health
America Is Sliding Toward Illiteracy
Declining standards and low expectations are destroying American education.
TL;DR
- American student performance has declined significantly over the past decade, reversing earlier gains.
- Test scores in reading and math have fallen, with the share of students performing below basic levels reaching historic highs.
- The achievement gap between top-performing and struggling students has widened considerably.
- While smartphone use is a potential factor, the article suggests a "low-expectations theory"—a pervasive refusal to hold students to high standards—is a more significant cause.
- Increased school spending has not correlated with improved performance, and pandemic-related funding was largely ineffective.
- States like Mississippi have shown remarkable improvement by implementing high standards, such as mandatory literacy exams for promotion, and focusing on effective teaching methods like phonics.
- The decline in academic achievement has substantial economic consequences, potentially reducing lifetime earnings and GDP.
- Addressing the educational decline requires a return to higher expectations and evidence-based reforms, including a reevaluation of approaches to grading and school performance.