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“How can Indiana transform its education system to better prepare students for both college and the workforce?”
As a staunch advocate for individual liberty and personal responsibility, I believe that transforming Indiana’s education system is critical to preparing our students for both college and the workforce.
The foundation of a student’s educational success throughout their life is the set of skills they learn during their elementary school (K–4th grade) experience. I believe we must refocus this critical period of foundational learning on reading, writing and basic arithmetic. Once a child develops these skills, they will have the tools necessary to tailor their future educational experiences to their aptitudes and interests.
One size does not fit all. We must move away from rigid, standardized curricula and testing to allow students and their parents to tailor students’ educational paths. Our teachers must be empowered to teach the child how to learn rather than how to take a standardized test.
Whether a student aspires to attend college, pursue a vocational career, or engage in entrepreneurial endeavors, they should have the freedom to choose courses aligned with their interests and goals. We should encourage competency-based learning, where students progress at their own pace. This approach ensures mastery of essential skills rather than mere completion of seat time.
Vocational, entrepreneurial and career-focused learning opportunities are essential to empowering students in today’s economy. By allowing high school students to participate in paid work-and-learn programs, we introduce them to and prepare them for in-demand careers while they earn a high school diploma as well as industry credentials. Students can gain practical experience through internships, co-ops and partnerships with local businesses. Real-world exposure enhances their readiness for the workforce and helps them determine the path they will pursue after high school.
Beyond academic knowledge, high school students should develop soft skills like communication, critical thinking and adaptability. These skills are essential for success in both college and the workplace. We should incorporate project-based learning, teamwork and problem-solving exercises to foster these skills. Let’s prepare students for life’s opportunities instead of standardized tests.
High school students should have access to dual-credit courses, allowing them to earn college credits while still in high school. This reduces the financial burden of higher education and accelerates their academic journey. We should strive to strengthen partnerships between high schools and colleges to expand dual-credit offerings.
We must empower parents and students to choose the best educational environment for them from a robust and diverse market of educational platforms, whether that be traditional public schools, charter schools, private schools, homeschooling or hybrid options.
In summary, Indiana’s education system must evolve to meet the demands of the 21st century. We must realize that this cannot be accomplished through the status quo concepts of one-size-fits-all, government-mandated public education that focuses on standardized test scores. We should endeavor to measure our state’s educational success using more holistic metrics, such as graduation rates, job placement, and entrepreneurial engagement.
By embracing this more holistic approach, we can empower our students to thrive both in college and the workforce. As governor, I am committed to championing these reforms and ensuring that every Hoosier student can define and achieve their own definition of success.•
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Rainwater is the Libertarian candidate for governor. He ran unsuccessfully for governor in 2020. Send comments to ibjedit@ibj.com
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