Education is the cornerstone of society. It has the power to transform lives, bridge the gap between socio-economic disparities, and foster a culture of innovation and progress. Yet, despite its importance, the American education system is facing unprecedented and serious challenges that threaten to undermine its very existence.

At the heart of the issue is the fact that the United States is no longer competitive with other countries around the world. The Program for International Student Assessment (PISA), shows the U.S. ranks 27th in math literacy, 24th in science literacy, and 20th in reading literacy among developed nations. This should be a wake-up call for all institutions of learning in the U.S.

So, what is wrong with the American education system? And how do we fix it?

The answers are complex and multifaceted. One major issue is the achievement gap between students from low-income backgrounds and those from affluent areas. This gap is allowed to continue by a lack of access to quality educational resources, inadequate funding, low enrollment and a shortage of qualified teachers in underserved communities.

Another challenge is the outdated curriculum and teaching methods that fail to prepare students for the demands of the 21st-century workforce. The process of learning and remembering information through repetition, without fully understanding the concepts, has led to a lack of creativity, critical thinking, and problem-solving skills among students.

To address these challenges, we need a comprehensive overhaul of the education system. This includes: Increased funding for public schools, particularly in underserved communities to provide access to quality educational resources and qualified teachers. There is a need for a revised curriculum that emphasizes critical thinking, creativity, and problem-solving skills, preparing students for the workforce. A commitment to lifelong learning, providing opportunities for workers to upskill and re-skill in an ever-changing economy. Affordable and accessible higher education options, including community colleges, vocational training, and income-driven repayment plans for student loans.

Many of our students today lack the basic math knowledge to correctly give change at a fast food restaurant. To improve math skills, educators and experts recommend emphasizing math education in schools and providing ongoing training and support for certain professions including cashiers. In the 1980’s Singapore’s math skills required extensive reform which included problem solving and critical thinking. Today Singapore’s students consistently rank among the top in international math assessments.

West Virginia is making efforts to improve education, particularly in math. According to a recent report, the state saw a 24% improvement in math achievement statewide between 2022 and 2023. This progress is notable, given that math achievement had fallen by 74% of a grade equivalent between 2019 and 2022.

Some districts faced significant challenges, losing more than a full grade equivalent in math. However, others showed promising improvements, with math achievement increasing by more than 40% in a single year.

To support student learning, the West Virginia Department of Education offers resources like the WV Student Progress Explorer, which provides information on student performance and progress. The state also conducts comprehensive assessments, including the West Virginia General Summative Assessment, to evaluate student learning.

Education has the power to transform lives, drive economic growth, and foster a culture of innovation and progress. We owe it to ourselves, our children, and future generations to ensure that every student has access to a world-class education that prepares them for success in the 21st century.