From Fox News · Robert Schmad · · 40s
Teachers' unions and reading gaps
States with strong teachers' unions lag in early literacy despite policy efforts
In brief
States with strong teachers' unions lag in early literacy despite policy efforts Strong teachers' unions correlate with weaker early literacy outcomes in states Originally reported by Fox News.
Union strength and reading scores
Eight of ten states with worst early literacy scores have strong teachers' unions
“Eight of the 10 states to score among the worst in the Progressive Policy Institute’s assessment of early-literacy policies were home to powerful teachers' unions”
Mississippi's literacy turnaround
Mississippi boosted reading scores through kindergarten screenings and literacy coaches
“Mississippi's reforms added kindergarten-through-third-grade screenings, literacy coaches, and individual reading plans”
Republican states excel
Arkansas, Georgia, Louisiana, South Carolina and Indiana improved reading scores
“Mississippi Arkansas Georgia Louisiana South Carolina and Indiana all Republican-leaning states with weak unions were among the states with the best literacy outcomes”
Democratic states lag
Maine New York Illinois Hawaii Washington and Rhode Island have weak reading scores
“Maine New York Illinois Hawaii Washington and Rhode Island blue states were among the worst”
Policy implementation challenges
Teachers' unions slow adoption of new literacy methods in classrooms
“Teachers' unions exert massive influence over educational policies and classroom implementation”
In short
Strong teachers' unions correlate with weaker early literacy outcomes in states
