The America 250 Civics Education Coalition is Championing American Pride and Freedom: Lee Schalk on The Rod and Greg Show

By: Lee Schalk

ALEC Senior Vice President of Policy Lee Schalk joined The Rod & Greg Show on 105.9 KNRS to discuss America’s fast approaching 250th anniversary. In recognition of such a momentous occasion, ALEC has joined the America 250 Civics Education Coalition, a nationwide effort led by Department of Education Secretary Linda McMahon, America First Policy Institute (AFPI), Turning Point USA, and more than 40 other national and state-based organizations. Together, the coalition will strengthen civic education, inspire patriotic pride, and prepare Americans of all ages to celebrate the nation’s 250th anniversary in 2026.

The effort comes at a time when civic knowledge sits at historic lows.

“Too many Americans really lack a basic understanding of the Constitution and our founding principles,” Schalk said. “This coalition aims to reverse those trends and highlight what’s great about this country.”

At ALEC, that work is already underway. The organization has model policies to ensure curriculum transparency, require that civics and American history are taught in classrooms, and expand education freedom through universal school choice currently available. These reforms empower both parents and lawmakers alike.

“We’ve developed a model policy that ensures curriculum transparency in our classrooms, so that parents know exactly what is being taught to their children,” explained Schalk. “Part of what parents are looking for are schools that are going to teach about America’s founding and our core principles.”

Momentum, he added, is already building. The rise of new grassroots organizations, the spread of universal education savings accounts, and even bipartisan support for limiting smartphone use in classrooms are helping accelerate change.

“When you take a combination of these improvements,” he said, “we’re going to see great improvements in a rapid change in our K–12 education and test scores.”

The enthusiasm behind school choice is also playing a role.

“There’s really been an incredible movement to enhance education freedom and school choice options across the country,” he said. “There’s been incredible leadership in the federal government, with Secretary McMahon and President Trump supporting these types of programs to ensure that parents can put their kids in the best school according to their unique needs.”

For Schalk, the heart of America 250 is making sure the next generation understands why the United States is the greatest experiment in liberty the world has ever known. Through to the America 250 Civics Education Coalition, he’s confident that those lessons won’t be lost.

“Parents are looking for schools that are going to teach about America’s founding in our core principles,” said Schalk. “This coalition aims to really set the ship straight and highlight what’s great about this country.”