The somber reality of a historical marker in Clayton, Missouri, now points to a dark chapter in America’s past, revealing a segregated reform school where unimaginable horrors unfolded. This marker serves as a stark reminder of a time when racial segregation deeply impacted the lives of Black children, transforming what should have been a place of guidance into a site of despair and, for many, an early grave. It’s a chilling testament to the systemic racism that permeated even institutions designed to rehabilitate young individuals.
The very existence of such a place, particularly in a county seat like Clayton, known for its affluence today, underscores how deeply ingrained racism was, and in many ways, still is.… Continue reading
President Trump plans to sign an executive order dissolving the Department of Education, fulfilling a campaign promise and a long-held conservative goal. While the order directs the Secretary to facilitate closure and return authority to states, Congress’s creation of the department in 1979 makes complete dismantling unlikely without further legislative action. The department’s significant role in managing billions of dollars in school funding and student loans raises concerns about the impact on students and institutions. Opposition exists, with advocates arguing the move would harm vulnerable students and exacerbate educational inequality.
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The National Assessment of Educational Progress reveals a continued decline in American students’ reading skills and minimal improvement in math since the COVID-19 pandemic. While some high-performing students are recovering lost ground, lower-performing students are falling further behind, exacerbating existing inequalities. Declining scores are attributed to various factors including chronic absenteeism and a reduced emphasis on reading for enjoyment. Despite some localized successes, driven by targeted interventions, the overall picture remains concerning, indicating a need for urgent and comprehensive educational reforms.
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Matt Underwood 
John Q. Hosedrinker