Federalized School Choice & Options : A Framework for the New Dept. of American Education (MASA)
Policies for the New Dept. of American Education (MASA) (Make America Smart Again)
SHORT SUMMARY
Imagine if you could go to a school that’s all about something you love, like music, sports, or science. With MASA, instead of having only one kind of school, you could pick a school that’s just right for you, focused on the things you’re most interested in. Every school would still teach reading, math, and writing, and you’d also learn important skills like handling money.
If you want to do school from home, MASA offers free online classes for kids who want to be homeschooled. Parents would even get money each month to help buy the things they need for learning. And, if they want to play sports or do theater, you could join teams or activities at nearby schools that specialize in that talent or community centers where this if offered, even if your child is homeschooled.
When you’re child is ready for college, it would be free too! You’d need good grades or test scores to get in, but once accepted, you wouldn’t have to worry about paying for it. This initiative also promises to teach only real, honest information, making sure there’s no government influence in your learning. Plus, there’s a plan to share all kinds of cool and lesser-known facts that were hard to find before.
With MASA, school would be exciting, fair, and focused on helping your chils learn in the way that’s best for him or her.
Overview
The MASA (Make America Smart Again) initiative proposes a transformative shift in the American education system by replacing the Department of Education with a two-pronged education model. This model offers a range of in-person, themed school programs that are federally supported but locally directed, as well as a robust, free online schooling platform. This new system prioritizes student choice, parental involvement, and innovative curricula tailored to diverse interests and career paths while ensuring core academic and life skills are met.
Policy Objectives:
- In-Person Schooling with Specialized Themes and Federalized School Choice Programs
- Federalized School Choice: MASA provides a federalized school choice framework to offer students and families a wider selection of educational pathways, especially focusing on needs unmet at the state level. This includes ensuring that families can access schools best suited to their children’s individual talents, learning styles, and aspirations without being restricted by geography or local school zoning.
- Themed Schools: The in-person education system will consist entirely of specialized schools focused on distinct missions or fields, such as STEM, music, military, culinary arts, acting/theater, and other areas. Each themed school will incorporate core subjects (math, reading, and writing) with proficiency testing in these subjects as a standard requirement for student assessment and progression. Additionally, financial literacy education will be a mandated component of all high school programs, equipping students with essential skills for managing personal finances, budgeting, and understanding credit.
- Free Online Schooling for Primary and Higher Education Levels
- Primary Online Education for Homeschooling: The MASA online education platform will provide a free, flexible, high-quality online education curriculum for homeschooling at the primary and secondary levels. Parents who choose this option will receive monthly stipends equivalent to their local tax credit to support homeschooling efforts. These funds will ensure they have access to educational materials and resources, providing an equitable homeschooling experience. Homeschooled students can still engage in extracurricular activities, such as sports or arts, by participating in local themed schools or community centers, depending on their interest.
- Higher Education (College and University): MASA introduces a streamlined, tuition-free model for higher education, contingent upon students meeting certain entry requirements, such as GRE, SAT scores, or community college credits. Once accepted, students can pursue degrees at in-person, online, or hybrid schools, up to the highest degree levels. This approach provides accessible pathways to further education without a financial burden, allowing students to specialize in their chosen fields and contribute meaningfully to the economy.
- Commitment to Non-Governmental, Factual Education
- Propaganda-Free Curriculum: MASA emphasizes factual, unbiased educational content across all programs. In response to concerns about misinformation and biased curricula, all educational content will be carefully developed and reviewed to eliminate government-driven propaganda and ideologically biased information. This ensures that students receive an education grounded in truth and transparency.
- Unearthed Knowledge for Public Access: The MASA initiative also supports a commitment to presenting previously inaccessible or overlooked areas of knowledge. By collaborating with historians, researchers, and educators, MASA will curate a curriculum that includes hidden or lesser-known aspects of history, science, and culture, broadening students’ understanding of the world and fostering a well-rounded intellectual foundation.
Key Features of MASA
- School Choice and Innovation
- Families have access to themed in-person schools focused on specialized missions.
- School choice programs allow for diverse education options, fostering a customized education path that nurtures individual strengths and interests.
- Accessible Homeschooling and Extracurriculars
- Homeschooling families receive a monthly stipend to ensure they can access resources for quality education.
- Homeschooled students can participate in extracurriculars at themed schools or community sports centers, promoting well-rounded growth.
- Free Higher Education Pathways
- Tuition-free higher education opportunities provide access to college and university education for qualified students, reducing student debt and encouraging skill acquisition across all fields.
- Financial Literacy and Core Skills
- High school education must include financial literacy, with an emphasis on practical life skills that prepare students for adult responsibilities.
- Non-Biased Education with Previously Hidden Knowledge
- Ensures that all education is factual, removing government bias.
- Introduces comprehensive curricula that include lesser-known historical, scientific, and cultural content.
Implementation and Oversight
- Federal and Local Collaboration: Local communities will collaborate with the federal government to ensure that the in-person and online systems are accessible, meet high standards, and remain true to the MASA objectives.
- Funding and Stipends: Funding for themed schools, stipends for homeschooling, and financial support for extracurricular activities will come from reallocating Department of Education resources.
- Curriculum Development: A special board of educators, historians, and researchers will review and develop curriculum standards to meet MASA’s commitment to truthfulness and intellectual diversity.
Expected Benefits
- Increased Quality of Life: MASA encourages a flexible, accessible education model that aligns with the career interests and lifestyles of modern students, supporting both in-person and online learning.
- Financial Accessibility: By providing a federally funded, tuition-free higher education option and stipends for homeschooling, MASA removes financial barriers and promotes accessible education for all.
- Strengthened Community Engagement: With schools tailored to specific fields and interests, students can better connect to their passions and build skills that support local and national growth.
Conclusion
MASA - Make America Smart Again - redefines education in the United States by offering both in-person, themed schooling options and free online education. This policy prioritizes student choice, ensures financial accessibility, and removes government bias from the curriculum, setting a new standard for a transparent and inclusive American education system.