Introduction
Dear American parents,
Our kids are underperforming in school. For years, American students have lagged other developed nations in reading, science, and mathematics literacy. They are disengaged,
disinterested, lack in direction and identity, and too often leave K-12 unprepared for college and the workforce. An outdated standards and academic achievement accountability system has conditioned our students to only concern themselves with test scores and graduation, with little incentive to take pride in classes and projects of lasting value, or projects that they are passionate about. While all students are feeling the pain, students from poor households suffer the most. The teachers and school administrators whom we rely on to care for and educate our youth are overworked, underpaid, stressed, and leaving the profession at an alarming rate. And what’s more, COVID-19 and isolation from peers only exacerbated a tragic mental illness crisis among American youth.
This Op-Ed seeks to address these issues and offers an evidence-based roadmap to improve academic, social, behavioral, and professional outcomes for America’s youth, positioning America as a leader in education.
Access the full paper here.