We promote choice in every sphere of life but education. "NEA knows best" is failing Americans and it's time to embrace choice and competition.  These two concepts promote essential feedoms, and serve American's best interest in virtually every sphere of life. These concepts are not "partisan, capitalist" conspiracies--they are American. They help people succeed. They are color and class blind--the profiles of the best private schools validate this. Those who see choice and competition as draining resources from education should focus on how to mitigate the ills they see--but give choice a chance. Facts show a growing number of homeschooled kids who outperform their public school counterparts. Why?

 Alaska is diverse. A single model can't accommodate such a diverse body. Shrink schools, allow competition and parental choice. Ensure integration but reduce schools' role as "everything" centers. Schools have one job--promoting academic excellence. Special needs rights are an issue here.