
the staff of the Ridgewood blog
Ridgewood NJ, one of Donald Trump’s boldest proposals for his second term is the abolition of the US Department of Education, shifting the responsibility of educating America’s children back to the states. Trump argues that this move would free local school districts from the grip of powerful teachers’ unions, which he accuses of prioritizing political agendas over essential academic skills like reading and writing.
The State of Education in America
Critics of the current education system often point to unions’ influence in promoting initiatives like diversity, equity, and inclusion (DEI), critical race theory (CRT), and transgender education while failing to address declining literacy and numeracy rates. With many families leaving blue states due to rising costs and political concerns, recent policy changes in New Jersey are fueling debates about education standards.
New Jersey’s Controversial Move
Starting January 1, 2025, New Jersey will no longer require prospective teachers to pass basic reading, writing, or math tests for certification. The policy, signed into law by Democrat Governor Phil Murphy as part of the state’s fiscal year 2025 budget, aims to address a growing teacher shortage.
State Senator Jim Beach, a Democrat who sponsored the bill, defended the measure, saying, “We need more teachers. This is the best way to get them.” However, critics argue that lowering standards risks compromising the quality of education.
An annual report from the New Jersey Department of Education highlighted the urgent need for math and science teachers. But skeptics question whether removing basic testing requirements ensures competency in those critical subjects.
Teachers’ Unions and the Push for Looser Standards
The New Jersey Education Association (NJEA), a powerful teachers’ union, has long advocated for eliminating testing requirements, calling them “unnecessary barriers to entering the profession.” Critics, however, view this as a move to increase union membership rather than prioritize student outcomes.
In 2022, New Jersey introduced an “alternative teaching certificate,” bypassing testing requirements for aspiring educators. Similar measures have been enacted in other blue states like New York, California, and Arizona, often in response to teacher shortages exacerbated by the COVID-19 pandemic.
The Broader Impact on Education
The pandemic’s disruption of schooling has already caused significant learning loss. In 2022, only 26% of U.S. eighth graders were proficient in math, and less than one-third of fourth graders reached reading proficiency. While New Jersey students currently perform slightly above the national average, concerns remain about maintaining those standards if teacher qualifications are lowered.
Abolishing the Department of Education: A Step Toward Reform?
Trump’s proposal to abolish the Department of Education reflects broader frustrations with federal oversight and teachers’ unions. While this action might decentralize control, it wouldn’t eliminate the unions’ influence at the state level.
In states like New York, where only half of students in grades three through eight tested proficient in English and math during the 2022-2023 school year, unions continue to wield significant power despite massive education spending—nearly double the national average.
Looking Ahead
While abolishing the Department of Education might be a starting point for reshaping American education, addressing the entrenched power of teachers’ unions is a more complex challenge. Without meaningful reforms that prioritize student outcomes over political agendas, critics fear that education standards will continue to decline, leaving future generations at a disadvantage.
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Let’s continue to dumb down America! Jim Beach typical Democrat! Murphy ” let’s protect our children by legalization of pot smoking.” These assholes need to be locked up!
Dumb Americans down. Discriminate against competent Americans in the private and public spheres. Throw hands up and say “We have no choice to import skilled workers” and build permanent underclass. America built back better/made great again accomplished.
The Democrats have turned into a cult of moronic imbeciles!
A bunch of stupid moronic imbecilic dummies, you mean.