Red States Embrace Proven Methods, See Results
Mississippi's commitment to educational excellence began with reforms in 2012 that emphasized phonics instruction and implemented a policy requiring third graders to meet reading benchmarks before promotion. The state also invested $15 million annually in teacher training and reading coaches. These measures led to Mississippi's fourth graders rising from 49th to the top of national rankings in reading, with black students improving from 45th to third place. Graduation rates also climbed from 72% in 2013 to nearly 90% in 2024.
Louisiana followed suit in 2019, adopting similar phonics-based curricula and investing in comprehensive training for educators. As a result, the state has made significant strides in recovering from pandemic-related learning losses, particularly in eighth-grade reading scores.
Blue States Struggle Despite Wealth
In contrast, affluent, Democrat-led states like California and New York have seen declines in student performance. Despite substantial funding, these states have often prioritized progressive educational approaches over foundational skills, leading to stagnating or falling test scores. The data suggests that wealth alone does not guarantee educational success without effective, evidence-based teaching methods.
The success stories of Mississippi and Louisiana demonstrate that conservative education policies centered on phonics and accountability can yield significant improvements in student achievement. These findings challenge the notion that increased spending and progressive curricula are the keys to educational success, highlighting the importance of returning to proven, traditional teaching methods.