In this discussion, Connor Duffy, ABC's education reporter, dives into the troubling decline in Australian students' literacy and numeracy skills. He reveals that one-third of students fail to meet basic benchmarks, while those from non-English backgrounds often excel. Duffy emphasizes the critical role of parental engagement in boosting educational success and showcases a school that has transformed its teaching methods for better results. He also touches upon the ongoing debate between inquiry-based learning and explicit instruction in the education system.