Schools Keep Flunking

Kerby Anderson
America keeps spending more and more money on public education. And all those tax dollars don’t seem to make a difference. Schools keep flunking.
The National Assessment for Educational Progress is often referred to as “America’s Report Card.” But this isn’t a report card you would want to show anyone. The latest report shows that fourth and eighth grade reading scores declined by two points on average since 2022. Even more concerning is the fact that a third (33%) of eighth graders scored below “basic” on the reading exam. That is a record low. Math scores for eighth graders were eight points lower than in 2019.
Also, concerning was evidence that the achievement gap has increased. High math performers in both grades scored better last year while low performers did worse or the same. Test scores for students scoring in the upper percentiles in reading improved since 1992, but they declined for students in the lower percentiles.
The reasons for this decline don’t take an expert. But the Wall Street Journal editors quoted an education expert at Harvard who talked about three problems: “student mental-health problems, less test-based accountability and increasing screen time.”
The head of a teacher’s union suggested that schools need smaller class sizes, good ventilation, and 21st-century technology. The editors responded, “Sorry, children aren’t doing worse because of bad air filters or old computers. They scored better without 21st-century technology.”
Public schools are flunking. That’s why educational choice is a hot topic today in many states so that parents can take their tax dollars to better schools. And that’s why more parents are looking at private schools, Christian schools, and homeschooling.

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American Hero: Harriet Tubman

Phyllis Schlafly Eagles · February 13 | American Hero: Harriet Tubman Graphic:Harriet Tubman Underground Railroad Visitor Center Dorchester County 33; Author: Bohemian Baltimore; Lic.:CC BY-SA 4.0 Harriet Tubman stands as a towering figure in American history, embodying the relentless pursuit of freedom and the unwavering spirit that defines our great nation. Born into slavery around […]

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Take a Public Stand for Purity

First Corinthians chapter six says, “Flee sexual immorality…” Constitutional expert, lawyer, author, pastor, and founder of Liberty Counsel Mat Staver highlights in 60 seconds the important topics of the day that impact life, liberty, and family. To stay informed and get involved, visit LC.org.
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Strong America

Kerby Anderson
Tech CEO Chamath Palihapitiya on a recent interview reminded us why the world needs a strong America and what it takes to have a strong America. He began by saying that it was important for “Americans to take a step back and acknowledge this one truth. We are the single most important country in existence in the world.”
He went on to argue that “there are two things that underpin that. We are the single most vibrant economy in the world, and we are the single strongest military in the world. If you can agree to those two things, which I think should be non-controversial,” then we will be the strongest country in the world.
He believes those two key elements are why America is the most important country. It doesn’t matter if we make the best oranges or burritos or make the best shoes. Those products don’t equate to being the most powerful country.
America has “the strongest and most vibrant economy and the strongest and most powerful military.” He then argues that “there is only one thing that gives you both of those two things, which is technological supremacy.”
Next comes his concern. He believes “we are in an existential risk of losing our place in the world.” The reason, he believes is simple. We have had “people from the inside trying to sabotage our economy effectively and trying to sabotage our military capability.” And he adds that we have had too many in leadership who don’t know what they’re doing.
I would add that the last election was about this, at least in part. But much more reform needs to take place. We need people with economic judgment and military judgment.
Earlier this week, my commentaries have touched on the problem with DEI. We need to return to a meritocracy, and we need to put the right people in the right positions to have a strong America.

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American Hero: Abraham Lincoln

Phyllis Schlafly Eagles · February 12 | American Hero: Abraham Lincoln Abraham Lincoln is one of America’s greatest heroes, embodying the essence of our nation’s enduring spirit and unwavering commitment to freedom. Born into humble beginnings in 1809, Lincoln rose to become the 16th President of the United States, leading our country through its most […]

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This School District Goes to the Back of the Class!

Apparently, she is the only substitute teacher to be removed in this school district for expressing free speech outside of the classroom. Constitutional expert, lawyer, author, pastor, and founder of Liberty Counsel Mat Staver highlights in 60 seconds the important topics of the day that impact life, liberty, and family. To stay informed and get involved, visit LC.org.
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