Education Reform That Delivers Results: Andrew Handel on NewsTalkSTL

The new school year has exposed persistent challenges in American education, but states are emerging as the true drivers of reform. From expanding parental choice to implementing innovative funding models, state-level action is translating into measurable improvements.

“12th grade reading and math scores fell to their lowest levels ever reported, and the eighth-grade science scores fell to their lowest level since… the states still have a lot of work to do,” said ALEC Education and Workforce Development Task Force Director Andrew Handel, during a segment on NewsTalkSTL’s Tim Jones and Chris Arps Show.

“If you look at the 90th percentile in 12th grade reading… the 10th percentile… has dropped by 25 points. You’ve seen, effectively, a 33% increase in the gap between the highest achieving students and the lowest achieving students.”

Handel emphasized that the solution isn’t simply spending more money.

“It is definitely not a money problem… we as a country collectively spend $857 billion every year on K through 12 education… and we’re just not getting the results,” he said. Instead, empowering parents and giving them real educational choices is driving success.

“Florida ranks 43rd in per-pupil spending… their 4th grade reading scores are tied for 10th best in the country. Mississippi… ranks 44th in spending… their 4th grade reading scores are tied for seventh. It has nothing to do with spending. This is all about… empowering parents and giving them choices.”

That approach is also reshaping programs at the state level. Handel pointed to initiatives like education savings accounts and tax credit scholarship programs as examples of solutions that allow parents to direct public funds to schools that best fit their children’s needs.

“Ultimately, that’s what it’s all about… letting those dollars follow them and enable that family to send their kid to the best learning environment for them,” he said.

Parental involvement remains key.

“When we create these new programs… it kind of inherently forces parents to take a closer look at their kid’s education… what school is going to help my kid achieve the most down the line,” Handel explained, noting that states like Florida lead the way in encouraging active parental engagement.

Looking ahead, federal and state policies are aligning to support these reforms.

“The one big, beautiful bill actually creates a brand-new federal tax credit scholarship program… and they’ve also doubled the limit on 529 account withdrawals for K–12 expenses, from $10,000 to $20,000 a year,” Handel said.

These programs can offer a pathway for states to empower parents and support students.

“That is another huge change that I don’t think has gotten as much attention, but I think that’s going to make a huge difference for a lot of families around the country,” Handel said, expressing hope for continued positive changes in the educational landscape.