As Floridians prepare to head to the polls in the upcoming election, one topic of discussion that has been circulating is what public education would look like under a DeSantis presidency. Education has been a hot-button issue in Florida politics for many years, and with Governor Ron DeSantis running for re-election, many are wondering what changes he might bring to the state’s education system if he wins another term.
One of the most notable changes that could occur under a DeSantis presidency is an increase in school choice and the expansion of charter schools. Governor DeSantis has been a vocal supporter of school choice and has frequently defended the use of taxpayer dollars to fund private and charter schools. DeSantis has also been a strong advocate for expanding voucher programs, which allow students to use state funding to attend private schools. However, many critics of these policies argue that they can harm public schools by directing funding away from them and toward private institutions.
Another area where DeSantis could make changes in public education is with regard to curriculum and testing. Florida has been known for its rigorous standardized testing requirements, and many parents and educators have complained that these tests can be too stressful for students and take up too much time in the classroom. DeSantis has expressed support for lessening the emphasis on testing and increasing flexibility for teachers when it comes to curriculum. However, it remains to be seen what kind of concrete changes he might push for in this area.
In addition to these policy changes, DeSantis has also been very vocal about the importance of individual freedom and parental choice when it comes to education. He has been critical of policies that restrict parents’ ability to make decisions about their children’s education, such as mask mandates in schools. It is possible that a DeSantis presidency could lead to fewer restrictions on what schools are required to do when it comes to health and safety measures.
Of course, it is impossible to know for certain what changes would occur under a DeSantis presidency. Education policy is complex and can be influenced by a variety of factors, from state funding to federal regulations. However, it is clear that DeSantis has a strong vision for education in Florida, and his policies have been popular with many voters. Whether or not those policies will ultimately benefit the state’s students and teachers remains to be seen.
