[Recurecur]

Yes, COVID was a problem, along with many of the ill-considered responses to it. However, it’s now four years later, and it’s misguided to attribute the situation today to mostly being a result of COVID.

Eliminating the DOE and most of our current approach to K-12 education seems entirely prudent!

Just compare what students learned circa 1900 before graduating high school to today…

[godelski]

  > it’s now four years later

Well yes, but look the x axis of the graph. It doesn't show 2025 and it's barely 2016.

Also yes, that's kinda the point. You don't think doing poorly in a grade below makes it likely you won't do good in the next level? The data points are 2019, 2022, and 2024. You got a sharp decrease from 2019 to 2022. Then a lower decrease from 2022 to 2024. Isn't that what you'd expect from a recovery? And only 2 years after the damage from the pandemic?

You sure wouldn't expect it to instantly jump back to 2019 levels (V shaped). They'd only do that if they didn't do worse during the pandemic. Effects compound. The years aren't independent measurements

[squibonpig]

...huh? I don't think this is worth engaging with other than to say that's a very silly conclusion.