Digital Social Hour: Revolutionizing Education with Erika Donalds (DSH #1129)
Release Date: January 20, 2025
Host: Sean Kelly
1. Introduction to Erika Donalds and Optima Ed
In this episode of Digital Social Hour, host Sean Kelly welcomes Erika Donalds, a faculty member at the Leadership Institute and CEO of Optima Ed. Erika shares her personal experience with homeschooling and her innovative approach to education through virtual reality (VR).
2. The Department of Education and Political Dynamics
Erika delves into the ongoing political discourse surrounding the Department of Education, highlighting former President Trump's commitment to dismantling or streamlining the department to return control to parents and states.
“Trump likes to keep his promises. The promises made, promises kept.” [01:14] - Erika Donalds
She traces the history of attempts to eliminate the Department, noting that previous efforts since the Reagan administration have failed despite the department's poor performance metrics.
3. Educational Performance and Student Loans
The conversation shifts to the Department of Education's impact on student loans and financial aid accessibility. Erika criticizes the department's inefficiency, particularly under Secretary Cardona, which has led to decreased college enrollment due to FAFSA processing issues.
“Far fewer students are going to college. And a lot of people attribute that to not being able to get financial aid simply because the Department of Education can't even run a form on a website and get people the student loans that they need.” [02:34] - Erika Donalds
Both host and guest share personal anecdotes about the burden of student loans, emphasizing the emotional and financial stress they cause.
4. Rising Tuition Costs and Government Subsidies
Erika addresses the skyrocketing tuition fees, attributing them to government subsidies that detach costs from consumer choice, leading to inflation and resource misallocation.
“A physics degree is the same cost as an art degree or a gender studies degree that does not pay and give you the same return on investment.” [03:15] - Erika Donalds
She advocates for private sector involvement in student loans, ensuring that loans correlate with the potential return on investment from various degrees.
5. Implementing Free Market Principles in Education
Emphasizing the need for free market dynamics, Erika argues that introducing competition in both K-12 and higher education would foster lower prices, increased innovation, higher quality, and greater accessibility.
“We need free market principles at work in both our K12 and our higher education environments.” [04:44] - Erika Donalds
She stresses that education should align with America's capitalist foundations to enhance overall quality and effectiveness.
6. Homeschooling and Virtual Reality Schools
Erika introduces Optima Academy Online, the world's first VR school, highlighting its immersive educational experiences that enhance student engagement and retention.
“We're in our third year. This is, you're really the pride of what I have done with school choice because we're in 13 different states where public funding is now available for students to take courses in virtual reality.” [08:31] - Erika Donalds
She explains how VR allows students to experience historical events and scientific phenomena firsthand, making learning more interactive and memorable.
7. Standardized Testing and Educational Accountability
The discussion turns to standardized tests like the SAT and ACT. Erika critiques their current state, citing the infusion of cultural biases and advocating for alternatives like the Classical Learning Test.
“There should be a wide variety of standardized tests for schools and parents to choose from so that they know how their students are performing.” [14:07] - Erika Donalds
She supports the idea of accountability through transparency, ensuring that parents have the necessary information to assess and address their children's educational needs.
8. Teacher Unions and Merit-Based Compensation
Erika criticizes teacher unions for maintaining stagnant salaries and protecting underperforming teachers, which she believes hinders the promotion of excellence in education.
“Teachers unions drive the payment of teachers and the salaries of teachers and it's to the lowest common denominator because they're protecting the lower performing teachers at the expense of higher performing teachers.” [12:14] - Erika Donalds
She advocates for a meritocratic system where outstanding educators are adequately compensated, encouraging innovation and dedication.
9. Challenges of Modern Education: Shorter Attention Spans
Addressing generational shifts, Erika discusses the impact of shorter attention spans, exacerbated by platforms like TikTok, on student performance and classroom dynamics.
“It's difficult because as a parent you don't want to hold on to what's always been. Well, you can't be like this because we weren't that way.” [16:42] - Erika Donalds
She underscores the necessity for educational innovation to engage modern students effectively.
10. Future of Education and Empowering Parents
Erika concludes by emphasizing the importance of empowering parents with funding and resources to tailor their children's education. She envisions a future where parents have greater control and flexibility, allowing for more personalized and effective learning experiences.
“No one cares about my kids' success more than me.” [19:26] - Erika Donalds
She invites listeners to follow her on social media for upcoming initiatives focused on education reform, school choice, and reducing bureaucratic obstacles.
Conclusion
This episode of Digital Social Hour offers a comprehensive exploration of the current challenges in the American education system and presents innovative solutions centered around free market principles, homeschooling, and immersive technologies like virtual reality. Erika Donalds provides insightful perspectives on empowering parents, reforming educational funding, and enhancing student engagement, making a compelling case for revolutionizing education in the 21st century.