Part Two: State Departments, School Boards, and Districts — Stuck in the Past and Slowing Down Progress

The conversation about dismantling the federal Department of Education is one many have long considered, but the real problem isn’t just at the federal level — it’s at the state and local levels where progress has ground to a halt. State departments of education, school boards, and districts are stuck in outdated systems, bogged down by a deep unwillingness to change. They are clinging to failed models and policies that not only fail to meet the needs of today’s students but actively hold them back from thriving in a digital, fast-paced world. If we truly want to see the future of education unfold, these institutions must break free from the shackles of the past and take bold action to move forward.

State Departments of Education: A Bureaucratic Nightmare

State departments of education are some of the most resistant to change. They continue to perpetuate outdated policies that hinder innovation and fail to embrace the tools and strategies needed for students to succeed in the 21st century. These departments, dominated by bureaucratic processes and slow-moving regulations, are a major obstacle to the rapid integration of technology into classrooms. The reality is that many state education departments still rely on antiquated methods to assess student progress, favoring rigid standardized testing over more dynamic, technology-driven approaches.

While the world has moved forward, state education departments have failed to adjust their mindset or policies to reflect the technological age. They insist on using outdated frameworks and processes that not only waste time and resources but actively limit the ability of schools to innovate. Instead of embracing AI, personalized learning, and data-driven education, they remain obsessed with testing scores and standardized curriculums, which ultimately serve to stifle creativity and neglect the needs of both students and educators. The bureaucratic mindset has run its course — it’s time for states to overhaul these stagnant systems and stop dragging students down with them.

School Boards and Districts: Gatekeepers of Stagnation

If state education departments are dragging their feet, school boards and districts are flat-out blocking progress. Too often, these bodies are filled with individuals who are so out of touch with the reality of today’s classrooms that they’re actively keeping schools from modernizing. Decisions made at the local level, whether it’s about budget allocations, curriculum updates, or technology integration, are often rooted in the past. School boards continue to fund paper-based systems and outdated technology, while technology is transforming the world around them. Meanwhile, districts are locked into the same ineffective routines, failing to meet the needs of a generation that is immersed in technology from day one.

The unwillingness to embrace change is infuriating. Even as technology advances at breakneck speed, many school boards and districts cling to practices that no longer serve any purpose in a modern educational setting. This refusal to innovate means that students, especially those from marginalized communities, are denied the tools and resources they need to succeed. Why are we still relying on chalkboards and outdated textbooks when laptops, tablets, and digital resources could be empowering students in ways we can only dream of? The answer is simple: slow-moving, outdated school boards and district offices that refuse to let go of the past.

The Disastrous Impact on Vulnerable Students

Let’s be clear — this unwillingness to evolve has the most disastrous consequences for the most vulnerable students. Special education students, minorities, and those from low-income backgrounds are disproportionately affected by these outdated systems. Schools that refuse to embrace technology, personalized learning, and the advantages of AI create a massive gap between students who have access to cutting-edge resources and those who are forced to work with outdated tools.

For special education students, the lack of access to personalized learning paths and adaptive technologies is nothing short of criminal. AI-powered platforms could be transforming their educational experiences by providing real-time support, adjusting lessons to their unique needs, and offering individualized assessments that keep them on track. Yet, school boards and districts continue to ignore these options, opting instead for generic, one-size-fits-all approaches that are wholly ineffective.

At the same time, high-performing students are being neglected. Too often, in their misguided attempts to support struggling students, districts forget about those who excel. High achievers are frequently under-challenged, left to languish in environments that don’t meet their academic needs. The reality is that these students, especially those in wealthier districts, could be soaring with access to more advanced coursework, specialized learning platforms, and enrichment opportunities. Yet, because districts can’t, or won’t, adapt, these students miss out on opportunities that could take them to the next level.

State and Local Leaders Must Take Bold Action — Or Get Out of the Way

It’s time to stop making excuses. These state education departments, school boards, and districts have had enough time to figure it out, but they have failed. Their hesitation and resistance to change have only resulted in a system that leaves too many students behind, while others are under-stimulated and bored. If these institutions refuse to evolve, then they need to get out of the way and let those who understand the urgency of the moment take charge.

The future of education lies in the integration of technology, AI, and personalized learning, none of which will happen if state and local leaders refuse to embrace the digital age. These levels of education governance need to step up and take immediate action to provide all students with the resources they need to succeed. That means ensuring every student, no matter their background, has access to the technology they need to thrive, creating learning environments that challenge the highest-performing students while supporting those who need more attention.

A Call to Action: Embrace Technology, Prioritize Equity, and Drive Change

State departments of education, school boards, and districts need to stop standing in the way of progress. If they can’t adapt, they need to step aside and make room for those who can.

Here’s what needs to happen:

1. Invest in Infrastructure: All students deserve access to technology, whether it’s laptops, tablets, or high-speed internet. No more excuses.

2. Train Educators: Teachers need professional development and support to leverage technology effectively. It’s no longer optional.

3. Prioritize Personalized Learning: AI and technology offer unprecedented opportunities to provide customized learning paths for all students. This needs to be the new normal, not the exception.

4. Data-Driven Decisions: Schools should be making decisions based on data, not outdated traditions. If students are falling behind, it’s time to intervene with tech-driven solutions.

The time for change is now. We can no longer afford to allow these slow-moving, outdated systems to hold back the students who deserve better. If state departments, school boards, and districts continue to resist, they will continue to fail their students, and we will all pay the price. The future is here. It’s time to act.