Staring at public data is generally a pretty good way to alleviate stress about many of the negatives we perceive in the United States (assuming you have the mathematical literacy to understand what you are seeing). While there is still a lot of room for improvement, particularly with regard to other countries, crime rates have been experiencing a very big downward trend since the early 1990s, overall life expectancy is going up, and numerous categories of accidents have shown marked improvements. But education is an area where the outlook isn’t quite as positive.
When “No Child Left Behind” became the rule in the early 2000s there was finally light shed on the enormous differences in educational outcomes based on race and income. While this was an opportunity to solve a serious and concerning problem. Rather than seeing huge improvements in outcomes, education statistics in the United States still tend to be a little disheartening. Especially when looking at math and science – subjects that are critical to our future well being as a country.
When education statistics are examined through 4th grade there is a moderately positive spin to be had. According to Pew Research (see link at the end of this article), US 15 year olds are near the upper part of the middle of the pack when it comes to science and reading. When it comes to math, the story is more disheartening. The US stands at number 40. And the trend in math skills is relatively flat. Worse yet, when looked at over time, the mastery at early ages drops in later years. The 2011 4th grade cohort showed 18% of students at below basic achievement levels, 42% with basic achievement, 34% proficient, and only 7% with advanced proficiency. That same group as 8th graders in 2015 showed a downward trend in every category with below basic competency climbing to an alarming 29%. There is a part of us that worries because in order to improve at the highest pre-college levels teachers need to be able to master the subjects to really teach it in depth. But it strikes us as doubtful that enough of the highest achieving math and science students in High School will choose teaching as a career. The private sector simply offers a much better package of pay and benefits to those who can demonstrate mastery of these skills.
Montessori is highly effective at arming children with the basic tools required for early math and science competency. But once a child leaves our doors, they are at the mercy of what we see as an underfunded and occasionally incompetent public school system. The State of Texas is generally listed middle of the pack overall with regard to quality of education. One study shows us in the bottom third of US States. Another study which looked at reading and math test scores, dropout rates, school funding and poverty rates, Friendswood ISD is the only Houston area district to have made it into the top 500 school districts in the US. We have work to do and plenty of it.
Changing politics and politicians, particularly the ones who run school districts, can be a challenge. But there are things you can do at home as your children grow to have them achieve beyond what their school is capable of delivering.
– Keep your skills up to date and be a lifelong learner. As mentioned, it is hard to find consistently excellent math and science teachers at the highest public school levels. But even if you aren’t an engineer, geneticist, geologist, or mathematician, you can still challenge yourself to build, maintain, and refine your math skills as well as your science understanding. If your child struggles, you will be better equipped to guide them accurately.
– Know your limitations. We all hit a wall. For some the wall was Calculus II in college, for others it was pre-Algebra. When you know you are struggling don’t struggle with your child. Get them a tutor, buy them a book, have them watch a video. Just don’t let them accept defeat when they are really struggling.
– Challenge your child with activities that expand their science and math abilities. There are countless online resources that in many ways provide a clearer and more comprehensive explanation of the subjects your child is studying than their teachers are able to. Turn them loose and make it worth their while to go beyond the basic requirements to get through school.
– It is unfortunately still the case that lower economic situations are good predictors of negative educational outcomes. If you have the skills and the time, there are organizations that offer hope and can use volunteers.
– Above all else, help us help you by reinforcing a love of learning and ensuring your praise is given to reinforce accomplishments that your child has earned through their own determination and effort. Children who tackle real challenges head on learn to love the feeling that comes with pushing the educational envelope – and succeeding.
US News State Rankings
Wallethub Annual Review
Public School Rankings
Pew Research
Best School Districts
