California Policy Center Vice President Advocates for Parental Control in Education Reform

Lance Christensen, Vice President of Education Policy and Government Affairs at the California Policy Center (CPC), is championing greater parental involvement as the "ultimate education reform." This perspective was highlighted in a recent tweet from CA Virtual Education, which recommended an article by Christensen to parents, stating, "Good read for parents by our friend, @lancelands CPC Vice President of Education Policy. #ITrustParents." The tweet included a link to the article, reinforcing the organization's support for parental authority in schooling decisions.

Christensen's work at the California Policy Center consistently advocates for empowering parents, emphasizing their fundamental right to direct their children's education. He argues that parental engagement positively correlates with academic achievement and that a one-size-fits-all approach to education often limits excellence. According to his writings, a 2022 survey by Tyton Partners indicated that "52% of parents now prefer to direct and curate their child’s education rather than rely on their local school system."

The CPC executive has been a vocal proponent of school choice initiatives, including Education Savings Accounts (ESAs), which would allow state education funds to follow students to their chosen educational environments. He previously ran for California State Superintendent of Public Instruction in 2022, campaigning on a platform to "add parents into the education equation" and address what he describes as declining educational outcomes despite significant spending. Christensen has also been critical of policies that he views as undermining parental rights, such as those related to parental notification regarding student gender transitions.

Christensen's stance aligns with a broader movement advocating for increased transparency and parental oversight in California's public education system. His efforts include supporting local school boards and providing resources to help parents navigate and influence educational policies. The California Policy Center, where Christensen holds his leadership role, is a non-profit organization focused on promoting free-market solutions and individual liberty, often engaging in policy discussions around education, government, and economics.