American Center for
Transforming Education

The mission of Discovery Institute’s American Center for Transforming Education is to work with state government policymakers, parents, educators, business leaders, and other education stakeholders to transform our nation’s education system. We advocate for policies that empower parents, promote innovation, and equip students with the skills, knowledge, and character necessary to thrive as citizens in their communities and as contributors to our increasingly competitive economy. ⋮ Read More.

Blog

Indiana Is Innovating Education — More Than Any Other State

_{Keri D. Ingraham
October 29, 2025
6
Innovation}

On Oct. 17, Indiana submitted a waiver application to the U.S. Department of Education seeking flexibility and a reduction of red tape from Washington. Under the leadership of Gov. Mike Braun and Secretary of Education Katie Jenner, Indiana is innovating K-12 education from all angles, and the rest of the nation should take note. Upon taking office in January, Braun expanded eligibility for the Choice Scholarship Program to all families in the Hoosier State, creating a free market K-12 education landscape. Demand for education options has surged, and providers have responded. In Indiana, private school choices have expanded significantly over the past four years, with enrollment up 22 percent. Indiana also offers robust public school choice, including inter-district and …

Keri D. Ingraham & Bryan Mistele Discuss Recent Victories & Advancements in K-12 Education

_{American Center for Transforming Education
October 22, 2025
2
Education Policy}

This week, Discovery Institute’s American Center for Transforming Education hosted a special event on Mercer Island, Washington. The evening began with remarks by Discovery Institute President Steve Buri. Then, longtime Discovery Institute Board member Bryan Mistele interviewed Senior Fellow and American Center for Transforming Education Director Keri D. Ingraham. Mistele, a gifted communicator, kicked off the questions by asking Ingraham to share how she became interested in education, her professional journey, and what brought her to Discovery Institute five years ago. Next, the work of the American Center for Transforming Education was discussed. Exciting updates were provided regarding the advancement of education freedom, education entrepreneurship, education innovation, …

Keri D. Ingraham Delivers Speech to Students at Hillsdale College

_{American Center for Transforming Education
October 8, 2025
2
Education Policy}

On October 1, Keri D. Ingraham spoke to the graduate students in the classical education program at Hillsdale College in Michigan. Ingraham was asked to share about her work as a Senior Fellow at Discovery Institute and as Director of the Institute’s American Center for Transforming Education. Following the introductory time, she delivered formal remarks for 40 minutes in a speech titled “Education Freedom Is Essential.” Here is an excerpt from Ingraham’s speech: As a nation, we can no longer justify restricting children to these failing government-run schools for their education. Nor can the ever-increasing astronomical spending on the public education system continue to support the status quo. Change is urgently needed. And that change will require competition. As …

Will AI Innovate the Trillion-Dollar K-12 World?

_{Gale Pooley
September 25, 2025
3
Technology in Education}

Americans spend about $1 trillion annually to educate 55 million K-12 students — roughly $18,000 per pupil per year. Over 13 years, that adds up to $234,000 per student. With a high school graduation rate near 90 percent, the effective cost of producing a single graduate rises to about $260,000 — and that’s before factoring in whether students actually reach proficiency. The National Assessment of Educational Progress (NAEP), often called the “Nation’s Report Card,” measures student proficiency in reading and math. NAEP data for 12th graders provides the best insight into high school graduates’ performance. The most recent NAEP data for 12th-grade reading and math is from 2025 and shows that only 35 percent of high school graduates meet or exceed NAEP …

Keri D. Ingraham Talks K-12 Indoctrination on the Jason Rantz Show

_{American Center for Transforming Education
September 19, 2025
1
Indoctrination}

Keri D. Ingraham appeared on the Jason Rantz Show this week to discuss the anti-American indoctrination occurring in K-12 education. Ingraham addresses the September 10 assassination of conservative political activist Charlie Kirk, the role that public education plays in advancing radical ideologies, as well as the massive response from young Americans wanting to start or join a Turning Point USA chapter to make a positive difference on their campuses. Listen to Dr. Ingraham’s Interview on the Jason Rantz Show …

Keri D. Ingraham, Doug Ducey, and Jenny Clark to Speak on Educating the Tech Workforce at COSM 2025

_{American Center for Transforming Education
September 18, 2025
1
Innovation}

COSM 2025 will take place in Scottsdale, Arizona, from November 19–21, bringing together leaders to explore the technologies shaping our future. Opening the conference, Keri D. Ingraham, Director of Discovery Institute’s American Center for Transforming Education, will join former Arizona Governor Doug Ducey and school choice advocate Jenny Clark to discuss “Educating the Tech Workforce: Has Arizona Provided a Roadmap?” Ducey was a trailblazer in advancing education freedom during his time as governor, fearlessly advancing schooling options. Clark, founder of the non-profit Love Your School, helps families navigate educational opportunities to find the best fit for their children. Together, the panel will examine how Arizona’s innovations in education may provide a model for …

Video

Keri D. Ingraham Talks AI in Education on NTD News

_{American Center for Transforming Education
September 8, 2025
Education}

After visiting the White House to attend the White House Task Force Meeting on Artificial Intelligence Education, Keri D. Ingraham appeared on NTD News to discuss artificial intelligence in education with host Jack Bradley. Ingraham argues that literacy and critical thinking are essential for teaching students to utilize artificial intelligence properly. Ingraham also discusses the strengths of industry-specific high schools and the Trump administration’s plans to defund schools that allow males in female sports. Watch Ingraham’s Appearance on NTD Here …

Keri D. Ingraham Discusses High-Quality Industry-Specific Education on The Tony Kinnett Cast

_{American Center for Transforming Education
August 8, 2025
Education}

Keri D. Ingraham joined The Daily Signal’s Tony Kinnett Cast to discuss the advantages of industry-specific high schools. She noted the rising number of parents who are rethinking the traditional college path, pointing out that many degrees fail to prepare students for the jobs they ultimately pursue — and that a growing number of employers are dropping bachelor’s degree requirements altogether. Dr. Ingraham also spotlighted the West Michigan Aviation Academy as a standout example of how high schools can successfully equip students with practical, career-ready skills. …

Keri D. Ingraham Talks Modernizing Education on That Kevin Show

_{American Center for Transforming Education
August 6, 2025
Education}

Keri D. Ingraham appeared on That Kevin Show to discuss modernizing education. Ingraham addressed the necessity for reinventing high school for current workforce realities, how one-size-fits-all education is a disservice to our students, and the great example of West Michigan Aviation Academy. …

Audio

Keri D. Ingraham Talks K-12 Indoctrination on the Jason Rantz Show

_{American Center for Transforming Education
September 19, 2025
1
Indoctrination}

Keri D. Ingraham Explains Industry-Specific High Schools on The Empower Podcast

_{American Center for Transforming Education
July 14, 2025
1
School Choice}

Keri D. Ingraham joined Grant Callen on The Empower Podcast to discuss the benefits of industry-specific high schools, based on her recent policy brief at the American Enterprise Institute. Dr. Ingraham makes the case for aligning education with workforce needs by offering high school students hands-on training and industry-recognized credentials. She discusses the real-world success story of West Michigan Aviation Academy, how this innovative model fits into the broader education freedom movement, and how Mississippi could lead the way. Listen to the podcast HERE …

Video: Is America Doomed to Decline?

_{Keri D. Ingraham
July 10, 2025
1
School Choice}

America’s future depends on unlocking its greatest resource: the creativity and potential of its people. Dr. Keri Ingraham explores why education reform is key to renewing our nation at The Believe! Journal. Listen to the full article HERE Read the article HERE …

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