Eric Hanushek, a senior fellow at the Hoover Institution and an expert in the economics of education, addresses the misconceptions surrounding the decline of American schools, asserting that issues in learning and achievement were evident well before the disruptions caused by the COVID-19 pandemic. He notes that despite extensive discussions and investments in education reform over the years, significant progress remains elusive. Hanushek highlights concerns such as long-term absenteeism and points to innovative teaching methods implemented in regions like Dallas and Mississippi as potential models for improvement. He also discusses the implications of learning loss on future earning potential and the overall economic performance of the United States.
