American schools are failing, and education is barely mentioned in the 2024 election.
Decline in Academic Performance
High school graduates leave with inflated grades but plummeting standardized test scores, a trend that signals widespread abandonment of meaningful evaluation.
Students receive top marks while their knowledge of history, civics, art and literature remains abysmal, and even top college entrants often require remedial math.
Decades of experimental policies—from open‑plan classrooms to the self‑esteem movement—have failed to improve outcomes, and the accountability push of the 1980s shifted focus from learners to teachers without reversing the slide.
Reform Recommendations
Experts urge a return to basics: ban smartphones from classrooms, cut screen‑based assignments, and rebuild a reading culture with daily read‑alouds and strong home support.
A curriculum that builds background knowledge in middle school will make high‑school texts less opaque, allowing students to grasp references to classic literature and historical events.
Schools should replace current events and social‑behavior lessons with rigorous literary study, hire charismatic teachers who can animate dramatic passages, and eliminate AI‑assisted assignments in favor of handwritten exams.
These measures are not flashy, but they address the core problem: a system that rewards grades over genuine learning.
If the education crisis is not tackled, America’s future greatness is jeopardized, making the issue a priority for voters and policymakers alike.
Views expressed in this article are opinions of the author and do not necessarily reflect the views of The Epoch Times.
