Apologies — the post that went out earlier today was an incomplete one! Here’s the post I intended to send today. Also, we’re trying different times to see what works best for you.
-Jody
Families Need Solutions Now
A recent article criticizing the latest Education Scorecard report raises an important question: What happened to student achievement in America?
The data are not encouraging. National reading and math scores for 4th and 8th graders have been declining for years. Students today are generally performing worse than students a decade ago. Everyone agrees there is a problem. What remains hotly debated is the cause.
The Education Scorecard report points to factors such as increased social media use and the relaxation of federal accountability testing requirements after No Child Left Behind. The article’s author argues that those explanations miss a much larger factor: Common Core and the widespread changes to curriculum and instruction that followed its adoption.
Others point to different causes. Some blame ineffective reading instruction. Others cite the disruptions of COVID, changes in student behavior, or the increasing complexity of modern classrooms.
The truth is that education experts continue to disagree about what caused the decline. But while policymakers and researchers debate the reasons, families still have children who need an education today.
That reality is especially important in New Hampshire.
While New Hampshire remains one of the highest-performing states in the country, student achievement has generally stagnated or declined. The debates happening at the national level are not someone else’s problem—they affect students here as well.
The good news is that New Hampshire families have more educational options than ever before.
A child who is struggling in one environment may thrive in another. Some students flourish in their local district school. Others find success in charter schools, private schools, homeschooling, microschools, coops, dual enrollment programs, or combinations of these approaches. There is no single model that works for every child.
How EdOpt Helps
At EdOpt, we pay attention to the policy debates because they shape the educational landscape. But our focus remains on helping families find solutions that fit their children right now.
If national experts eventually determine exactly why achievement has declined, that knowledge may help future students. But parents making decisions this summer cannot wait for a consensus that may still be years away.
Families need information. They need options. And they need the freedom to choose the educational path that best matches their child’s needs. EdOpt has a few tools that can help:
- Use our interactive map to find options in your area. It’s like finding restaurants using filters.
- Set up a phone call with us to talk about your particular issues.
- Chat with our new AI-powered EdOpt Navigator, which knows more about education in NH than you can imagine.
Regardless of what caused the current challenges in American education, one lesson seems clear: when a system struggles to serve every child well, giving families more choices becomes more important, not less.
Education experts may continue debating what caused today’s challenges. But families cannot wait for a consensus. They need solutions now.
Warmly,
Jody
Jody Underwood, Ph.D.
President, Education Options
More EdOpt Fairs
Bow: OUTDOORS!
This is going to be our first OUTDOOR fair, rain or shine.
- Thursday, July 30 from 6-8pm
- The Plaza at 1494 Rt 3A in Bow NH
- Providers and attendees can register here.
- You can see the list of education providers who will be at the fair here. The list will continue to grow and change as we move closer to the event.
There will be a food truck with ice cream. There is a playground right next to the parking lot where we will be holding the fair, so bring the kids!
We’re also working on fairs in other places — Loudon will be in the fall. Let us know if you want to organize one in your area!
Let your friends know about these fairs. Word of mouth is the best way to advertise. Also, follow us and share our events and posts on Facebook, Instagram, and X.
About EdOpt
EdOpt is a 501(c)(3) non-profit whose aim is to help families understand all their education options, from non-traditional (homeschooling, homeschool co-ops, microschools) to traditional (charter schools, private schools, tech centers, dual enrollment, learn everywhere).
Use our website to find education providers options around the state. Please let us know if we’re missing any!
EdOpt also provides guidance to help you figure out what will suit your children. Set up a FREE Education Options consultation today. And check out our new AI Assistant, the EdOpt Navigator, available on every website page.
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