Over the last several decades, education statistics in America have been on a decline. While the nation spends nearly 5% of its total national GDP on education, the results have not “backed up” the massive dedication of wealth which has been earmarked for public academics. In truth, while the country is consistently ranked among the top nations for educational opportunities, in 2018 the nation produced a below average score in Math when testing was last administered, a troubling sign in a global world dominated by technology and innovation. Perhaps the reason for the overall questionable results in education within the United States may have something to do with a shift towards common core educational standards in 2010. Since the Obama administration, (and more so in recent years) a large push by many progressive Democratic leaders throughout the country has resulted in the implementation of radical new curriculums in public schools.
While state governments have the majority of the say when it comes to implementing educational curriculums for young citizens, the federal government can also set guidelines. It may very well be that simply, the priorities of educational leaders in many American states are mixed up and misplaced. In New Jersey, a state dominated by progressive Democrats, vocational programs meant to directly prepare children from practical careers and adulthood such as woodshop, automotive technology, and financial literacy have been greatly diminished in terms of the role they play in public schools over the years. In conjunction, radical policies that promote controversial and negatively revisionist narratives of American history, climate change, and transgender ideologies have been implemented.
Nationally, many students are making a habit of missing school. In an 11 state analysis, the 2022-2023 school year concluded that on average a staggering 27.85% of students were routinely absent. In the aftermath of a pandemic which forced remote learning, destroyed school etiquette and fostered poor and detached learning habits, the statistics are unsurprising.
