Who Should Control Education? Northwood Authors Make the Case for Empowering Families
Northwood University Economics Professor Dr. Alex Tokarev, alumna Kristin Tokarev and student Mitchell Ashley examine federal education policy, school choice and the importance of parental authority in a new piece published by the Independent Institute.
For decades, debates over American education have centered on which level of government should exercise greater control. But three members of the Northwood University community argue that the more important question is whether government should hold that power at all.
In a new article published by the Independent Institute, Northwood economics professor Dr. Alex Tokarev, Northwood alumna Kristin Tokarev and current student Mitchell Ashley examine the federal government’s role in education and make the case for returning decision-making authority to families.
The authors contend that shifting responsibility from Washington to state governments would not, by itself, constitute meaningful reform. States and local districts can also impose uniform policies that fail to account for the distinct needs of individual students. Instead, the authors argue, education policy should empower parents to select the learning environment that best serves their children.
Drawing on economist Milton Friedman’s ideas, the article explores how school choice can introduce greater competition and accountability into education. Public schools, charter schools, private institutions and other providers should have to earn families’ confidence rather than receive students based primarily on where they live, the authors argue.
They also address concerns about unequal access to educational opportunities, noting that affluent families already exercise school choice by moving to preferred districts or paying private-school tuition. Expanding options such as education savings accounts, tax-credit scholarships and vouchers could extend that freedom to families with fewer financial resources.
The article reflects Northwood University’s commitment to examining public policy through the principles of individual freedom, personal responsibility, and other tenets of The Northwood Idea. It also brings together the perspectives of a Northwood faculty member, graduate and student in a national conversation about the future of American education.
Read “Who Should Control Education?” at the Independent Institute.