A Return to the Founders’ Education

James Madison's success can be used as roadmap for a better approach to education

James Madison’s education prepared him for his roles as the “Father of the Constitution” and the fourth president of the United States. Portrait of James Madison by Gilbert Stuart, circa 1805–1807. Public Domain

The National Center for Education Statistics released its 2022 report, titled The Nation’s Report Card, indicating that eighth-grade student proficiency (12th isn’t yet available) in U.S. history and civics (among other subjects) continues to decline. Some defenders may excuse the decline because of the COVID-19 pandemic, but the ongoing decline began in 2014.

In fact, students are back at 1994 levels; but then again, they didn’t have very far to fall.