The latest report from the National Assessment of Educational Progress (NAEP)

paints a grim picture of the state of public education in the United States. Once

considered a global leader in education, America is now watching its youth fall further

behind—not just by a few steps, but by miles.

According to the 2024 NAEP data:

- Only 21% of high school seniors are proficient in math.

- Just 33% are proficient in reading.

- Middle school students showed a significant decline in science literacy—a

critical metric for global competitiveness in the 21st century.

Perhaps most alarming: average reading scores are 10 points lower than they were

30 years ago. Instead of progressing, American students are regressing, especially

when compared with their international peers—particularly those in countries like China.

And yet, many of the nation’s elected leaders and public influencers are silent.

A Deafening Silence from Leaders Who Claim to Care

The silence is particularly stark from voices who frequently champion social justice,

racial equity, and the importance of public education. With over 70% of Black and

Hispanic children lacking proficiency in both math and reading, this should be a

crisis demanding urgent action.

Where is the outrage?

While Democratic leaders and activists voice support for public schools, many of them

quietly enroll their own children in elite private institutions:

-Governor Gavin Newsom kept California public schools closed while his own

children attended private in-person classes. His children now attend a

$60,000/year private school in Marin County, one of the wealthiest zip codes in

the U.S.

 Barack Obama, once an advocate for urban education reform, has said little

about the catastrophic performance of Black students in his hometown of

Chicago, where more than 70% are not proficient in basic academic skills.

- Bill Clinton and Joe Biden also chose private education for their children while

public schools continued to decline under their leadership.

If public education is good enough for American children, shouldn’t it be good enough

for their children too?

Money Is't the Problem—Accountability Is

Critics often argue that we just need to “invest more.” But the numbers tell a different

story:

- The U.S. spends over $880 billion annually on public education.

-During the pandemic, an additional $300+ billion in federal funding was funneled

to schools.

Despite this enormous investment, outcomes have worsened. Where did the money

go? Where is the oversight? And who is being held accountable?

The Unspoken Power of the Teachers’ Unions One of the largest obstacles to educational reform is the political power of the teachers’ unions, particularly the American Federation of Teachers (AFT). Union

leadership was deeply involved in influencing public health policy during the pandemic, including efforts to keep schools closed longer than necessary.

These unions donate almost exclusively to Democratic candidates, creating a

powerful incentive for elected officials to protect the status quo rather than advocate

for meaningful reform.

Add to that a bloated educational bureaucracy that resists innovation and clings to

outdated ideologies, and you have a system that rewards mediocrity while punishing

excellence.

In the name of "equity," standards are being lowered across the country—graduating

students who are unprepared for college, the workforce, or the military. Businesses are

forced to spend billions on remedial education, and the U.S. military increasingly rejects

applicants who fail to meet basic academic requirements.

This Is a National Security Issue

This isn't just an education issue. It's a national security threat. A poorly educated

generation means a weaker economy, a vulnerable military, and a population more

easily misled by disinformation and political manipulation.

And the most tragic part? It appears no one in power cares enough to act.