If education were run largely by conservatives rather than liberals, we'd be protesting nationwide the ridiculously low outcomes for students of color. There are few more systemically racist institutions than education, and the reason is the opposite of traditional racism. It's the excuse-making, soft racism of low expectations and almost zero standards.

The average 12th grade Black student reads on the same level as the average 8th White student. Imagine how that number would hit you if public education weren't associated with progressives the way it is (rightly or wrongly).

I just can't figure out why this isn't a bigger issue to people. And every time I bring it up people just say "poverty" as if that also isn't classist. As if somehow poor people can't read. It'd be one thing if the gap was only half a year. But four years!? It's unconscionable.