The phrase “Common Sense Conservatism” applies to education. Education in Idaho can be improved by approaching education less like a government program and more from a free-market standpoint. What does that mean?

The course for Idaho education should be charted by Idahoans, not by bureaucrats living in Washington, D.C. It is common-sensical that folks at a local level in our schools are more likely to lead the schools to success than are people who live thousands of miles away and are not familiar with issues unique to Idaho schools.

Idaho education will improve as competition is allowed in the form of public magnet schools, charter schools and home schooling. Parent choice is important. Tax credits and vouchers should be available to make private school options a reality more frequently.

Those who provide Idaho’s children their education should be accountable. Good teachers and good school administrators should be rewarded. Teachers and administrators who aren’t getting the job done must be held accountable.

Conservatives understand that free markets achieve better results than government-run programs. Yet, in many ways, Idaho education continues to more-closely resemble a government-run program than it does the free market.

Competition. Market-driven innovation. Accountability for results. Choice. These are the tools which have led to prosperity and progress in America’s free markets. These are the tools which, applied more frequently and readily in Idaho education, will bring growth and progress to this vital area.