American education faces a critical juncture. Academic standards have been lowered, intellectual rigor is waning, and recent studies show a concerning decline in national IQ scores. A country that once led the world in educational achievement now finds itself faced with a troubling trend. The causes are complex, ranging from a shift in curriculum focus to over-reliance on technology, but this is not a story of inevitable decline. This is a call to action.
By reclaiming education through family, community, and thoughtful technology use, there is a powerful path forward. With curiosity, creativity, and critical thinking as our guiding lights, we can inspire a new generation to engage deeply with their world.
Education in America has traditionally been a blend of intellect, curiosity, and hard work. But many recent changes have unintentionally dampened these qualities. For instance, revisions to standardized testing benchmarks in numerous states have lowered performance thresholds. Intended to reduce student stress and broaden access, these adjustments have sometimes diluted academic rigor and weakened expectations. Programs like “No Child Left Behind” and Common Core standards have also placed heavy emphasis on basic competencies rather than fostering critical, creative thought. As a result, teachers are often bound to a curriculum that prioritizes test-taking over discovery and rote memorization over meaningful engagement.
Meanwhile, research on IQ trends suggests that years of steady increase in cognitive performance—the “Flynn Effect”—has slowed and even reversed. Experts attribute this shift to a mix of factors, from the nature of modern media consumption to changes in educational priorities. Young people today often find themselves drawn to screens for quick, passive information rather than engaging in the challenging mental activities that foster deep thinking. While we can’t turn back time to a pre-digital age, we can begin to reclaim a thoughtful approach to technology in learning.
Technology in education has much to offer, but it must be carefully used to be beneficial. If not, it risks replacing deep engagement with superficial interaction. Rather than training students to critically analyze information, technology is too often used to deliver surface-level answers. Today’s students need to move beyond quick digital responses and into the realm of thoughtful research, discerning analysis, and informed debate.
But here’s the good news: solutions are within reach. Families, faith communities, and local organizations have the power to reinvigorate intellectual curiosity and strengthen young people’s critical faculties. And technology, with a mindful approach, can become a tool of exploration rather than distraction. Below are ways that we, as families, communities, and educators, can bring hope and purpose back into education.
A Return to Family and Community as Foundations of Education
Families and communities have always been powerful allies of education. Reclaiming their role can make learning personal, purposeful, and value-driven.
First, creating a home environment that celebrates learning can do wonders. By encouraging activities like family reading, discussions about current events, and explorations of new interests, parents can foster curiosity and critical thinking in children. In this way, education moves beyond school walls and becomes a dynamic, lifelong adventure.
Churches and community organizations also have a unique opportunity to be powerful extensions of learning. Faith-based communities often provide safe, thoughtful spaces for young people to explore big questions about purpose, values, and morality—questions that may not always fit neatly into a school curriculum. Many churches have youth groups, book clubs, and access to resources that broaden young people’s perspectives and sharpen their reasoning skills.
Teaching children to read with a purpose is another vital step. Purposeful reading—choosing books and articles that challenge and inspire—nurtures analytical skills. In community book clubs or family reading hours, young people can develop empathy, critical reasoning, and a love of learning. Together, these efforts help reclaim reading as a powerful tool for personal growth.
Using Technology as an Ally in Thoughtful Learning
In a world dominated by screens, technology can either disconnect or engage. The choice is ours. With a mindful approach, digital tools can complement traditional learning rather than replace it. For example, tools like interactive timelines, virtual museum tours, or immersive educational games can help students gain a deeper understanding of subjects and connect theory to real-world applications.
Artificial intelligence, too, can be a powerful learning aid when used as a “thought partner” rather than an answer machine. AI can support brainstorming, suggest areas of further inquiry, and provide instant feedback on ideas. By encouraging students to question AI-generated answers—testing for accuracy, considering potential biases, and consulting additional sources—parents and educators can empower students to use AI as a resource for deeper understanding.
Moreover, guiding young people to go beyond simple searches and delve into thorough digital research can encourage them to think critically and make well-reasoned conclusions. This approach promotes synthesis, evaluation, and critical analysis—the very skills that traditional schooling may sometimes overlook.
Cultivating a Love for Inquiry and Thoughtful Dialogue
To truly restore a rigorous education, we must inspire young people to embrace questions and explore multiple perspectives.
Parents and community leaders can create environments that welcome questioning and debate. When young people are encouraged to challenge assumptions, examine different viewpoints, and consider alternatives, they learn to think for themselves. This skill is invaluable, both in academic settings and in life.
Teaching students to “question the answer” as an academic habit is also essential. This means guiding them to ask, “Why does this make sense?” “What might someone else say about this?” or “How could this information be interpreted differently?” Families can support these practices at home, modeling a mindset that values critical thought and open inquiry.
Finally, building a values-based foundation for learning reminds young people of the purpose behind their education. A values-driven approach emphasizes that learning is more than career preparation—it’s a journey to understand truth, serve others, and find personal meaning. By fostering a desire to learn for higher purposes, families and churches can inspire students to become well-rounded, responsible citizens.
A Vision of Hope for American Education
This is a hopeful story because it reminds us of our potential to reclaim what has always been best about education: its ability to expand minds, challenge ideas, and create engaged citizens. By bringing curiosity, creativity, and a strong set of values back into education, we can help students see learning not as a box to check, but as a lifelong source of joy and purpose.
It’s time for families, communities, and educators to reclaim education. With intentional use of technology, an emphasis on purposeful learning, and the power of critical inquiry, we can create a future where young people are fully equipped to meet the challenges of an increasingly complex world. Together, we can cultivate a generation that not only knows how to find answers but, even more importantly, knows how to ask the right questions.
Additional Resources for Deepening Educational Engagement
The following resources provide valuable information, practical guidance, and context for those seeking to enrich their educational efforts. While these materials have been carefully selected for their potential to foster intellectual and personal growth, we encourage parents and caregivers to assess each resource and consider its appropriateness based on the unique needs, values, and maturity of their children. Thoughtful review and discussion with children before introducing any material can enhance the learning experience and help align it with family values and educational goals.
Books and Articles on Education and Cognitive Development
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"The Dumbest Generation" by Mark Bauerlein
Bauerlein explores the effects of digital media on young minds and the importance of balancing screen time with more cognitively challenging activities. Parents may find this useful for understanding media’s influence on learning but should determine which sections best align with family priorities. -
"How Children Succeed: Grit, Curiosity, and the Hidden Power of Character" by Paul Tough
Tough’s work highlights how character traits like perseverance and curiosity contribute to success, both academically and personally. The book offers strategies to nurture these qualities, though parents may want to consider which approaches are most appropriate for their child’s age and needs.
Websites and Online Communities for Educational Support
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Common Sense Media
A platform offering guidance on age-appropriate media and educational content, helping parents balance screen time with constructive activities. Common Sense Media’s resources include media guides and reviews that parents can preview to ensure alignment with family values. -
Khan Academy
This free educational platform offers extensive content across many subjects. Families can selectively use Khan Academy to supplement school learning or support independent study, tailoring lessons to their children’s needs and interests.
Tools and Resources for Mindful Use of Technology
- The Family Online Safety Institute (FOSI)
FOSI provides resources for managing safe and productive screen time, including family media contracts and lists of recommended educational apps. Parents can explore FOSI’s materials to establish healthy digital habits and ensure online experiences are safe and age-appropriate.
Encouraging Inquiry and Critical Thinking
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The Right Question Institute
This organization teaches students how to ask meaningful, thoughtful questions, promoting inquiry and deeper engagement with content. Parents can review the “Question Formulation Technique” to see how it might best be applied within family discussions or educational settings. -
Center for Media Literacy
This nonprofit offers curricula and resources that teach young people to critically analyze media—a crucial skill in today’s digital age. Parents can use these materials to help children evaluate media with a discerning eye and understand its broader social implications.
By thoughtfully selecting and engaging with resources, families, faith communities, and educators can inspire young people to approach learning with curiosity, creativity, and critical thinking. Each resource should be considered within the context of family values and educational goals, ensuring that children’s intellectual and personal growth remains aligned with their foundational principles. Through shared effort and intentional engagement, these resources can support a well-rounded and fulfilling educational journey.
