October 16, 2025 - A Troubling Education Crisis: The Great Regression and Its Impact
The Great Education Regression: A Nation Sliding Towards Illiteracy
In a thought-provoking essay published in The Atlantic, Idrees Kahloon sheds light on a disturbing trend: America's education standards are in decline, and the consequences are dire. As a society, we must recognize that education is not just a responsibility but a cornerstone of our civilization. It shapes who we are and what we become.
Education panic is not new; it's a recurring theme throughout history. But in this case, it's not just another panic. The data speaks for itself. Kahloon's essay highlights a decade-long regression in American education, with test scores plummeting to levels unseen since the 1990s. A staggering 33% of eighth graders struggle to comprehend basic reading material, and among fourth graders, the situation is even more alarming, with 40% below the basic reading level.
The Atlantic's report is a wake-up call, and it should concern every parent, Christian leader, and American citizen. However, not everyone will grasp the severity of this issue in the same way.
The Controversial Factors: Smartphones, Inequality, and Government Response
What sets this report apart as controversial? Well, for starters, the gains made among fourth graders by 2024 have been completely erased. In 49 out of 50 states, the gap between the top and bottom 10% of students has widened. This surging inequality is a grim reality, and it's not just about smartphones. While smartphones undoubtedly play a role, the problem started long before they became ubiquitous. The decline is evident even among younger students without smartphones, indicating a deeper, more complex issue.
The government's response? Throw money at the problem. In the midst of the COVID-19 pandemic, billions of dollars were allocated to education, but has it made a difference? The Atlantic points out that this massive funding is comparable to the Trump administration's border wall agenda. It's a stark contrast, and it raises questions about the effectiveness of such measures.
The Mississippi Miracle: A Successful Model Under Attack
In a sea of regression, one state stands out: Mississippi. Despite its reputation, Mississippi has implemented a fundamental approach to reading education, and it's working. Children are learning, and the state has maintained strict requirements for grade progression, ensuring that learning is measurable.
However, this success story is not without controversy. Progressives are hesitant to follow Mississippi's example, and the reason lies in their differing ideologies. The purpose of education, according to the Left, has shifted from educational goals to sociological and political agendas. The focus is on drawing something out of the child rather than imparting knowledge.
As someone who experienced the transition from traditional to progressive education in the 1970s, I can attest to the radical shift in understanding humanity and the totality of education. The progressive idea of whole-word reading has largely failed, yet Mississippi's success with phonics-based learning is a stark contrast.
The key here is objective standards. How do we measure learning? The Left's opposition to standardized testing for reading and mathematics reveals a fundamental disagreement on what education should achieve. The accusation of racism or elitism for supporting special programs that work is a barrier to progress.
Inequality in Education: A Moral Concern for Christians
Conservative Christians must recognize that inequality in education is a moral issue. It's about providing equal opportunities for all children to learn and succeed. Churches have long played a role in helping children learn in underserved neighborhoods, and Christians can make a significant impact.
However, redefining learning as a sociological explanation leads to schools that are more focused on social services than education. The decline of marriage and family has resulted in schools becoming de facto social service providers, which is a sad reality.
The Role of Teacher Unions: A Threat to American Civilization?
The success of Mississippi's education model is a direct challenge to the teacher unions, which are largely responsible for the lack of performance in many school systems. The leaders of these unions, such as Randi Weingarten, are not just on the left; they are far left, and their demands for more money without improved outcomes are concerning.
The Christian worldview recognizes the chasm between the ideologies of parents and teacher unions. It's a battle of worldviews, and it raises questions about the possibility of meaningful reform at the federal level.
Higher Education: A Growing Skepticism
A recent report from the Pew Research Center reveals a growing skepticism towards higher education in the United States. Seven in ten Americans believe the higher education system is headed in the wrong direction, and this view is shared across all demographic groups, including college graduates.
The reasons for this skepticism are multifaceted. Ideological polarization, rising tuition costs, and curriculum changes all contribute to the perception that higher education is not meeting the needs of students or society. The left-leaning ideological indoctrination prevalent in universities is becoming stale and ineffective.
The cost of higher education is also a significant factor. It's becoming increasingly expensive, yet the value it provides is diminishing. At least some Americans are waking up to this reality.
Education as a Responsibility: The Role of Parents and Congregations
As Christians, we must recognize that education is primarily a parental responsibility. The creation order places this responsibility on parents, and the Bible, both in the Old and New Testaments, emphasizes the importance of parental instruction. Churches have a role to play in supporting families and providing a nurturing environment for children to learn and grow.
However, we must also acknowledge the challenges faced by single-parent households. It's a tougher road, and it's essential to provide support and resources to these families.
In conclusion, the education crisis in America is a complex issue with far-reaching implications. It's a battle of worldviews, and it requires a collective effort to address. As Christians, we have a responsibility to ensure that education remains a priority and that all children have the opportunity to learn and thrive.
