Beyond the Bad Press

Here is the first paragraph from an article by David Randall in the RealClear Education Newsletter dated June 2, 2026:

The latest education headline from The New York Times is that “U.S. Test Scores Are in a ‘Generation-Long Decline’.” American students are doing worse on reading and mathematics standardized tests—and, indeed, worse on just about every educational measure. America’s schools are slipping from mediocrity to failure.

This is nothing new. We are constantly bombarded by grim media reports declaring that our schools are failing. The prevailing narrative points to tumbling test scores as clear evidence that our children are losing their competitive edge on the world stage. And, while there are some areas that need our attention, I know American education is not as bad as the media portrays us to be. How do I know?

I will let your own experiences answer that question. Think about some of the good you have done this last school year. Think about the student who left you a note and thanked you for not giving up on them. Think about the family that finally started working with you instead of against you when it came to their child’s attendance. Think about the student whose eyes brightened when they figured out the difference between the average rate of change and the average value of a function. This is how I know.

None of these moments can be captured by a standardized test—well, maybe the calculus concepts, but you get my point. Most of the critical work we do as educators simply cannot be measured by a scan sheet. It is that simple. While standardized tests serve a purpose, they never tell the whole story. Don’t let the media convince you that your efforts don’t matter. Don’t let sensationalized media coverage diminish the value of your hard work.

When you begin to lose sight of the incredible job you are doing, take a walk down the hallway. Watch your colleagues in action, look at their vibrant classrooms, and talk to them about their successes. There is more than enough negativity in the world; you don’t need to go looking for it. It will find you. Positivity is harder to find. You have to search for it, prioritize it, and deeply appreciate it when you find it. Please, actively seek out, celebrate, and enjoy the good happening around us every day. There is so much of it in our schools. Thanks for reading! kim