John Dewey and Horace Mann changed education in America from a classical approach to progressive indoctrination by administering heavy doses of collectivism and socialism into America’s classrooms. Rather than teaching facts and truths based on First Principles and classical education, they introduced Marxist principles like redistribution of wealth, relativism and social justice. In tandem with these changes and societal secularization, parents became less involved and influential, ultimately turning the education of their children over to the state.

According to Kyle Olson, founder and CEO of the Education Action Group and co-author of Conform, “there is a secular progressive value set in public schools. And so when that sort of value set is in charge, there is no morality. There is no right or wrong. Everything is gray.”

The only answer to reversing this 180 degree transformation is parent awareness and involvement. Parents can no longer yield their children’s education to the government. They must be the ones in charge. That means finding alternatives to public school like homeschooling, charter schools or private schools, whenever possible. For the majority, though, it means increased involvement in their children’s public schooling.

If parents want more input and influence in the process of educating their children about faith, sex or any subject, they should look into other options and also discuss daily with their children what they learned. Parents should ensure their children are exposed to classic literature, a knowledge and understanding of the United States Constitution and hands-on experience in pursuit of a complete Jeffersonian education.

The effort will be significant and time-consuming, but with an immeasurable, long-term reward. Parents just might prepare their children to be the new leaders of a restored United States of America.