70% of Fourth Graders Can't Read Proficiently: What's Going Wrong?

Education in the U.S. is hitting a rough patch, and it's no small issue. A recent report has highlighted a worrying trend: kids aren't meeting critical learning benchmarks. Specifically, you’ve got 70% of fourth graders who can't read proficiently, and 73% of eighth graders struggling with math. These numbers are up from 66% and 67% respectively in 2019. If you're just tuning in, this isn't merely a blip. It's a sign that the education system is still reeling from the pandemic's impact.

Why should you care? Well, a child's ability to read and do math is a pretty solid predictor of their future success, in school and beyond. Think of today’s kids as tomorrow’s workforce. Investing in their well-being now isn't just about them. It's about the economy, and believe me, the stakes are high. According to the Anne E. Casey Foundation's report, everything from attendance rates to basic literacy has taken a hit. Preschool attendance for 3 and 4-year-olds dropped to 46% from 48% five years ago. Economic strain and food insecurity are making it even harder for kids to focus and learn, creating a vicious cycle of absenteeism and lifelong hurdles.

Here's the gist: the pandemic isn't the only culprit. The ‘learning recession’ has been brewing for about a decade, with tech and social media playing their part. Schools haven't fully adapted to these changes, let alone introduced targeted programs to address them. And let's not overlook the role of technology. While educational tech was supposed to be a major shift, it seems to be falling short.

So what's next? The education system needs a serious reboot to tackle these foundational skills. The question is, who picks up the tab? It's not just an educational issue, but one that'll spill over into the workforce, affecting everyone from CEOs to entry-level workers. Bottom line: these aren't just numbers, they're a wake-up call.