There is currently a serious education crisis in the United States, particularly in public schools where many students struggle with basic reading and math skills. This issue worsened during the COVID-19 school closures. However, some Southern states have implemented strategies that focus on fundamental teaching methods, resulting in improved literacy rates.
• Many grade school students across various states are unable to read or perform math at grade level, a problem amplified by COVID-19.
• Southern states like Mississippi and Louisiana have taken a different approach by returning to teaching basics such as phonics.
• The latest National Assessment of Educational Progress (NAEP) report reveals alarming literacy rates. For example, only 30% of California's fourth graders read proficiently, and 41% cannot read at even a basic level.
• In contrast, Mississippi has seen consistent improvement in literacy rates, with fourth-grade students now surpassing their peers in California despite less funding and resources.
• The disparities are particularly notable among disadvantaged students. For instance, 52% of Black fourth graders in Mississippi read at or above the basic level compared to only 28% in California.
• The successful strategies adopted by Mississippi, and similarly by Louisiana, Alabama, and Tennessee, include dedicated funding, guidance for school districts, and mandates to enforce teaching phonics.
• There is a critique that schools focusing on social justice and gender theories are neglecting fundamental skills necessary for student success, such as reading and math.
• The article argues for all American schools to return to essential teaching methods to ensure students can read and thrive in life.
Southern states are demonstrating that a focus on basic education can effectively improve literacy rates. By prioritizing essential skills such as reading over more contemporary social issues, they have shown significant progress. It is emphasized that all schools should adopt similar strategies to address the ongoing education crisis and better prepare students for the future.
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