You are likely aware of the latest report card by the National Assessment of Educational Progress (NAEP) released Monday October 24th that has been extensively covered by all major news outlets, including the New York Times.

The findings are a national cause for concern and highlight major setbacks in the reading and math abilities of fourth and eight graders across most states and demographics.

They also underscore major educational disparities and inequalities, especially for struggling students. Elements that we take for granted, like a quiet place to study and access to a computer, all played a role, especially so during the pandemic.

The New York Times article emphasizes this:

“Test scores are not the only factors that matter for a child’s future, but research has documented the importance of academic preparedness, starting early.”

The article points to the importance of reading and mathematical skills being honed early on; the need to give students more time; and, the benefits of frequent small-group tutoring.

These are all integral aspects of our approach to education here at Waterfront Montessori. Beginning in the Toddler classrooms, our children start engaging with sandpaper letters, learning to make letter sounds, all the while building their foundational literacy skills. They are learning to count and using proven Montessori materials like the Binomial cube as they work on their mathematical and algebra skills.

We make a point of not publishing test results. We go at a child’s pace – whether that means they are doing eighth grade level math in fourth grade, or whether that means giving them the time to really learn elements of the curriculum they find challenging. Our teachers personalize their approach to each student. Our teacher-student ratios, individual lessons and small group classes allow our children to thrive.

Never has investment into high quality education been more important. But we also have to recognize that our students are in a very, very fortunate position.

There is a continued spotlight on our approach to education as a nation, and rightly so. What many refer to as the “traditional” approach to education is not working. It is failing our students. Research is continually pointing to our approach as the one that we should be following–one in which natural talents are encouraged to soar and one that injects joy into learning, not the sense of demoralization recently outlined in this Atlantic article.  

These findings are pointing to what we at Waterfront Montessori have been actively putting into practice for almost two decades—and one that Maria Montessori and the Montessori community have been espousing for over 100 years. Even Jeff Bezos is following suit with the opening of Montessori schools around the country.

Let these findings underpin the need for immediate change–addressing social and educational fractures within our society.