Rep. Mary Miller Highlights Chicago's Reading Crisis and Parental Rights in Education

The Reading Crisis in Chicago

• ⚠️ Representative Mary Miller highlights an unprecedented crisis in the United States regarding functional illiteracy and inability to perform basic arithmetic.
• 🎯 This crisis is described as epidemic in Chicago, disproportionately affecting brown and black children due to failing schools.
• 💰 A shocking example is cited of a Chicago school spending $94,000 per child annually, yet not a single student is proficient in reading.

National and State Literacy Statistics

• 📊 In 2024, only 30% of Illinois's fourth graders met or exceeded reading proficiency, and 38% met or exceeded math proficiency.
• 📉 Illiteracy and innumeracy contribute to larger societal problems, including higher dropout rates and increased likelihood of arrest.
• 💡 Despite grim news, states like Alabama, Louisiana, and Mississippi are showing progress by transforming their schools and improving reading and math proficiency.

The Role of Parents in Education

• 🔑 A foundational belief shared is that children belong to parents, not the government.
• 👨‍👩‍👧‍👦 Dr. Brumley emphasizes accelerating parental rights, empowering parents to choose schools, make healthcare decisions, and ensure curriculum transparency.
• 🍎 Schools should focus on academic excellence rather than attempting to replace family, church, or other societal institutions.

The Science of Reading and Intervention

• 🔬 The return of science of reading standards is noted as refreshing and effective, with states like Alabama, Louisiana, and Mississippi yielding positive results.
• ✅ California recently passed a bipartisan bill mandating screeners for K-2 students to assess and provide early interventions, alongside professional development for teachers and evidence-based instructional materials.
• 🌟 The testimonies offer workable solutions to address the recognized problem of educational deficiencies.