Standards Matter: How High Expectations Can Boost Education for All

Over the last ten years, a big test has been happening in American schools. Some places tried to make things fair by making school easier. They cut back on tough classes, made grading less strict, and got rid of some tests. Others did the opposite. They kept high standards and used teaching methods that work. Now, we can see the results. The idea behind making school easier was to help everyone do well. But it didn't work. Test scores went down, especially for students who needed the most help. At the same time, grades went up. This created a strange situation where students got good grades but didn't know the basic stuff. For example, some students who got A's in high school calculus couldn't solve simple algebra problems in college.Meanwhile, states like Mississippi, Louisiana, Tennessee, and Alabama tried a different approach. They focused on high standards, good teaching methods, and clear expectations. They even made students repeat grades if they needed to. This worked! Students in these states did better in reading, no matter their starting point. High expectations and good teaching methods have always been shown to help students who start behind. This leads to fairness and success. Parents are upset about the failures of the easier approach. This is making more people want school choice. In college, students are also voting with their feet. They're going to schools that focus on learning and clear expectations. The way forward is clear. Schools should bring back clear, fair standards. They should use teaching methods that work and focus on skills that help students in the real world. When standards slip, students notice and go elsewhere. Excellence isn't the enemy of fairness. It's the key to it.