Barb Van Andel-Gaby Chairman of Heritage Foundation - Economy | Official Website
The Heritage Foundation, in collaboration with education scholars, policy experts, and public officials, has introduced The Phoenix Declaration: An American Vision for Education. This initiative was announced at the Conservative Vision of Education Conference held in Phoenix.
The declaration aims to renew and strengthen American education by promoting virtues, excellence, historical wisdom, patriotism, and the pursuit of truth and beauty. Dr. Kevin Roberts, President of the Heritage Foundation, emphasized the need for a proactive approach in education. "For too long, education freedom advocates have been on defense," he stated. "It’s time to go on offense."
The Phoenix Declaration is supported by 10 educational and public interest groups along with over 50 scholars and experts. It outlines principles such as parental choice and responsibility where parents are seen as primary educators with public funds following the child.
Transparency in schools is also highlighted to ensure curricula and policies are clear to parents. Additionally, it stresses an education grounded in objective truth free from ideological trends.
The declaration encourages cultural transmission through teaching America's founding principles within Western and Judeo-Christian traditions while presenting diverse viewpoints.
Character formation is another focus area where schools are expected to prepare students for adulthood by fostering virtue and self-discipline. Academic excellence should be prioritized through proven teaching methods over experimental ones.
Citizenship education is also advocated to instill civic virtues necessary for self-government while providing a balanced view of America’s history.
Jason Bedrick from Heritage's Center for Education Policy chaired the drafting committee of this declaration. He likened the envisioned transformation of the education system to a phoenix rising stronger from its ashes: “Our nation’s future depends on schools equipping students with knowledge... The Phoenix Declaration is the roadmap to making that a reality.”
Further information about The Phoenix Declaration can be accessed online.
