May 9th 2024.
The former teacher and assistant principal is speaking out about a pressing issue that she believes is not being given the attention it deserves - the literacy crisis in America. In a video that has gone viral on TikTok, she expressed her concern that our children are struggling to read and comprehend basic written material. As someone who has experience teaching middle and high school students, she is troubled by the lack of essential reading skills being taught in schools. Instead, she has noticed a trend of promoting illiterate students to the next grade level without providing them with the necessary support.
This is a problem that has been ongoing for the past decade, with reading test scores remaining stagnant. However, the teacher noted a significant decline since the start of the pandemic. The latest National Assessment of Education Progress revealed that less than half of fourth graders in the U.S. are scoring at or above a proficient level in reading. This issue is even more alarming for Black students, with only 17% performing at a proficient level in their fourth-grade year.
The Education Trust has also shed light on the systemic issue of denying educational access to Black individuals, a legacy that has been deeply ingrained in our country's history. During slavery, oppressive anti-literacy laws were used to prevent both enslaved and free Black Americans from learning how to read and write. Despite this, many still courageously defied these unjust regulations at great personal risk. Even after slavery was abolished, white Southerners responded with violence, attacking or destroying over 600 freedpeople's schools. This has perpetuated the cycle of marginalization and suppression of Black communities.
The ex-teacher points out that the crisis has been ignored for far too long, with many only starting to take notice after the pandemic caused a significant decline in test scores. She also highlighted the reintroduction of balanced reading, also known as phonics, to the educational curriculum. This may come as a surprise to some who may not have been aware of its previous absence.
The educator urges parents to take an active role in helping their children improve their reading skills. She suggests removing distractions such as tablets and cellphones and instead spending time practicing fundamental reading skills like letter recognition and sounds. She also encourages parents to prioritize reading with their children and make it a regular activity. Additionally, she urges parents and guardians who have the privilege to do so, to attend PTSA meetings and stay informed about policies being passed. She emphasizes that the education system is counting on the fact that families, especially Black and brown families, will not show up. It is crucial for parents to be involved and advocate for their children's education.
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