I went to a public school system in the 1960’s that didn’t take any federal money plus most importantly, used the phonics books, SRA Reading Labs etc.
I buy the phonics part of your argument.
If schools are to improve, get the federal government out of it. Get better curriculum. Get rid of the NEA and their radical agenda. And part of the problem is liberal infested colleges. It ISN'T just one problem, it's many.