Governor Jeb Bush Responds to Alarming 2022 NAEP Scores

“Every child has the God-given ability to reach their full potential, and today’s NAEP scores tell us the system failed our nation’s children. I am certain the right policy with unflinching resolve can provide a pathway forward.  

Policy changes lives, and that begins with parents, which is why I believe we need to expand educational opportunities for all families, followed by every state investing in evidence-based literacy policies and well-informed math policies.

I’m optimistic we can overcome this educational crisis by leaning into this challenge. This is a national priority and a human necessity to ensure all students are provided the skills and knowledge to live a life of purpose.” 

Governor Jeb Bush, Founder and Chairman of The Foundation for Excellence in Education

To establish a solid foundation of early literacy, policymakers must do three things: 

1. Require all educators to be trained in phonics and the science of reading, an evidence-based approach to teach students the understanding around sounds, fluency, vocabulary and comprehension. Teacher-prep programs in colleges of education should require this training as well as installing literacy coaches at every elementary and middle school to support the teachers.   
2. Eliminate failed literacy practices and curriculum, such as “balanced literacy” or “whole language,” along with any model that includes the “3-cueing” approach. The 3-cueing method teaches students to look at pictures and guess instead of sounding out words.   
3. Establish early literacy screening in every state (in grades K-3) and provide early intervention for those struggling to learn to read.  

There are three critical ideas for policymakers to enact to ensure students are competent in math: 

1.  Ensure students have access to an effective math teacher by preparing all teachers or those specializing in math instruction – especially in the early grades. 
2. Require curriculum based on high-quality content focused on both procedural and conceptual knowledge of whole numbers, fractions and geometry, and problem-solving skills.  
3. Provide students who are behind with additional time with personalized math support, including access 2-3 times a week to high-impact tutoring so they can master the concepts.