Democrats' Education Policy Fails the Inequality Test

Echoes of the Past: A Party's Mission

When we examine the legacy of the Democratic Party, we find a consistent commitment to reducing inequality and championing justice in American life. Leaders like Franklin Roosevelt and Lyndon Johnson implemented transformative programs that aimed to address disparities within society. Through initiatives such as the New Deal and the War on Poverty, they set a precedent for the role of government in leveling the playing field.

This tradition continued through the presidencies of Bill Clinton and Barack Obama, who embraced educational reforms as catalysts for change. Both leaders positioned themselves as reform-minded outsiders—committed not only to improving educational outcomes but also to reshaping societal structures that perpetuate inequality.

A Historical Perspective on Education Reform

The bipartisan support for education reform was unmistakable. One notable achievement was the No Child Left Behind Act, passed with overwhelming majorities in both the House and Senate. Under this framework, accountability was prioritized, resulting in significant increases in student achievement across various demographics from the mid-'90s until around 2013.

As demonstrated by rising test scores, disadvantaged students, particularly Black and Hispanic adolescents, experienced remarkable gains during this period. The percentage of Black eighth graders scoring below basic competency in math dropped from 78% to 48%, while their Hispanic peers saw similar improvements.

The Downfall of a Promising Trajectory

However, this upward trajectory met a startling reversal after 2013. Student achievement scores have since begun to decline, with particularly stark contrasts visible between affluent students and those from less privileged backgrounds.
The question arises: What catalyzed this downturn?

Two Key Developments: Screens and Politics

First, the rise of digital technology and the ubiquitous nature of screens introduced a culture of passive consumption that undermined critical thinking and literacy skills. Articles and books once cultivated analytical skills, but the advent of social media and short video formats has led to alarming rates of cognitive decline among young people.

Second, the political landscape shifted dramatically. The economic and cultural populism that emerged in the wake of the 2008 financial crisis led to a division within the Republican Party, while the Democrats also veered sharply to the left. This shift marginalized moderate educational reformers, casting aside the accountability measures established by the previous era.

The Shift to 'Equity' Over Accountability

In 2015, the Every Student Succeeds Act replaced No Child Left Behind, marking the end of the stringent accountability period in favor of an 'equity' focused approach. Democratic-controlled states eased accountability measures, and this shift came with devastating consequences for the most vulnerable students. Schools in many blue states began to dilute educational standards, contributing to a troubling 'education depression.'

COVID-19: An Amplifier of Existing Issues

While many attribute the current disarray in education policy to the disruptions caused by the COVID-19 pandemic, the roots of these problems were entrenched well before this public health crisis. As noted by experts, trends in achievement gaps were evident prior to the outbreak. Recent assessments revealed that average reading scores for 12th graders are now at historic lows, raising alarm bells about the direction of our education system.

Revisiting Your Own Ideals

One cannot help but question the Democratic Party's commitment to reducing inequality, especially as education outcomes worsen. Policies once designed to foster opportunity seem now to cater more to ideological aspirations than to practical outcomes. Are Democrats prepared to embrace accountability in education once again, or will they resign themselves to the guidance of social justice rhetoric?

Who Is Winning in the States?

Ironically, it appears that Republican-led states have found success in educational outcomes where Democrats have faltered. Schools in Mississippi, Louisiana, and Alabama are achieving remarkable improvements in reading and mathematics, challenging the presumption that blue states are inherently better at education.

Moreover, the trends have inverted since 2019, where deep blue states exhibited a higher average in elementary school reading scores compared to red states. Now, it's red states demonstrating effective, science-based educational methodologies while blue states fall short. Mississippi is now nurturing a generation of literate fourth graders at a stunning rate, proving that policy, not geography, defines educational outcomes.

A Call for Renewed Commitment

In confronting this disheartening landscape, it becomes increasingly essential for Democrats to rediscover their foundational mission: reducing inequality through transformative education reforms. The consequences of inaction are dire, not only for the party but for the very fabric of American society.

“We can't live in a country in which the party that dominates rural areas has a proven educational agenda while the party that claims urban areas does not.”

Let this serve as a clarion call for Democrats to shift their focus back to pragmatic policies that prioritize educational equity over ideological battles. The well-being of our most vulnerable citizens depends on it.