Digital Social Hour: Why U.S. Education Needs a Massive Overhaul Now | Corey DeAngelis (Episode #1298)
Release Date: April 5, 2025
Host: Sean Kelly

Introduction

In this compelling episode of Digital Social Hour, host Sean Kelly engages in an in-depth conversation with Corey DeAngelis, an outspoken advocate for educational reform in the United States. DeAngelis brings a critical perspective on the current state of the U.S. education system, highlighting systemic issues and advocating for school choice as a pivotal solution.

The Crisis in U.S. Education

Corey DeAngelis opens the discussion by addressing the persistent failures within the U.S. education system. He emphasizes the significant disparity between educational funding and actual student outcomes, stating:

“In the US government-run school system, we spend more than any other country on the planet. That amount is about 52% higher than average private school tuition in this country.”
[01:58]

DeAngelis points out that despite the hefty investments—citing New Jersey's expenditure of $30,000 to $40,000 per student—public schools are underperforming compared to private and Catholic schools. He underscores the inefficiency in spending, attributing the lack of improved outcomes to administrative bloat rather than direct educational enhancements.

Impact of Unions and Political Dynamics

A significant portion of the conversation delves into the influence of teachers' unions on educational policies. DeAngelis criticizes the unions for exacerbating educational challenges, particularly during the COVID-19 pandemic. He remarks:

“The unions really overplayed their hand during the COVID era. They fought to keep the schools closed. That showed parents what was happening in the classroom.”
[00:00]

He further explains how unions have hindered progress by maintaining control over school operations, leading to prolonged closures and resistance against reforms like school choice. This dynamic, according to DeAngelis, has galvanized parents to form their own advocacy groups, pressuring politicians to support alternatives to the traditional public school model.

The School Choice Movement

Central to DeAngelis's argument is the promotion of school choice as a mechanism to empower parents and improve educational outcomes. He highlights the momentum behind school choice, noting:

“We've had 13 states now go all in on school choice, letting the money follow the child to the school that works best for them.”
[01:45]

DeAngelis explains that school choice allows parents to allocate funding to various educational options—public, private, charter schools, or homeschooling—thereby fostering competition and encouraging public schools to enhance their quality. He cites Florida as a success story where expanded school choice has led to significant improvements in education rankings without increased spending:

“Florida is ranked number one by U.S. News & World Report on education. And it's not because they pumped more money out into the system. They spend 27% less than the national average per student in Florida.”
[19:57]

Challenges and Opposition

Despite the successes, DeAngelis acknowledges the resistance from established institutions and unions. He criticizes figures like Chicago Teachers Union President Stacy Davis Gates for opposing school choice while privately sending their own children to private schools:

“The Chicago Teachers Union boss... sends her own kid to private school. So she either is telling on herself... or she is just trying to protect the status quo.”
[08:42]

This hypocrisy, DeAngelis argues, only strengthens the resolve of parents to seek alternatives, further driving the school choice movement forward.

Educational Outcomes and Accountability

DeAngelis presents alarming statistics on educational proficiency in the U.S., contrasting them with the performance of private institutions. He cites the National Report Card and international assessments to illustrate the decline in public school performance:

“About a third of students are proficient in reading and about a quarter of students are proficient in math. So it's horrible, especially given how we spend more than any other country.”
[08:47]

He links these poor outcomes to prolonged school closures and ineffective union policies, advocating for increased accountability and local control to ensure funds are directed towards enhancing student learning rather than administrative costs.

Innovative Educational Models

Exploring alternatives to traditional schooling, DeAngelis discusses the rise of micro schools and homeschooling as viable options for parents seeking tailored educational experiences for their children. He describes micro schools as small, community-based educational setups that offer flexibility and specialized curricula:

“It's almost like the one-room schoolhouse. You can create your own miniature school.”
[31:58]

These models, supported by school choice policies, provide parents with greater autonomy and the ability to address specific needs of their children, thereby fostering better educational and social outcomes.

Legislative Efforts and Future Directions

The conversation turns to legislative measures aimed at dismantling federal control over education. DeAngelis advocates for bills like the Returning Education to the States Act, which aims to redistribute federal education funding back to individual states, enhancing local governance and accountability:

“The money's going back to the states. You'll actually have more money for education if you depart, if you abolish the department.”
[22:19]

He critiques the Department of Education as an unnecessary federal entity that has failed to close achievement gaps, arguing that state-level management would be more effective and constitutionally appropriate.

Personal Reflections and Advocacy

Towards the end of the episode, DeAngelis shares personal anecdotes about his experiences within the public school system, reinforcing his commitment to educational reform. He highlights the transformative impact of alternative educational models on his life and those of his peers, underscoring the importance of parental involvement and choice.

“I have all these problems. And I went... I went to public schools. That's the reason I have all these problems.”
[27:35]

DeAngelis concludes by promoting his book, "The Parent Revolution: Rescuing Your Kids from the Radicals Ruining Our Schools," and encourages listeners to join the movement for educational freedom.

Conclusion

Corey DeAngelis provides a scathing critique of the U.S. education system, attributing its failures to excessive funding without accountability, the detrimental influence of teachers' unions, and a lack of parental choice. Through advocating for school choice and legislative reforms, DeAngelis envisions a future where parents have the autonomy to select the best educational paths for their children, fostering a more effective and responsive education system. This episode serves as a rallying call for parents and policymakers alike to re-examine and revamp the foundational structures of education in America.

Notable Quotes:

• Corey DeAngelis: “The definition of insanity, doing the same thing over and over and over again, expecting different results.”
  [00:00]

• Corey DeAngelis: “26 states have since left the National School Boards Association.”
  [06:33]

• Corey DeAngelis: “The per student funding in the US has increased by about 164% after adjusting for inflation. Have our outcomes gotten 164% better? Obviously, they've gotten worse.”
  [05:24]

• Corey DeAngelis: “If you like your public school, you can keep your public school for real this time, unlike with your doctor and Obama's false promise. But for real.”
  [19:57]

Connect with Corey DeAngelis:

• Book: "The Parent Revolution: Rescuing Your Kids from the Radicals Ruining Our Schools" – Available on Amazon
• Social Media: @angeliscorey

Disclaimer: The views expressed in this summary reflect the conversation between Sean Kelly and Corey DeAngelis on the podcast and do not represent the endorsement or opinions of the summarizer.