Recent data reveals a concerning trend in Minnesota's education system, with a significant majority of eighth-grade students struggling to achieve proficiency in mathematics.
According to a report by the Washington Examiner, nearly 70% of Minnesota's eighth-grade students are not proficient in math under Governor Tim Walz's administration.
The decline in academic performance is not limited to mathematics alone. Reading proficiency levels have also seen a notable decrease since Walz took office. In 2022, only 32% of fourth-grade students in Minnesota were proficient in math, while a mere 30% of eighth-graders demonstrated proficiency in reading.
Governor Walz, who came into office with a background in education, introduced the "Due North" education plan during his tenure. This initiative aimed to address racial disparities and promote equity in education across the state.
However, critics argue that the plan's focus on ideological tenets and ethnic studies may have come at the expense of core academic skills. The emphasis on these areas appears to have overshadowed the need for improvements in fundamental subjects like math and reading.
The results of statewide assessments paint a grim picture of the education system's current state. In 2022, only 41% of fourth-grade students were proficient in math, marking a decrease from the previous evaluation in 2019.
The education crisis in Minnesota appears to be worsening, with some schools facing extreme challenges. In 2023, 78 public schools in the state failed to have a single student proficient in reading or math in at least one entire grade level, based on the Minnesota Comprehensive Assessment tests.
This widespread underperformance has led to criticism of Walz's leadership in education. Despite being hailed as an "educator-in-chief" upon his election in 2018, the governor's policies have not translated into improved academic outcomes for Minnesota's students.
Catrin Wigfall, a policy fellow at the Center of the American Experiment, highlighted the severity of the situation. She reported that the fourth-grade reading and eighth-grade math performance on national tests in Minnesota were the lowest in 30 years.
The decline in Minnesota's education performance has broader implications, especially as Governor Walz has been nominated as the Democratic vice-presidential candidate. Critics argue that his track record in education should be a significant consideration for voters across the country.
The stark contrast between Walz's background as a former teacher and the current state of education in Minnesota has not gone unnoticed. Many are questioning whether his approach to education reform has been effective and whether it warrants a promotion to higher office.
Opponents of Walz's vice-presidential bid argue that his focus should remain on improving the education system in his state rather than pursuing national office. They contend that accountability for the current state of Minnesota's education system should be a priority.
Minnesota's education crisis serves as a cautionary tale for the rest of the nation. The decline in math and reading proficiency under Governor Tim Walz's administration highlights the importance of effective education policies and their impact on student performance. With nearly 70% of eighth-grade students not proficient in math and similarly low scores in reading, the state faces significant challenges in improving academic outcomes.
