They are currently reading at a higher level than 30 years ago.. Though they are still a couple points behind pre-pandemic levels, it is still close enough that it leads me to believe these teachers are apparently new to teaching and a bit alarmist.

I teach 7th and 8th graders, and proficiencies certainly fluctuate from year to year. That is even more exaggerated with the pandemic “virtual learning” year.

Each year we have been able to pinpoint exactly what content they missed, because at this age group the content they missed was foundational.

That said, though technology has affected how we all relate to information, students in my classroom are able to approach novel challenges in creative and unique ways, and it is always exciting to see them grow and develop new skillsets from the unique vantage their lifetime has provided them.

Sure, it can be jarring and frustrating when we approach a lesson or topic that presumes a skill set they are missing, but part of being an educator is providing students with opportunities to grow those skills.

Educators deserve to be able to vent to each other, but I think it is irresponsible to post things like this publicly, because it gives the wrong impression and feels very negative.

America? America.