The Hannah Frankman Podcast

Andrew Bernstein: The Decline of American Education

Oct 31, 2024

Andrew Bernstein, a philosophy professor at Marist College and author of 'Why Johnny Still Can’t Read or Write or Understand Math And What We Can Do About It', dives deep into the troubling decline of literacy and math skills in American education. He highlights the historical factors contributing to this decline, critiques ineffective teaching methods, and emphasizes the foundational role of reading. Bernstein passionately advocates for a return to phonics in teaching and shares practical advice for parents to foster a love of reading in their children.

01:11:48

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Episode guests

Andrew Bernstein

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Quick takeaways

Parental involvement is vital for children's educational success, particularly through phonics-based reading instruction to foster a positive learning environment.

The decline in American education stems from early 20th-century progressive movements that minimized academic rigor in favor of social cooperation.

Innovative alternatives like tutoring and micro-schools can address educational gaps and empower parents to enhance their children's learning experiences.

Deep dives

The Importance of Parental Involvement

Parental involvement is crucial for improving children's education, as parents have the power to influence both the content and methods of instruction. Parents are encouraged to take an active role in their children's learning by teaching them to read using phonics, which is essential for opening up a world of knowledge. Creating a fun reading environment at home ensures children view reading positively and are motivated to develop the skill from an early age. This engagement can take many forms, including after-school tutoring, supporting homework, or even homeschooling, all of which can counteract shortcomings in the traditional education system.

Intro

4min

The Historical Decline of American Education Standards

4min

The Fundamental Role of Reading in Education

2min

Literacy Evolution and Challenges in America

7min

The Literacy Gap: A Teacher's Reflection

13min

The Phonics Debate: Rethinking Reading Instruction

26min

Redefining Education: The Power of Micro-Schools

14min

Exploring Alternative Education Models and Tutoring Solutions

3min

Andrew Bernstein is a professor of philosophy at Marist College and the author of “Why Johnny Still Can’t Read or Write or Understand Math And What We Can Do About It”. In his book, he discusses the history of American decline in literacy rates and mathematics, the deterioration of public education quality, and the most promising educational movements for American children.

Expect to learn about the biggest contributing factors to why American kids struggle with reading, Andrew's observations as a college professor, and his most optimistic views on the future of education. He also offers his top advice for parents on raising children who enjoy reading.

Chapters:

0:00 - Intro

2:38 - The Decline of Academic Standards

4:16 - Why Have Education Standards in America Fallen So Dramatically

7:52 - The Relationship Between Reading and Math Skills

9:47 - Literacy Skills in Early America

16:16 - Gaps in Knowledge Andrew Has Noticed

27:04 - How to Teach a Child to Read with Phonics

40:22 - The Genesis of the "Look-Say" Method

45:18 - Is the Education System Setting Children Up for Failure?

55:08 - How the System Holds Teachers Back

1:02:35 - How Parents Can Combat the Shortcomings of the School System