How the Classical Education Movement Is Rescuing a Lost Generation

 The classical education movement is gaining traction in the U. S., with predictions that 1.4 million students will be enrolled in classical schools by 2035. This movement emerges as a response to recent concerns about college students’ reading abilities, highlighting a growing gap in literacy and comprehension attributed to modern educational practices and societal changes.

• Reading Crisis in Colleges: Recent accounts by professors at elite colleges reveal that students struggle with reading complex texts, not due to illiteracy but because they lack the ability to engage with substantial literature. Professors have started to modify their curricula to fit students' needs, often teaching only excerpts from major works like Moby Dick and The Iliad.

• Student Perspectives: Some students recognize their reading inadequacies but pride themselves on a supposed authenticity in their lack of engagement with traditional literature. One Dartmouth student expressed this in an essay, claiming serious reading has never been popular and that his generation’s honesty is an improvement.

• Impact of Modern Technology: Factors like the internet, social media, and reliance on AI are contributing to declining attention spans and a reduced interest in reading. Additionally, a contemporary reductionist approach to literature—focusing on the author's identity rather than the text—makes literature less engaging.

• Rise of Classical Schools: In contrast to current educational norms, classical schools emphasize thorough reading, intellectual discussion, and a rigorous curriculum centered on classical texts. Students come prepared for discussions, fostering a deeper understanding of literature. These schools focus on developing strong reading skills from an early age through methods like phonics and consistent reading of quality literature.

• Growing Popularity: The classical education movement is rapidly expanding, with approximately 1,551 classical schools in operation, serving around 356,200 students, in addition to another 260,000 in homeschooling co-ops. The movement has gained recognition, and enrollment in these schools is expected to grow significantly, aided by new school choice programs and financial support for families.

• Support Systems: Organizations like Hillsdale College are instrumental in supporting the establishment of classical schools by providing guidance, training, and resources. They help local groups create schools reflecting community values without significant financial barriers.

• Family Involvement: Parents seeking a better education for their children often undergo significant lifestyle changes to support their children's classical education. One family's transition involved modifying their home environment to encourage reading and study, showing that dedication from families is essential for success in classical learning settings.

• Educational Success and Future Prospects: Students graduating from classical schools are noted for their academic preparedness, with many entering college highly capable of engaging with complex texts. This education not only prepares students for higher education but also instills a lifelong love of learning, which is increasingly rare.

• Legislative Support: Many states are reforming laws to promote classical education, such as accepting alternative standardized tests for college admissions. These changes align educational settings with classical methodologies, leading to additional growth opportunities.

The classical education movement offers a promising solution to the challenges faced by modern education, particularly regarding reading comprehension and engagement. With a strong emphasis on traditional literature and critical thinking, these institutions allow students to develop a profound love of learning, making them better prepared for both college and life beyond academia. As awareness of these benefits spreads and support for classical education increases, the landscape of American education may shift significantly in the coming years, possibly leading to a more literate and engaged generation.

https://spectator.org/how-the-classical-education-movement-is-rescuing-a-lost-generation/