Equity vs. Excellence: How Modern Education Policies Are Failing Students

Christopher Arps | Project 21 Leadership NetworkOPINION – Over the last few decades, America’s education system has profoundly changed, influenced by cultural shifts and federal policies. While these hopefully well-intentioned efforts have sought to address equity and inclusion, the outcomes of these initiatives reveal significant pitfalls that demand scrutiny.A recent report by Parents Defending Education (PDE) sheds light on the scope of these efforts. The Biden Department of Justice (DOJ) allocated over $100 million in grants to support programs like restorative justice practices (RJP), social and emotional learning (SEL), and diversity, equity, and inclusion (DEI) initiatives across 946 school districts.While these programs aim to improve school environments and address disparities, the results raise critical questions about their effectiveness, unintended consequences, and impact on core academic priorities.Restorative justice practices replace traditional punitive measures like suspensions with dialogue-driven conflict resolution. The goal is admirable: reduce disciplinary disparities and create a more equitable environment. Yet, in practice, RJP often falters.The inconsistency in implementing restorative practices undermines their intended impact. Teachers frequently report feeling unsupported when dealing with persistent misbehavior, as these practices can blur the lines of authority. Worse, replacing traditional discipline with restorative measures can embolden disruptive students, reducing the deterrence for...