I found this podcast from this 
post:
I subbed today for a 7th and 8th grade teacher. I’m not exaggerating when I say at least 50% of the students were at a 2nd grade reading level. The students were to spend the class time filling out an “all about me” worksheet, what’s your name, favorite color, favorite food etc. I was asked 20 times today “what is this word?”. Movie. Excited. Trait. “How do I spell race car driver?”
I've only listened to one episode so far, but it's really well produced, seems well-researched and very well put together.
From what I gather so far, the ways that the American public school system "teaches" kids how to read is not only completely wrong, but actually saddles them bad habits which fundamentally hinder their reading comprehension.
A huge swath of American adults are functionally illiterate, and I think I'm starting to understand why.
While parents aren't the people solely responsible for their childrens education, it is striking to me how things have changed recently.
The kids coming in are less well-equpped than they used to be. Not potty trained, can't tie their shoes, can't tell the time. Like it used to be a few kids that had an issue or two, but now it's a bunch with a lot of issues.
Things have gotten worse recently. Parents aren't as able to help their children as they used to be. This does increase the work load for teachers.
Making everyone desperate and afraid seems to be working wonders! Capitalism is so cool
That’s why I personally don’t want to have kids. Considering the state of labor in the west, how are parents supposed to be able to spend time with their kids? Granted when I was growing up, my mom always stayed at home because she could. She didn’t have to work because my dad made more than enough to provide for a family on a single income (pre-2008 recession).
Stay at home moms have to be hella rare in this age of rampant exploitation, so I have no idea how kids are being raised. Add on the fact that there’s no guaranteed parental leave in
and I’m at a complete loss