Center Vision
For American families and students today, education provides a pathway to the realization of their aspirations and a realization of their dignity. Right now, public education achieves neither end. The key to a better education system, one that serves both America and Americans, is advancing policies that puts American families first, including choice. That’s exactly what the America First Policy Institute (AFPI) is here to achieve. AFPI will formulate educational policies that provide educational opportunity for all American families. This means putting parents and students—not bureaucracies, unions, or politicians—in charge of the education of America’s next generation. AFPI aims to restore our system of public education to its original, legitimate purpose: educating and raising the next generation of Americans, facilitating their dreams—and our prosperity.
AFPI aims to restore our system of public education to its original, legitimate purpose: educating and raising the next generation of Americans, facilitating their dreams, and our prosperity. Providing a high-quality education with opportunities that benefit every student will create greater outcomes for our next generation.
POLICY OVERVIEW
- Increasing Education Opportunities
- Increasing Early Literacy
- Creating Greater Student Outcomes
- Improving Spending on Education
CLICK TO READ THE TOP AMERICA FIRST ACTIONS TO IMPROVE K-12 EDUCATION OPPORTUNITY & REFORM HIGHER EDUCATION
FACT SHEET: Virginia School Choice Solutions
FACT SHEET: Utah School Choice Solutions
FACT SHEET: Texas School Choice Solutions
FACT SHEET: Tennessee School Choice Solutions
FACT SHEET: South Carolina School Choice Solutions
FACT SHEET: Ohio School Choice Solutions
FACT SHEET: North Carolina School Choice Solutions
FACT SHEET: Missouri School Choice Solutions
FACT SHEET: Kansas School Choice Solutions
FACT SHEET: Iowa School Choice Solutions
FACT SHEET: Georgia School Choice Solutions
FACT SHEET: Florida School Choice Solutions
FACT SHEET: Arkansas School Choice Solutions
ISSUE BRIEF: DEI spells CRT at Arkansas Universities: Reasonable Restrictions on Campus Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion Initiatives Will Strengthen the Academic Climate
Jonathan Pidluzny, Ph.D.
FACT SHEET: Arizona School Choice Solutions
RESEARCH REPORT: Reversing the Woke Takeover of Higher Education: Strategies to Dismantle Campus DEI
Jonathan Pidluzny, Ph.D.
Top 10 America First Actions For Key Policy Areas
RESEARCH REPORT: Reverting to the “New Paradigm” on Title IX: What the Biden Administration’s ‘Gender Identity’ Regulations Mean for U.S. Universities
Jonathan Pidluzny, Ph.D.
AFPI Leads the Charge in Most Historic Year for School Choice Progress
AFPI submits public comment detailing serious flaws in the Education Department’s proposed Title IX athletics regulation.
EXPERT INSIGHT: DEI spells CRT: Legislation Restricting Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion Programs Will Improve the Intellectual Environment at Missouri Universities
Jonathan Pidluzny, Ph.D.
School Choice: TX-59
School Choice: TX-68
School Choice: TX-121
School Choice: TX-54
School Choice: TX-81
School Choice: TX-71
School Choice: TX-14
School Choice: TX-147
School Choice: TX-126
School Choice: TX-76
School Choice: TX-29
School Choice: TX-16
School Choice: TX-03
School Choice: TX-119
School Choice: TX-53
School Choice: TX-44
School Choice: TX-43
School Choice: TX-42
School Choice: TX-32
School Choice: TX-30
School Choice: TX-65
School Choice: TX-64
School Choice: TX-62
School Choice: TX-58
School Choice: TX-33
School Choice: TX-04
School Choice: TX-21
School Choice: TX-11
School Choice: TX-09
School Choice: TX-08
School Choice: TX-55
School Choice: TX-17
School Choice: TX-13
Protecting Due Process on Public University Campuses After the New Title IX Regulation
Jonathan Pidluzny, Ph.D.
Three Approaches to improving Viewpoint Diversity at State colleges and Universities
Jonathan Pidluzny, Ph.D.
Protecting Students’ Expressive Rights on Public College Campuses
Jonathan Pidluzny, Ph.D.
Universal Parental School Choice Act
Tax Credit Scholarship Act
Part-Time Enrollment Act
Education Savings Accounts Act
Literacy-Based Promotion Act
Students for Fair Admissions V. President & Fellows of Harvard College
Jonathan Pidluzny, Ph.D.
Fact Sheet: Give Parents More Control Of Their Child’s Education: 10 Model Policies To Restore Excellence To America’s Schools
The National Association of Scholars and The America First Policy Institute Present: 10 State Policies to Restore Excellent k-12 Public Education in America
Teacher Education Preparation: How National Accreditation Standards Influence Teaching
Laurie Todd-Smith, Ph.D. and Alexandra Caro Campana
Fact Sheet - Seven Major Problems with the Biden Administration’s Borrower Bailout
Jonathan Pidluzny
Seven Major Problems with the Biden Administration’s Borrower Bailout
Dr. Jonathan Pidluzny, Ph.D.
School Choice in the State of Arizona
Laurie Todd-Smith, Ph.D.
Early Literacy in the State of Arkansas
Laurie Todd-Smith, Ph.D
The Combatting State-Sanctioned Bigotry Act
The On-Cycle School Board Election Act
Open Enrollment for New Buildings Act
Workplace and Student Enrollment Act
Did You Know The Federal Government is Trying to Pass a $6 Billion Civics Education Bill?
Improving School Safety & Reducing Gun Violence
Myths Versus Facts School Choice in Iowa
Toolkit: Protecting Your Taxpayer Dollars in the Classroom
Covid-19 Relief Funding For K-12 Education - The Essential Role of Integrity and Accountability
Laurie Todd-Smith, Ph.D.
School Board Member Toolkit - Curriculum Adoption
Two-Pager - The Case for Alignment of Education and Workforce Systems
The Case for Alignment of Education and Workforce Systems
Laurie Todd-Smith, Ph.D.
Two-Pager: Reimagining Child Care in America
Dr. Laurie Todd-Smith
Center for Education Opportunity Overview
Dr. Scott Turner, Dr. Laurie Todd-Smith, and Rachel Craddock
School Choice Empowers Families and Creates Greater Student Outcomes
Dr. Laurie Todd-Smith
Top 10 America First Actions For Key Policy Areas
NEWS RELEASE: AFPI Releases List of Major Wins for Education Opportunity During the Most Historic Year for School Choice
STATEMENT: Kellyanne Conway on the Introduction of H.R. 5, The Parents Bill of Rights
STATEMENT: Dr. Alveda King Praises Congressman Chip Roy’s Action to Protect Honest Teaching in Schools
Dr. Alveda King
Kellyanne Conway Praises Utah Legislature for Advancing School Choice for All Students
New Website Launched to help Parents Take Back Control of Their Children’s Education
The Leadership of the America First Policy Institute Provided the Following Reactions and Insight Into the State of America One Year Into the Biden Administration
FACT SHEET: Virginia School Choice Solutions
FACT SHEET: Utah School Choice Solutions
FACT SHEET: Texas School Choice Solutions
FACT SHEET: Tennessee School Choice Solutions
FACT SHEET: South Carolina School Choice Solutions
FACT SHEET: Ohio School Choice Solutions
FACT SHEET: North Carolina School Choice Solutions
FACT SHEET: Missouri School Choice Solutions
FACT SHEET: Kansas School Choice Solutions
FACT SHEET: Iowa School Choice Solutions
FACT SHEET: Georgia School Choice Solutions
FACT SHEET: Florida School Choice Solutions
FACT SHEET: Arkansas School Choice Solutions
ISSUE BRIEF: DEI spells CRT at Arkansas Universities: Reasonable Restrictions on Campus Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion Initiatives Will Strengthen the Academic Climate
Jonathan Pidluzny, Ph.D.
STATEMENT: AFPI Applauds Supreme Court Decision to Overturn Biden’s Student Loan Bailout
AFPI submits public comment detailing serious flaws in the Education Department’s proposed Title IX athletics regulation.
EXPERT INSIGHT: DEI spells CRT: Legislation Restricting Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion Programs Will Improve the Intellectual Environment at Missouri Universities
Jonathan Pidluzny, Ph.D.
STATEMENT: Kellyanne Conway on the Introduction of H.R. 5, The Parents Bill of Rights
AFPI Submits Public Comment Detailing Serious Deficiencies in the Biden Administration’s Proposed Regulation Reforming Income-Driven Repayment of Federal Student Loans
AFPI Submits Public Comment on Proposed Changes to Title IX Regulations
Jonathan Pidluzny, Craig W. Trainor, and Mark A. Zelden
Did You Know The Federal Government is Trying to Pass a $6 Billion Civics Education Bill?
AFPI 2022 Annual Policy Summit
Happy First Birthday AFPI!
Myths Versus Facts School Choice in Iowa
Statement from Scott Turner, Chair, Center for Education Opportunity
Celebrating Women’s History Month through the Accomplishments of Women
Laurie Todd-Smith, Ph.D.
The Children of Ukraine
Laurie Todd-Smith, Ph.D.
An Examination of the First Year of Biden’s Presidency
What does Covid-19 Relief Funding Mean for Children?
Governor Phil Bryant and Mr. Scott Turner
School Choice Advances in States
Laurie Todd-Smith, Ph.D.
Loudoun County is putting children in harm’s way
Bethany Kozma
Op-Ed: Why local school board elections are so important
VIDEO: Scott Turner joined Larry Kudlow on Fox Business
Op-Ed: African Americans and the Economy under Trump
Scott Turner in National Review
Julia Butch is originally from Kansas City, Missouri, and serves as a Policy Analyst in the Center for Education Opportunity and the Center for 1776 at AFPI. A 2023 graduate of Villanova University, she earned degrees in Political Science and English with a concentration in Writing and Rhetoric. During college, she served as a Political Risk Analyst for EquityCompass Investment Management, interned with various political campaigns, and completed an internship at Charles Schwab Corporation. In 2022, Julia studied History of Political Thought at Pembroke College at the University of Cambridge in England. While there, she was a member of the Cambridge Union Society and completed a dissertation examining competing 16th Century intersections between capitalism and religion. She has been nationally ranked as a policy debater, served as an administrator for the Justice Debate League, and completed summer research institutes at Georgetown, Dartmouth, and Michigan State. In her free time, she enjoys golf, reading, choir, and traveling.
“Seek not to understand that you may believe, but believe that you may understand.”
Saint Augustine
Allison Schuster is from Clarendon Hills, Illinois, and serves as a Communications Specialist and Policy Advisor to the Center for Education Opportunity and the Center for the American Child at AFPI. Schuster earned a degree in politics and journalism from Hillsdale College. Following her graduation, Schuster participated in a year-long research fellowship with Hillsdale College in Washington, D.C., where she conducted research and coordinated media for professors, particularly Mollie Hemingway and Matthew Spalding. Schuster is a regular contributor and former intern for The Federalist, and a current columnist for The Conservateur. Her reporting largely focuses on cultural and social issues such as gender ideology, education, and religious liberty. In her spare time, you can find Allison running around D.C., playing tennis, or re-reading “The Catcher in the Rye.”
“Speak up for those who cannot speak for themselves, for the rights of all who are destitute. Speak up and judge fairly; defend the rights of the poor and needy.”
Proverbs 31:8-9
Laurie Todd-Smith, Ph.D. is originally from Phoenix, Arizona, but has lived in Mississippi for over 25 years. She serves as AFPI’s Director of the Center for Education Opportunity & Director of the Center for the American Child. Dr. Todd-Smith was appointed by President Trump to serve as the Director of the Women’s Bureau at the United States Department of Labor. During her tenure at the Women’s Bureau, she focused the agency on issues of childcare, paid family leave, and grants to support women in apprenticeship. Prior to her work with the United States Department of Labor, Dr. Todd-Smith served as Senior Education and Workforce Policy Advisor to Governor Phil Bryant. She led numerous legislative efforts to help improve public education in Mississippi including: The Literacy Based Promotion Act, Early Childhood Education, Charter Schools, Special Needs Education Scholarship Account, and accountability models for school districts, all of which resulted in improved outcomes for Mississippi’s students. Dr. Todd-Smith is also the former executive director of the Mississippi State Workforce Investment Board (SWIB) and the State Childhood Advisory Council (SECAC). Dr. Todd-Smith is a former elementary school teacher and holds a doctorate in education from Mississippi State University, a master’s degree from Western New Mexico University, and a bachelor’s degree from the University of Arizona. Dr. Todd-Smith is a 2-year breast cancer survivor. She is an avid college football fan and enjoys boating at Lake Caroline, MS with her husband, Ron, and adorable Yorkie, Max.
“Education is the most powerful weapon which you can use to change the world.”
Nelson Mandela
Scott Turner is from Richardson, Texas, and serves as AFPI’s Chair of the Center for Education Opportunity at AFPI. Turner is a businessman, motivational speaker, and former professional football player, who previously served as the executive director of the White House Opportunity and Revitalization Council. Turner formerly served as a Texas state representative for the 33rd District, which includes part of Collin County and all of Rockwall County. Before entering public service, Turner was an American football cornerback who played in the NFL for nine seasons with the Washington Redskins, San Diego Chargers, and the Denver Broncos. He attended the University of Illinois, where he played as their starting cornerback and graduated with a degree in speech communications.
General Mick Zais is from Columbia, South Carolina, and serves as a Senior Fellow in the Center for Education Opportunity at AFPI. Zais most recently served as President Donald J. Trump’s Deputy Secretary of Education and, for a short period, as Acting Secretary. Before that, he ran for and was elected South Carolina’s 17th State Superintendent of Education, the second Republican to hold that office. Zais also served for 10 years as president of Newberry College, a private institution founded before the Civil War. During 31 years as an Army infantryman, paratrooper, and ranger, he served in Vietnam, Korea, Panama, and Kuwait. He was a social aide in the Nixon White House; at West Point, he taught organizational behavior, leadership, and management consulting; and in the Pentagon, he was Chief of War Plans. An ardent philatelist, Zais has been married for 42 years to Susan. They have two adult children. His son is a cyber security professional and sergeant in the South Carolina National Guard. His daughter, the former Miss South Carolina USA, is a full-time mom. Zais and Susan have six grandchildren between the ages of three and 10.
“Do right and bear the consequences.”
Sam Houston