How to Educate a Citizen

1. The decline of shared knowledge in American schools has led to a national crisis

Without schooling that teaches shared knowledge, the spiritual bonds that hold our society together are loosened.

Educational shift. In the mid-20th century, American education moved away from a common curriculum to a "child-centered" approach. This shift emphasized individualized learning and general skills over shared content knowledge. The result has been a decline in national unity, communication, and overall competence.

Consequences:

• Decreased verbal scores on standardized tests
• Widening achievement gaps between advantaged and disadvantaged students
• Reduced ability for citizens to communicate effectively and work together
• Erosion of shared cultural and historical knowledge
• Declining patriotism and national pride

2. Child-centered education fails to provide essential common knowledge

Dewey was right about the structure of the difficulty, but later work in psychology has demolished his proposed solution.

Flawed philosophy. Child-centered education, rooted in the ideas of John Dewey and other progressive educators, assumes that children's natural interests and abilities should guide their learning. This approach neglects the importance of shared knowledge in developing language proficiency and critical thinking skills.

Problems with child-centered approach:

• Lack of coherent, cumulative learning across grades
• Overemphasis on general skills that don't actually exist (e.g., "critical thinking")
• Neglect of essential cultural and historical knowledge
• Increased difficulty for disadvantaged students to catch up
• Fragmentation of knowledge across classrooms and schools

3. Successful schools prioritize shared, coherent curricula over individualized learning

Nobody leaves.

Effective models. Schools that have implemented knowledge-based curricula, such as Core Knowledge schools in the South Bronx and Lyles-Crouch Traditional Academy in Alexandria, Virginia, have shown remarkable success in improving student outcomes and narrowing achievement gaps.

Key features of successful schools:

• Coherent, grade-by-grade sequence of topics
• Emphasis on building shared knowledge across all subjects
• Integration of content knowledge with skill development
• Strong focus on citizenship and character education
• High expectations for all students, regardless of background

4. The "blank slate" theory supports the importance of shared knowledge in education

Science tells us several other key things about learning that we need to make our schools aware of, and which on the whole run counter to their thinking.

Scientific backing. Recent research in cognitive science and neurobiology supports the idea that the human brain, particularly the neocortex, is highly adaptable and not pre-programmed with specific knowledge or skills. This "blank slate" theory underscores the importance of deliberately teaching shared knowledge and values.

Implications for education:

• The need for explicit instruction in cultural knowledge and values
• The possibility of creating a shared American identity through education
• The importance of a common curriculum in fostering social cohesion
• The potential for all students, regardless of background, to achieve high levels of knowledge and skill

5. International comparisons reveal the effectiveness of knowledge-based curricula

Not only do our education schools often support a wrong theory about reading, they also support a wrong theory about how children should be taught and what children should be taught.

Global perspective. Countries that have maintained or implemented knowledge-based curricula, such as Singapore and post-PISA shock Germany, consistently outperform the United States in international assessments. These comparisons highlight the effectiveness of shared, coherent content in improving educational outcomes.

Lessons from high-performing countries:

• Specific, grade-by-grade content standards
• Emphasis on building cultural and historical knowledge
• Integration of skill development with content learning
• Strong focus on teacher preparation and support
• National commitment to educational excellence and equity

6. Patriotism and shared values are crucial components of effective education

Patriotism gives universal sentiments a poetic concreteness that makes it work emotionally. It offers brotherhood and sisterhood. Liberty, Equality, and Kindness—our version of that great triple motto of the French Revolution.

Civic education. A strong emphasis on patriotism and shared values is essential for creating engaged citizens and maintaining national unity. This doesn't mean blind nationalism, but rather a thoughtful appreciation for the principles and ideals that underpin American democracy.

Elements of effective civic education:

• Teaching of American history and civic institutions
• Emphasis on shared democratic values
• Cultivation of a sense of national belonging and responsibility
• Promotion of civic engagement and participation
• Balancing national identity with respect for diversity

7. A return to common content can improve educational outcomes and national unity

If we do not want to fragment ourselves, if we want America to be unified and productive, we will ensure that our inherent diversity is embraced by a genuine unity of knowledge and sentiment.

Path forward. Implementing a shared, knowledge-rich curriculum in American schools can address many of the current challenges in education and society. This approach doesn't mean abandoning diversity or individual differences, but rather providing a common foundation of knowledge and values upon which students can build.

Benefits of a common curriculum:

• Improved verbal skills and reading comprehension
• Narrowed achievement gaps between advantaged and disadvantaged students
• Enhanced social mobility and equal opportunity
• Increased national cohesion and civic engagement
• Better preparation for higher education and the workforce

Last updated: November 5, 2024