President Trump’s plan to reform public education has been met with much backlash, which has somehow overshadowed the reality of the current state of education in America. Our public school system is failing to adequately prepare our students—our future leaders—to become independent and prosperous adults able to thrive in the marketplace. I believe this is not a time to lament the loss of what has been failing and is in desperate need of an overhaul. Instead, it is an opportunity to make public education better than it has ever been, giving educators and innovators in the private sector the chance to provide a quality education and marketplace preparation for our youth that meets the demands of an economy shifting from one based on employees to one based on entrepreneurs and freelancers.

The public school system was founded in the 1800s. Its purpose and goals, set by its founders and financiers, were to indoctrinate Americans to believe the same things and train a population of non-critical-thinking workers to meet the labor demands of the Industrial Revolution. Despite its dark agenda, the public education system taught many who might otherwise not have learned to read, write, or gain basic skills. It positioned millions of Americans to provide a decent living for themselves and their families. However, the days of a public school education and a college degree leading to a job with a salary sufficient to sustain a family are disappearing, thanks to the rising cost of living, inflation, and companies downsizing their workforce while replacing humans with AI technology.

The current public school system is churning out undereducated workers, catering to an industrial era that has passed, while we are embarking on the Fourth Industrial Revolution—the era of AI. We cannot allow our children to continue being groomed as non-thinking employees when America’s workforce is shifting to an economy of entrepreneurs and freelancers. The new administration, which is anti-bureaucracy and federal control and pro-private sector, presents an opportunity to incentivize excellence by funding programs that produce successful outcomes, rather than being at the mercy of teacher unions and politically motivated third-party advisors.

The current education system’s requirements for federal funding have little to do with providing a quality education. The system makes it difficult to fire ineffective teachers or dismantle failing programs, often prioritizing teachers and bureaucrats over students and the educators who genuinely have children’s best interests at heart. Many within the federally run education system have agendas and motivations that are not in the best interest of students or families. With leadership truly invested in the success of Americans and our future leaders, we can hope for decisions that hold bad actors accountable, eliminate counterproductive programs, and incentivize results—educated children prepared for the marketplace.

Here are some ideas for improving education in America:

High School Skill Training and Certification

One reason youth disengage from education is that they don’t see a connection between what they learn in school and the world outside the classroom. This is an opportunity for the private sector to create high schools and curricula that provide classes and courses teaching skills relevant to the marketplace. Higher education isn’t for everyone, and many have yet to see a return on the years and money they’ve invested in earning a degree. High schools that offer market-relevant courses and certifications would better serve students who choose the path of entering the workforce, freelancing, or starting a business instead of attending college.

Basic Business Skills and Management Training

One of the most popular topics on YouTube is “side hustles.” A side hustle is typically a freelance gig or selling a product or service, providing a lifeline for those in need of additional income. Most side hustles require basic entrepreneurial skills. With the economic shift underway, our youth must be equipped to market a product or service and perform a transaction. Training more Americans in entrepreneurial skills from a young age can reduce state dependence and grow the economy, empowering individuals to participate actively in the marketplace. This would lead to greater innovation, increased competition, and lower prices—all of which can improve the standard of living while decreasing the cost of living.

Homeschool Hybrid Schools

As a work-from-home mom who trains her children in the Word of God and entrepreneurship skills, one of my greatest challenges is competing with school for my children’s time. While I haven’t been in a position to homeschool full-time, I would jump at the opportunity to have my children in a traditional school setting part-time, giving me a greater opportunity to be actively involved in their education. With the rising interest in homeschooling and the growing number of parents working remote jobs, this is a great opportunity to create additional education options for families. Hybrid schools could decrease the cost of education for taxpayers, give parents greater accountability for their children’s education, and, of course, allow parents to spend more time with their children.

Overall, a shift to an economy of entrepreneurs and an education system that prepares Americans for this economy would decrease government spending, create fewer dependents, boost the economy, and increase household incomes. Business ownership provides an opportunity to generate more income, and overhauling public education is essential to preparing our youth for their future. With the right changes, we can achieve a massive positive impact on our economy and quality of life.