For years, the American educational system appears to have been swayed by left-leaning ideologies, with noticeable shifts occurring during the Biden presidency. Numerous reports highlight issues such as the presence of inappropriate materials in school libraries and the incorporation of critical race theory into curricula. Additionally, there have been calls for parents to be categorized as “domestic terrorists” if they voice concerns.
You might wonder how even schools in traditionally conservative states, like Iowa and Alaska, have adopted these radical ideas. A big part of the answer lies with education consulting organizations.
Many people might not realize that various aspects of governance, even down to what children learn in school, are outsourced to these often obscure consulting groups, some funded by taxpayer money. A prominent example is the American Institute for Research (AIR), which holds contracts across at least 25 states, mainly focusing on establishing educational standards. These standards dictate what students should learn and when, making it essential that lesson plans and textbooks align with them.
AIR’s influence extends beyond education into healthcare and counseling. In many red states, revising educational standards has become standard practice, further demonstrated in Alaska.
Alaska, for example, has multiple contracts with non-profit organizations, including a survey that targets social-emotional learning. AIR’s contribution is evident in the state’s education materials.
On the state education web page, AIR is frequently referenced, showcasing its role in curriculum guidelines and even in presentations where equity is emphasized. These new standards aiming at fostering “active citizenship” instead of traditional social studies have led to mixed results.
Unfortunately, these standards implemented in Alaska’s social studies curriculum have led to confusion, largely focused on progressive perspectives rather than on foundational American principles. Instead of a well-rounded education, students are being trained as activists.
To make things more complex, Alaska Airlines collaborates with AIR on projects that promote initiatives like comprehensive sex education for younger students, often funded by Alaska taxpayers.
Moving to the Midwest, discussions about revamping Iowa’s social studies curriculum are taking shape, spearheaded by an activist who previously worked with AIR. This individual’s emphasis on “racial justice, equity, and inclusion” reflects a broader agenda that has taken hold in various educational structures.
The connections run deep, highlighting a systemic influence from shadowy consultancy groups over public education. If you take a closer look at many state Departments of Education, you’ll likely uncover an agenda heavily rooted in progressive ideology—not just isolated incidents.
Take Nebraska’s partnership with AIR as an example of this trend, funding programs aimed at pushing particular narratives in education.
One alarming aspect is that taxpayers might not even realize they are financing these shifts. For instance, South Dakota signed a contract worth nearly $250,000 with AIR to modify state educational standards. The ensuing backlash even prompted a state governor to intervene and restart the process entirely.
In Alaska alone, potential taxpayer costs associated with these initiatives run high, with several projects not fully disclosed, notably involving millions of dollars. Iowa’s contract with AIR amounts to approximately $31 million for test assessments, effectively utilizing taxpayer funds to support left-leaning educational agendas.
The core issue remains clear: as long as conservative entities continue to delegate authority to what are essentially activist organizations, the situation won’t change. Schools will keep reflecting leftist ideologies, libraries will stock radical materials, and taxpayers will unwittingly foot the bill.
It’s crucial for lawmakers in red states to seek out reliable institutions that align with their values instead of relying on these external groups. Establishing and backing alternative systems that prioritize educational outcomes over political agendas is imperative if we want to make meaningful changes.
