Comprehensive Education Reform Policy for a Child-Focused, Skill-Building Curriculum Inspired by Best Global Practices
1. Removal of Inappropriate Materials from School Libraries and Curriculum:
All materials containing explicit sexual content, including but not limited to books that describe sexual behaviors, sexual practices, homosexuality, heterosexuality, pedophilia, bestiality, or any form of sexualization of minors, shall be removed from all school libraries and curricula. Schools should not allow students to access books or materials that promote or normalize inappropriate or sexually explicit content. The content available should be age-appropriate and focused on basic biological education, anatomy, and human development without encouraging sexual behaviors or identities at an early age.
2. Age-Appropriate Sex Education:
Sex education should be limited to basic biological education about human anatomy, sexually transmitted infections (STIs), and pregnancy prevention. This should be introduced in an age-appropriate manner, beginning no earlier than 10th grade, and focus strictly on factual, scientific information grounded in biology. Gender identity and transgender discussions should be excluded.
3. Restoration of Core Subjects and Basic Living Skills:
Common Core curriculum should be banned immediately. The curriculum should prioritize foundational skills that are essential for success in life, taking inspiration from top-performing schools worldwide:
- Mathematics: Students must be taught how to understand and perform mathematical operations before using calculators or digital technology. The emphasis should be on building mental math skills, problem-solving, and logical thinking, as is common in countries like Singapore and Japan, where students develop a deep understanding of mathematical concepts at an early age.
- English Language Arts: A comprehensive approach to reading, writing, and grammar should be implemented, ensuring all students graduate with the ability to read and write proficiently. This includes developing critical thinking and communication skills, much like Finland’s model, where the focus is on students developing a love of reading and analytical thinking.
- Practical Life Skills: Schools should reintroduce essential life skills such as cooking, gardening, and personal finance, modeled after countries like Denmark, where education emphasizes sustainability and self-sufficiency. These skills will contribute to students’ self-sufficiency and well-being and should be incorporated into breakfast and lunch programs, teaching children how to grow and prepare food, thus fostering sustainable living.
4. Early Career Development and Entrepreneurial Education:
From 3rd grade onward, students should be introduced to a broad range of careers and entrepreneurial opportunities. This early exposure, akin to educational practices in South Korea, will help students begin considering their future paths much earlier than the traditional 10th grade, allowing them to explore, dream, and set goals for their education and careers. By the time students reach high school, they should have a clearer sense of direction based on informed decisions and exploration.
5. Parental Control and Access to Curriculum:
Parents must have complete access to the curriculum and teaching materials used in schools. Any significant changes to the curriculum should require parental review and approval. Schools should be required to obtain 100% parental consent before outside instructors or guests are allowed to engage with students. This ensures that all educational content aligns with the values of the families being served. Parental involvement in decision-making, as practiced in Switzerland and other European countries, is vital for a well-rounded educational approach.
6. Focus on Physical and Creative Learning:
Schools should embrace a more balanced and holistic approach to education, inspired by global models that prioritize student well-being. For example, schools in Sweden and Finland incorporate physical activity and outdoor learning, believing that regular movement helps with cognitive function. Physical activity, recess, and outdoor education opportunities should be increased (especially in lower grades and mid day not at the end of the day), while also introducing more creative projects and problem-solving exercises that encourage questioning, exploration, and independent thinking. This approach aims to develop students’ creativity, social skills, and intellectual curiosity.
7. Eliminate Test-Driven Education:
Stop teaching solely for standardized tests. Education should be aimed at providing a deeper understanding of the subject matter and developing skills that students can use in real-world scenarios. Critical thinking, the ability to research, and the capacity to challenge established theories should be a core focus of education, fostering a generation of thinkers rather than mere test-takers. This practice is similar to the educational model in Finland, where the focus is on learning and growth, not just exam results.
8. Ensuring Basic Educational Competence:
There should be systems in place to ensure that no student graduates without mastering basic skills in reading, writing, math, and research. Students must demonstrate proficiency in these fundamental areas before earning a diploma. Schools should aim to create competent individuals who are capable of thriving in the workforce and society. Like in Singapore, there should be rigorous assessments to ensure students are truly competent and not just meeting basic standards.
9. Internet and Library Restrictions:
In schools and public libraries, internet access should be strictly monitored and restricted to prevent access to inappropriate content, including pornography and other sexualized websites. Access to adult materials in libraries should be limited to an adult section with strict age identification protocols before materials can be accessed or borrowed.
10. Prohibition of Animal Identity and Behavior (Furries):
Children should not be allowed to engage in behaviors that promote or encourage the adoption of animal identities (such as “furries”) or wear outfits that represent animals as part of their school experience. Schools should focus on promoting positive, healthy self-identity and personal development rather than fostering behaviors or identities that may be confusing or distracting at an early age. Schools should emphasize human development, creativity, and academic success.
11. Reduced Focus on Sexual Identity and Exploration:
Sexual behaviors and identities, especially those outside of basic biological education, should not be the responsibility of schools to teach children or teenagers. Schools should focus on fostering a healthy, well-rounded education that emphasizes academic, emotional, and social development, preparing children to lead successful, productive lives without undue emphasis on sexuality and sexual exploration at young ages.