PPI Links Strong Teachers' Unions to Weaker Literacy in 8 of 10 Lowest-Ranked States
Updated
Updated · Fox News · Sep 17
PPI Links Strong Teachers' Unions to Weaker Literacy in 8 of 10 Lowest-Ranked States
1 articles · Updated · Fox News · Sep 17
Summary
Eight of the 10 states with the weakest early-literacy policy scores had powerful teachers' unions, according to a new Progressive Policy Institute analysis comparing union strength with reading-policy adoption.
PPI said stronger unions often slow or block classroom changes, leaving states less likely to adopt structured literacy laws, reading screenings, literacy coaches and tougher teacher-training standards tied to better outcomes.
Mississippi — once among the worst performers — was highlighted as a model after adding K-3 screenings, individual reading plans, science-based reading instruction and third-grade retention for students who failed reading tests.
The pattern was not absolute: Maryland, a blue state with a strong union, posted strong reading results, while South Dakota, a red state with weaker unions, struggled.
PPI found many of the best-performing states were GOP-leaning Southern states with weaker unions, while several Democratic-led states with influential unions ranked among the weakest on literacy policy.