America Is Sliding Toward Illiteracy
9 hours ago
- #decline
- #education
- #policy
- American education has seen a significant decline in student performance over the past decade, with test scores regressing to levels not seen in 25 years.
- The decline is not evenly distributed; the bottom tenth of students are performing worse, while the top tenth remain stable, increasing educational inequality.
- Increased school spending has not improved outcomes, with pandemic relief funds largely wasted on non-educational expenses.
- Smartphones and social media are identified as potential culprits for declining performance, especially among Gen Z, though this doesn't fully explain the drop in elementary school performance.
- The 'low-expectations theory' suggests schools demand less from students, leading to lower effort and achievement, supported by rising grades despite declining mastery.
- Mississippi and other southern states have shown significant improvements in education by enforcing high standards and providing necessary resources, dubbed the 'Mississippi miracle.'
- Educational reforms like charter schools and merit-based pay face resistance from progressive Democrats and teachers' unions, despite evidence of their effectiveness.
- The economic cost of declining education is immense, with projections of lower lifetime earnings and reduced GDP growth.
- Artificial intelligence may not offset these economic losses, as technological advancements tend to benefit high-skilled workers more.
- The U.S. faces challenges to its scientific and technological leadership, exacerbated by restrictive immigration policies under the Trump administration.