The American education system is in crisis, and it's not just a recent phenomenon. The decline in educational standards has been a concern for centuries, from the ancient Greeks and Romans to the Victorians and the 20th century. But today, the situation is dire, with 49 out of 50 states reporting an increasing gap between the top 10% and bottom 10% of students. This shocking statistic is the focus of an essay published in The Atlantic, titled 'America is Sliding Towards Illiteracy.'
The article, written by Idrees Kahloon, highlights the devastating impact of declining standards and low expectations on American education. It's a wake-up call for parents, Christian leaders, and all Americans, as the future of our society depends on the quality of education we provide. But what's causing this crisis? Is it the fault of smartphones and social media, as some suggest? Or is there a deeper, more ideological issue at play?
The essay delves into the history of educational panic in the United States, from the post-World War II era to the present day. It explores the ideological corruption of public education and its parallel in higher education, where liberal ideologies have taken hold. The author argues that the decline in educational standards began well before the pandemic and that smartphones are not the sole culprit. Instead, the problem lies in a pervasive refusal to hold children to high standards, a trend that has been particularly evident among progressives.
But there is a glimmer of hope in the midst of this crisis. The state of Mississippi, often overlooked as a model for education, has made remarkable progress by returning to fundamental learning methods and treating children as learners. They have implemented strict requirements for grade progression, ensuring that children are actually learning. However, this success has not been without its critics, as progressives are reluctant to follow Mississippi's example.
The article raises important questions about the purpose of education and the role of schools. Is education primarily a sociological or political endeavor, as the Left suggests? Or is it about imparting knowledge and skills, as conservatives argue? The author's personal experience in the 1970s, when he encountered a progressivist experiment in education, highlights the ideological divide in American education. The progressive approach, which emphasized self-discovery and rejected traditional teaching methods, was a stark contrast to the classical model of education he had experienced in the 1960s.
The essay also touches on the role of teacher unions in the decline of American education. The author argues that these unions, with their radical ideologies and demands for more money, have contributed to the problem. The article suggests that the federal government's involvement in education, through the creation of the Department of Education, has been a disaster, and that meaningful reform may be more feasible at the state level.
The Pew Research Center has also weighed in on the issue, with a report revealing that a growing share of Americans believe the US higher education system is headed in the wrong direction. Interestingly, college graduates are more likely than non-graduates to hold this view, indicating a deeper ideological issue. The curriculum in higher education has become increasingly ideological, with some universities even removing classic works like Shakespeare from their English departments.
The article concludes with a call for Christian parents to take responsibility for their children's education, both in K-12 and higher education. It challenges parents to make educational decisions that align with their values and beliefs, rather than simply following the status quo. This is a crucial issue for Christians, as education is a moral concern and a responsibility given to parents by God.
But here's where it gets controversial: are teacher unions and progressive ideologies the primary culprits in the decline of American education? Or are there other factors at play, such as the role of technology and the changing nature of family structures? The debate is sure to spark strong opinions, and we invite you to share your thoughts in the comments. Remember, education is a fundamental pillar of any society, and its future is in our hands.
