and Civil Rights Enforcer
- Emergency Support: AECF shall provide grants to assist schools facing extraordinary challenges, such as economic hardship or natural disasters.
- Civil Rights Oversight: AECF shall ensure compliance with federal civil rights laws, protecting students’ rights to equitable access to education without discrimination.
Section 9: Repeal of the Department of Education
- The Department of Education is hereby dissolved, with all functions transferred to the American Education & Civics Foundation and related oversight mechanisms.
- Transition Period: A transitional period of three years is established, during which the Department of Education shall coordinate with AECF to ensure continuity of educational services.
Section 10: Effective Date
- This Act shall take effect within 12 months following the date of enactment, with the full transfer of functions completed by the end of the transition period.
Comparing AECF to the Department of Education
The proposed AECF model emphasizes state autonomy, allowing localities to design education systems that reflect their unique needs, while the Department of Education currently has a more centralized role, setting broad standards and enforcing federal policies across states. Key differences include:
- Control and Flexibility: AECF would shift control to states, offering resources and recommendations rather than enforcing federal mandates. This might empower states to address local issues directly without being bound by a one-size-fits-all federal approach.
- Civics Education Focus: AECF’s proposed curriculum prioritizes a deep understanding of the Constitution and America’s founding principles, which could help cultivate an informed citizenry that understands civil liberties and the distinction between a constitutional republic and a pure democracy. The current Department of Education supports civics education but often within broader federal standards that vary across states.
- Funding Structure: AECF’s block grant approach allows states to use federal funding based on locally determined priorities, while the Department of Education often ties funding to adherence to federal programs or benchmarks, which can sometimes limit state flexibility.
- Emphasis on Civic Responsibility: By focusing on instilling civic duty and understanding, AECF aims to foster a generation that values individual rights within the framework of a constitutional republic, potentially creating a more engaged, principled, and informed public.
In essence, AECF would offer a model better aligned with fostering civic literacy and a localized approach to education, while reaching a global level of achievement potentially making it a suitable alternative if the priority is to reinforce civil liberties and constitutional principles across the United States.