Okay, so why do you believe Cuba is doing so well. Have you been in a cuban school? I have. Do you think the overcrowded classrooms include everyone? Such as kids who are deaf, blind, learning disabled, etc? Do you think there’s a library, well equipped with a rich selection of books that kids are invited to enjoy? I didn’t see any library. No public libraries either.
It's fascinating that when faced with American education’s spiraling literacy rates — despite all our libraries, laptops, and lavish budgets — you, an "expert" in US literacy, chose to critique a Cuban system shaped under decades of U.S.-imposed economic strangulation, rather than examine why your own country can't manage better outcomes with unlimited resources.
Cuba’s material shortages — including libraries — are a direct result of the Helms-Burton Act and the U.S. embargo, not a reflection of their educational priorities or their commitment to human development.
And despite those barriers, Cuban schools have delivered literacy rates, student outcomes, and social cohesion that put many U.S. districts to shame.
Maybe instead of using poor kids as props in a Cold War nostalgia tour, it’s time some of our education experts focused on fixing what’s broken at home.
Start with restoring trust, predictability, and dignity to American classrooms.
Start by sitting with the uncomfortable fact that more stuff has never been a substitute for better systems — and never will be.
Or perhaps just start by sitting down and enjoying your retirement. I know I would.
Totally. Plus, the Answer to her question is in the essay. Perhaps she could spend some of her retirement in Cuba, working on her reading comprehension.
Those of us in literacy know that any declines are related to states hiring non qualified teachers, political intrusions into educational practices, withdrawing of special education services, etc. And if you really think that Cuban children read better than American children, then you are naive as to how those conclusions have been reached. Do you really think Cuban children have had access to wonderful books and libraries with award winning children’s literature? Have you found any libraries in Cuba? Children with special needs? Manageable teacher-student ratios?
Young sleuths- interrogate these texts you are critiquing. When they say literacy, how do they define it? When they give figures, where do the figures come from? How were the data gathered? Analyzed? Were the methods based in research?
Do you know that “reading levels” are just made up? I met the colleagues who made them up.
Who designed the tests or heuristic devices that supposedly measured the reading?
Do you know that testing you grew up with was invented by….the US Army during WWI to identify individuals who might make good officers. No research base. Not even a good theory underlining it.
I’ve been consulting with Literacy Volunteers. Illiterate people are rare. Unless there is another story- learning disability, moving often, home schooling, second language issues. And free help is available.
If you are serious about scholarly inquiry on the topic, search for the work of Deborah Meier on history of testing. Search in an academic database, not just google.
Reading comprehension, look at the work of P. David Pearson.
This is such an important piece. "Class room management" once upon a time was just a set of agreed upon operating rules, which were the critical cornerstone for academic success. It's heart breaking for both students and teachers that these foundational guidelines have been all but abandoned in U.S. public schools.
And the most important thing that you didn't mention is students in all those other countries don't have to worry about mass school shootings. No mater how good the education system is, when kids are practicing active shooter drills from kindergarten on they aren't going to do their best. Excellent post.
All compliments I give are sincere and well deserved. You had me, as a deprogrammer, with your post on Cult Thinking and it's follow up.
But you have surprised me with the high quality of your posts since. I'm promoting the hell out of you on Spoutible. It would be great if you could join us there. The best site on the intertubes.
Thank you this insightful analysis. I couldn't agree more. I never could understand why the students moved rooms. They are the ones trying to learn. Currently, every period is a new environment. Wouldn't it be easier to learn once one is situated in a relatively permanent spot.
I can recall getting kicked out of typing class because I had long fingernails. No, not those fake things. This was the 80s. The teacher hated me! I was in all of the AP classes and was generally like by my teachers. But not in her room. It was very disconcerting. I never could figure out why she hated me ... even on graduation day...
"American education is failing, but it isn’t failing because we don’t have nice enough computers, or the right curriculum, or because we aren’t teaching to the test enough."
I have to loudly disagree, because the curriculum that has been mandated for public schools for most of the last 50 years is very much part of the problem. Surely, you've heard of the General Education Board, and the curriculum for producing obedient workers with just enough knowledge to be able to perform their jobs efficiently it created for John D. Rockefeller Sr.
I agree with you but at the same time have some reservations.
I have never been to Finland or Korea but I have been to Cuba many years ago. When I did visit Cuba the people I met were very motivated but lamented that some of the children played at being “jineteras” (hookers) because those people were the ones who had money.
I imagine the size of the country might have something to do with how standardized the educational system is and how it is financed. I also wonder if the systems are like they are in Mexico where most go through primary school and then get split into those going to secondary and university and those going in a different direction.
I do agree that our system needs to be more responsive to the educational needs but our schools are state controlled so they vary. You cannot compare a school in Massachusetts to a school in Mississippi. As long as politics interfere in education our schools will unfortunately suffer. The models you mention sound worthwhile but where and how would you suggest they be implemented? That is the crunch.
I taught high school for three years in two different schools (different cities, too). Long time ago, so many things have changed. But, I agree with your insight that students need to have a structured environment in which to learn. Teachers are the first line in doing that, but the school has to have a corporate environment that supports and facilitates that. My students knew where they had to sit. and to be in their suits by the time the bell rang. They knew homework was collected right up front, followed by a quiz on what they'd learned. The rest of the day's class flowed forth from that.
I think my students felt "safe" to have an enivorment like that.
I like your insight, but I particularly like the way you highlight the title"profe"
It seems like part of our problem is that the US has exactly zero respect for the profession of teaching. Teachers are expected to be entertainers, mentors, caregivers human shields... Everything but trusted professionals. Part of the reason there is so much emphasis on a teaching "style" or approach to classroom management is that there is no room for teaching. The curriculum is canned, mandated, and must be "delivered with fidelity" because it is an article of faith that teachers don't know how to teach and must be directed at every step. Even the so-called Science of Reading is founded on the idea that teachers don't know what they are doing and must be ordered by the state to teach phonics. Ugh.
My experience in teacher training was that little or no attention was given to classroom management. I remember a lot about the theories of Bruner, Piage, et al, but nothing regarding keeping kids’ attention & minimizing disruption. I concluded, those who can’t do, teach, and those who can’t teach, teach education.
Wait, the kids have to grab all their stuff and run from class to class? Do you have a lot of experimental classes where you need special equipment? This would explain it.
Not really! You run to Math, then English, then Social Studies, then Science, then the gym for Physical Education. Then you might have a foreign language class taught by a non-speaker of said language. In a rural area you might have an Ag or Shop class. In the underfunded and under equipped rural schools in my state it is rare for a Science classroom to have any lab equipment. The constant upheaval is nerve-wracking, the standardized testing is ludicrous…I could go on and on…
Wow, that sums up so much I hadn't put together. I did better as a child in learning environments that were calm, predictable, and shared more of a sense of community and joint interest. It makes sense that all children need these things. Instead our world is chaotic and who knows what will happen next. I mean that literally and figuratively. We value individualism in our country, but we need to think more of the group of the "us". I'm sure you make a great deal of difference at the school you are teaching at, and not by just being genius, by being consistent and knowing your students.
Before I got to college, I was happiest in elementary school. Why? Well, there might have been 30 other kids in the classroom, but they were mostly the SAME kids, there was only ONE classroom to find for the entire school year, we had the SAME teacher, and we could address her as "Teacher" if we wanted to.
This was in San Antonio in the 1960s, with no A/C, which definitely impacted my learning when it got too hot for me to think, but it just seemed so easy to learn new things, which was FUN.
Middle school had A/C, 7 periods, at least 7 mad dashes to my locker and then to the opposite end of the school for my next class, and a lot of BF Skinner. Even at the time, I felt like I learned more in spite of the school instead of because of it. I hated middle school and high school, not the course work so much as the environment.
Kids need consistency, structure, and yes, discipline. They should get that in primary schools, not have to learn if for themselves once they're thrown out into the work force.
I retired a few years ago, fed up with the chaotic environment, continuous scoffing from politicians, demanding parents. I worked as a Special Education teacher in a small rural district in a very red state, and what I learned over the years was that providing a stable environment was the most effective method to help our particular students learn. Over the years I migrated from elementary level to middle school to high school, and as the students aged they were expected to learn more with less support. Our classroom (at the high school level teachers shared a room) was generally seen as a haven to many of our students, and many of them were together from elementary through high school. Students who knew the expectations of our classroom were often disruptive when out in the general classroom environment, not because they were behaviorally challenged but because they felt there were no boundaries. I forwarded your great essay to friends who are still teaching.
I’m Harrison, an ex fine dining industry line cook. My stack "The Secret Ingredient" adapts hit restaurant recipes (mostly NYC and L.A.) for easy home cooking.
Okay, so why do you believe Cuba is doing so well. Have you been in a cuban school? I have. Do you think the overcrowded classrooms include everyone? Such as kids who are deaf, blind, learning disabled, etc? Do you think there’s a library, well equipped with a rich selection of books that kids are invited to enjoy? I didn’t see any library. No public libraries either.
Dr. Wendy C Kasten, Professor Emerita, Education.
Thank you for your perspective, Dr. Kasten.
It's fascinating that when faced with American education’s spiraling literacy rates — despite all our libraries, laptops, and lavish budgets — you, an "expert" in US literacy, chose to critique a Cuban system shaped under decades of U.S.-imposed economic strangulation, rather than examine why your own country can't manage better outcomes with unlimited resources.
Cuba’s material shortages — including libraries — are a direct result of the Helms-Burton Act and the U.S. embargo, not a reflection of their educational priorities or their commitment to human development.
And despite those barriers, Cuban schools have delivered literacy rates, student outcomes, and social cohesion that put many U.S. districts to shame.
Maybe instead of using poor kids as props in a Cold War nostalgia tour, it’s time some of our education experts focused on fixing what’s broken at home.
Start with restoring trust, predictability, and dignity to American classrooms.
Start by sitting with the uncomfortable fact that more stuff has never been a substitute for better systems — and never will be.
Or perhaps just start by sitting down and enjoying your retirement. I know I would.
Well said. The commenter seems to be following the Republican playbook. Never take responsibility or admit fault; always deflect.
Totally. Plus, the Answer to her question is in the essay. Perhaps she could spend some of her retirement in Cuba, working on her reading comprehension.
It's not just the Republican playbook. Open your eyes, please.
Those of us in literacy know that any declines are related to states hiring non qualified teachers, political intrusions into educational practices, withdrawing of special education services, etc. And if you really think that Cuban children read better than American children, then you are naive as to how those conclusions have been reached. Do you really think Cuban children have had access to wonderful books and libraries with award winning children’s literature? Have you found any libraries in Cuba? Children with special needs? Manageable teacher-student ratios?
Be critical readers yourself.
Young sleuths- interrogate these texts you are critiquing. When they say literacy, how do they define it? When they give figures, where do the figures come from? How were the data gathered? Analyzed? Were the methods based in research?
Do you know that “reading levels” are just made up? I met the colleagues who made them up.
Who designed the tests or heuristic devices that supposedly measured the reading?
Do you know that testing you grew up with was invented by….the US Army during WWI to identify individuals who might make good officers. No research base. Not even a good theory underlining it.
I’ve been consulting with Literacy Volunteers. Illiterate people are rare. Unless there is another story- learning disability, moving often, home schooling, second language issues. And free help is available.
If you are serious about scholarly inquiry on the topic, search for the work of Deborah Meier on history of testing. Search in an academic database, not just google.
Reading comprehension, look at the work of P. David Pearson.
Good luck.
This is such an important piece. "Class room management" once upon a time was just a set of agreed upon operating rules, which were the critical cornerstone for academic success. It's heart breaking for both students and teachers that these foundational guidelines have been all but abandoned in U.S. public schools.
And the most important thing that you didn't mention is students in all those other countries don't have to worry about mass school shootings. No mater how good the education system is, when kids are practicing active shooter drills from kindergarten on they aren't going to do their best. Excellent post.
I'm starting to wonder if you ever don't write the most outstanding posts. Another great one. Thanks, Alisa. Much to think about.
D'awww! thanks, friend
All compliments I give are sincere and well deserved. You had me, as a deprogrammer, with your post on Cult Thinking and it's follow up.
But you have surprised me with the high quality of your posts since. I'm promoting the hell out of you on Spoutible. It would be great if you could join us there. The best site on the intertubes.
Thank you this insightful analysis. I couldn't agree more. I never could understand why the students moved rooms. They are the ones trying to learn. Currently, every period is a new environment. Wouldn't it be easier to learn once one is situated in a relatively permanent spot.
I can recall getting kicked out of typing class because I had long fingernails. No, not those fake things. This was the 80s. The teacher hated me! I was in all of the AP classes and was generally like by my teachers. But not in her room. It was very disconcerting. I never could figure out why she hated me ... even on graduation day...
👏👏👏
"American education is failing, but it isn’t failing because we don’t have nice enough computers, or the right curriculum, or because we aren’t teaching to the test enough."
I have to loudly disagree, because the curriculum that has been mandated for public schools for most of the last 50 years is very much part of the problem. Surely, you've heard of the General Education Board, and the curriculum for producing obedient workers with just enough knowledge to be able to perform their jobs efficiently it created for John D. Rockefeller Sr.
I agree with you but at the same time have some reservations.
I have never been to Finland or Korea but I have been to Cuba many years ago. When I did visit Cuba the people I met were very motivated but lamented that some of the children played at being “jineteras” (hookers) because those people were the ones who had money.
I imagine the size of the country might have something to do with how standardized the educational system is and how it is financed. I also wonder if the systems are like they are in Mexico where most go through primary school and then get split into those going to secondary and university and those going in a different direction.
I do agree that our system needs to be more responsive to the educational needs but our schools are state controlled so they vary. You cannot compare a school in Massachusetts to a school in Mississippi. As long as politics interfere in education our schools will unfortunately suffer. The models you mention sound worthwhile but where and how would you suggest they be implemented? That is the crunch.
I taught high school for three years in two different schools (different cities, too). Long time ago, so many things have changed. But, I agree with your insight that students need to have a structured environment in which to learn. Teachers are the first line in doing that, but the school has to have a corporate environment that supports and facilitates that. My students knew where they had to sit. and to be in their suits by the time the bell rang. They knew homework was collected right up front, followed by a quiz on what they'd learned. The rest of the day's class flowed forth from that.
I think my students felt "safe" to have an enivorment like that.
I like your insight, but I particularly like the way you highlight the title"profe"
It seems like part of our problem is that the US has exactly zero respect for the profession of teaching. Teachers are expected to be entertainers, mentors, caregivers human shields... Everything but trusted professionals. Part of the reason there is so much emphasis on a teaching "style" or approach to classroom management is that there is no room for teaching. The curriculum is canned, mandated, and must be "delivered with fidelity" because it is an article of faith that teachers don't know how to teach and must be directed at every step. Even the so-called Science of Reading is founded on the idea that teachers don't know what they are doing and must be ordered by the state to teach phonics. Ugh.
My experience in teacher training was that little or no attention was given to classroom management. I remember a lot about the theories of Bruner, Piage, et al, but nothing regarding keeping kids’ attention & minimizing disruption. I concluded, those who can’t do, teach, and those who can’t teach, teach education.
Wait, the kids have to grab all their stuff and run from class to class? Do you have a lot of experimental classes where you need special equipment? This would explain it.
Not really! You run to Math, then English, then Social Studies, then Science, then the gym for Physical Education. Then you might have a foreign language class taught by a non-speaker of said language. In a rural area you might have an Ag or Shop class. In the underfunded and under equipped rural schools in my state it is rare for a Science classroom to have any lab equipment. The constant upheaval is nerve-wracking, the standardized testing is ludicrous…I could go on and on…
Wow, that sums up so much I hadn't put together. I did better as a child in learning environments that were calm, predictable, and shared more of a sense of community and joint interest. It makes sense that all children need these things. Instead our world is chaotic and who knows what will happen next. I mean that literally and figuratively. We value individualism in our country, but we need to think more of the group of the "us". I'm sure you make a great deal of difference at the school you are teaching at, and not by just being genius, by being consistent and knowing your students.
Before I got to college, I was happiest in elementary school. Why? Well, there might have been 30 other kids in the classroom, but they were mostly the SAME kids, there was only ONE classroom to find for the entire school year, we had the SAME teacher, and we could address her as "Teacher" if we wanted to.
This was in San Antonio in the 1960s, with no A/C, which definitely impacted my learning when it got too hot for me to think, but it just seemed so easy to learn new things, which was FUN.
Middle school had A/C, 7 periods, at least 7 mad dashes to my locker and then to the opposite end of the school for my next class, and a lot of BF Skinner. Even at the time, I felt like I learned more in spite of the school instead of because of it. I hated middle school and high school, not the course work so much as the environment.
Kids need consistency, structure, and yes, discipline. They should get that in primary schools, not have to learn if for themselves once they're thrown out into the work force.
I retired a few years ago, fed up with the chaotic environment, continuous scoffing from politicians, demanding parents. I worked as a Special Education teacher in a small rural district in a very red state, and what I learned over the years was that providing a stable environment was the most effective method to help our particular students learn. Over the years I migrated from elementary level to middle school to high school, and as the students aged they were expected to learn more with less support. Our classroom (at the high school level teachers shared a room) was generally seen as a haven to many of our students, and many of them were together from elementary through high school. Students who knew the expectations of our classroom were often disruptive when out in the general classroom environment, not because they were behaviorally challenged but because they felt there were no boundaries. I forwarded your great essay to friends who are still teaching.
Fascinating!
I’m Harrison, an ex fine dining industry line cook. My stack "The Secret Ingredient" adapts hit restaurant recipes (mostly NYC and L.A.) for easy home cooking.
check us out:
https://thesecretingredient.substack.com