Want better schools? It’s all up to states.

Want better schools? It’s all up to states.

In recent years, the United States has seen a surge in test scores across several Southern states, prompting education experts and journalists to dub it the "Southern surge." Alabama, Louisiana, Mississippi, and Tennessee have made significant strides in educational achievement, with Alabama ranking first in math recovery and third in reading, Louisiana second in math and first in reading, Mississippi sixth in math and fourth in reading, and Tennessee third in math and ninth in reading, according to the Education Recovery Scorecard. This collaborative effort between the Center for Education Policy Research at Harvard, the Educational Opportunity Project at Stanford University, and faculty at Dartmouth College, compares learning loss between 2019 and 2024.

Education scholar Thomas Kane, Walter H. Gale Professor of Education and Economics at Harvard and the center’s faculty director, highlights that this "Southern surge" is a critical development for the nation. "It’s a big story that we all ought to be paying attention to," Kane explains. "The federal government essentially handed power over K-12 decisions back to states in 2015. That was a decade ago, and nationally, achievement has been declining. I think it’s largely because a lot of states, including Massachusetts, were not ready to take the reins."

The decline in national educational performance since 2015 has been a cause for concern, as states have taken on the responsibility of making critical decisions regarding K-12 education. However, not all states have been equally successful in addressing the challenges. The Southern states that have experienced this surge in test scores have undertaken ambitious reforms, suggesting that targeted efforts can yield positive results.

One of the key factors behind the Southern surge appears to be a focus on evidence-based policies and targeted interventions. These states have prioritized initiatives that address specific areas of educational need, such as improving teacher quality, increasing access to resources, and implementing data-driven approaches to curriculum development. By concentrating on these areas, these states have been able to create a more effective learning environment for students.

Moreover, the Southern states have demonstrated a commitment to collaboration and innovation. They have worked together to share best practices and resources, fostering a culture of continuous improvement in education. This sense of shared purpose has helped to drive the success seen in these states.

The "Southern surge" serves as a reminder that states play a pivotal role in shaping the future of education in the United States. While federal policies set the stage, it is ultimately the states that have the power to implement meaningful reforms and drive educational progress. The recent gains in Southern states highlight the potential for improvement when states are willing to take charge and invest in their educational systems.

As the nation looks to the future of education, the Southern surge underscores the importance of state-led initiatives. By learning from the successes of these states and replicating effective strategies, other states can work towards improving educational outcomes for all students. Ultimately, the future of American education lies in the hands of the states, and the Southern surge serves as a beacon of hope for what can be achieved when states take decisive action.