Time to Hold K-12 Schools Accountable Like Universities
We've recently seen that when universities are forced to take responsibility for failing students, real change followed.
President Donald Trump rightfully cut federal funding from institutions refusing to protect Jewish students and uphold academic standards.
For example, Columbia University alone lost $400 million, forcing administrators to rethink policies and prioritize student safety.
This same approach — tying funding to measurable performance — must be applied to K–12 schools, where academic and social foundations are built.
Many public schools operate with little accountability, even as test scores plummet and classrooms become unsafe.
National standardized test results in math and reading have dropped to historic lows, especially in large urban districts. Instead of improving instruction, many schools push political agendas while students fall behind in basic literacy.
Some teachers seemingly dedicate class time to ideological discussions, as their students struggle with multiplication tables.
Others seemingly lower grading standards to inflate success rates instead of addressing real learning gaps.
In a study conducted by The National Assessment of Educational Progress (NAEP), reading and math scores for 13-year-olds have fallen to their lowest levels in decades —clear proof that contemporary methods are failing.
The issue extends beyond academics.
Antisemitism and discrimination, associated with university campuses, have spread to public schools. Reports of antisemitic graffiti, verbal abuse, and biased classroom content are increasing.
Some teachers make inflammatory political statements, and certain schools have even invited speakers promoting divisive rhetoric.
When Jewish parents report these incidents, administrators often dismiss their concerns.
Yet the Anti-Defamation League (ADL) has documented a sharp rise in antisemitic incidents in K–12 schools, illuminating a disturbing pattern of neglect.
Schools refusing to protect students from harassment should face the same financial consequences as universities.
President Trump’s more than justified crackdown on antisemitism in higher education proved that strict oversight works.
When faced with financial losses, universities acted.
If colleges can be forced to protect students and uphold academic integrity, then K–12 schools must be held to the same standards.
Schools that fail to provide a safe and effective learning environment should lose funding, and ineffective administrators should be replaced.
The clear solution is school choice — allowing education funding to follow students, not institutions. Parents should have the power to enroll their children in schools that meet high academic and safety standards, whether that is charter schools, private institutions, or homeschooling programs.
Underperforming schools should not receive guaranteed taxpayer dollars. Instead, they should be pressured to improve or risk closure.
A system which encourages competition will push schools to perform better instead of relying on government support.
The success of school choice programs in Florida and Arizona proves that competition works. Florida’s tax-credit scholarship program has given over 100,000 low-income students the chance to attend private schools with stronger academic outcomes.
Studies from the Urban Institute show that students in Florida’s program are more likely to graduate and enroll in college than their peers in traditional public schools.
Similarly, Arizona’s Empowerment Scholarship Accounts (ESAs) allow parents to use state education funds for private schooling, tutoring, and other academic resources.
These programs lead to better student performance and higher parental satisfaction.
Some argue that cutting funds from failing schools will hurt students.
But data shows that more money does not guarantee success.
Many of the nation’s worst-performing school districts receive massive funding yet remain academically broken.
Baltimore and Detroit, for example, rank among the highest in per-student spending but have some of the lowest literacy rates.
The issue isn’t money — it’s how schools use it.
Without accountability, more funding simply enables failure. Tying financial support to results will ensure that taxpayer money benefits students, not bureaucrats.
Policies which forced universities to take responsibility must now serve as a model for K–12 education. American children deserve schools that focus on knowledge, critical thinking, and safety — not institutions that prioritize activism and ignore academic failure.
If colleges can be pressured to improve, so can elementary and high schools.
School choice offers a clear path forward, empowering parents to select the best education for their children.
Gregory Lyakhov is a young advocate for Israel. His work has been published in the New York Post, The Jerusalem Post, and several other Jewish media outlets. He's also appeared on "Fox & Friends" to discuss key issues. Read More of Gregory Lyakhov's Reports — Here.