1. United States
2. Pa.
3. Letter

These proposed grant priorities from Secretary McMahon signal a concerning shift in education policy that could negatively impact students across the country. The focus on so-called "evidence-based literacy" and expanding education choice appears to prioritize unproven methods and privatization over providing a well-rounded, high-quality public education for all children. The "science of reading" approach pushes an overly narrow curriculum centered on phonics drills, contradicting robust research showing effective literacy instruction requires a balanced approach including read-alouds, building knowledge, and authentic reading experiences. Mandating this single methodology could reduce classroom flexibility and stifle teachers' expertise. Expanding "school choice" often comes at the expense of strong neighborhood public schools, siphoning away funds and students. For-profit charter schools and voucher programs lack accountability and often underperform compared to public schools. This misguided priority threatens to exacerbate segregation and divert resources from the public education system serving the vast majority of American children. The plan to shift more control to states raises concerns about unequal access and reduced civil rights protections for vulnerable student populations like English learners, students with disabilities, and racial minorities. Federal oversight is essential for ensuring all children receive an equitable education regardless of their zip code. Rather than this ideological agenda limiting opportunities, we should invest in proven strategies to strengthen public education for all students - reducing class sizes, increasing teacher pay, updating school facilities, and providing well-rounded curricula with art, music, science and social studies. Quality education is a critical public good and civil right that should not be undermined or privatized for profit. The priorities outlined could harm students from low-income backgrounds the most by defunding and destabilizing the public schools they rely on. I urge you to reconsider these divisive policies that put corporate interests over what's best for children's education and future. Our kids deserve better.