Study Claims Graduate Education Programs Prioritize Ideology Over Teaching Skills
A report by the American Enterprise Institute finds that many top U.S. graduate schools of education emphasize progressive theory and activism rather than practical teaching methods.
The American Enterprise Institute released a study reviewing curricula from leading graduate schools of education, concluding that they largely promote progressive and critical-theory frameworks instead of core instructional skills. Examples cited include courses that stress social-justice agendas, queer theory and anti-racist linguistics at UCLA, CSUN and the University of Texas at Austin. The report claims this focus shapes future teachers to prioritize activism over classroom fundamentals, and points out that many states tie salary increases or licensure to advanced degrees.
Buck references research suggesting that such degrees do not guarantee better teaching outcomes. The author calls for eliminating mandatory graduate-degree requirements and reducing federal funding for these programs to curb their ideological influence.
Why it matters
The findings suggest teacher preparation may be shifting away from basic instructional skills, affecting K-12 education quality.
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