The education crisis in America is unmistakable. With grade school students in several states failing to meet basic reading and math proficiency, the situation has reached alarming levels. Issues that existed long before the pandemic were exacerbated when schools were shut down during Covid-19. As a result, numerous states have turned to a straightforward solution…returning to fundamental teaching methods like phonics. It’s remarkable how focusing on core skills can yield dramatic improvements. If schools prioritize teaching kids to read instead of delving into social justice and gender theory, the outcomes can be extraordinary.
Kelsey Piper, writing for ‘The Argument’ on Substack, highlighted this transformation when discussing the latest National Assessment of Educational Progress (NAEP) results, commonly referred to as the Nation’s Report Card. The findings leave little room for optimism. For instance, in California, only 30% of public school fourth graders can read proficiently, and 41% cannot even read at a basic level. This means a large percentage of students struggle to comprehend written texts, marking a significant educational failure.
While many states are grappling with these issues, Mississippi stands out with its impressive educational gains. Following a brief decline during the pandemic, students in Mississippi have not only recovered but have also surpassed their pre-COVID performance levels. The state’s fourth graders outperform those in California on average, despite California’s greater wealth and a 50% higher spending rate per pupil.
The contrast in performance is particularly striking among disadvantaged students. In California, just 28% of Black fourth graders read at or above a basic level, compared to 52% in Mississippi. Furthermore, Mississippi has succeeded in raising not just the bottom tier of performance but also fostering high achievement among students who are not economically disadvantaged. This shows that targeted initiatives can effectively enhance overall literacy rates.
Other Southern states, including Louisiana, Alabama, and Tennessee, have adopted similar strategies and have seen positive results as well. The focus on phonics has become a core principle in these states’ educational reform efforts. However, implementing these changes required more than just encouraging schools… it demanded substantial actions like earmarked funding, guidance for districts, and sometimes even mandates for universal adoption of phonics-based instruction.
The crux of the issue lies in the priorities of the educational system. When schools prioritize unproven theories on gender and social justice over teaching essential skills like reading and math, they jeopardize students’ future opportunities. For too long, students have exited the school system without acquiring basic literacy… an outcome that should be unacceptable. Southern states are leading the charge back to the basics, demonstrating that focused instruction in foundational skills works.
As the examples from Mississippi and other Southern states illustrate, a commitment to traditional educational methods can yield significant improvements in literacy. Student outcomes can greatly improve when schools recommit to teaching and practicing core skills. This shift illustrates that returning to basics is not just a good idea… it’s essential for the future of education in America.
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