Conservative Education Reforms in the South
A recent article by The New York Times suggested that conservative-led reform in education is more about engaging in political battles than about actual improvements in student outcomes. This narrative paints Republican initiatives as primarily focused on cultural wars rather than classroom success. However, this view overlooks significant developments. In states like Mississippi and Louisiana, conservative leaders are driving some of the most impactful education reforms in America today.
These two traditionally red states aren’t typically recognized for educational excellence. For years, they languished near the bottom of national rankings. Yet, in recent years, they have emerged as shining examples of what can happen when leaders take education seriously, challenging outdated systems and assumptions.
Starting with Mississippi, the state adopted ambitious reforms back in 2013, emphasizing early literacy. Lawmakers enacted the Literacy-Based Promotion Act, which mandates that third graders must show reading proficiency to move up a grade. They revamped teacher training to focus on phonics and the scientific aspects of reading, moving away from less effective methods that had dominated for too long. More rigorous standards were set, and a strong emphasis was placed on tangible outcomes.
The results are telling. By 2019, Mississippi’s fourth-grade reading scores on the National Assessment of Educational Progress (NAEP) surpassed the national average for the first time. While several other states faced declines due to the pandemic, Mississippi has kept its gains. In fact, Black students in Mississippi are now performing better than their counterparts in many other states — a remarkable turnaround from just a decade ago.
Similarly, Louisiana has pursued education reforms focused on fundamentals — namely literacy and math. State leaders have invested in teacher training for early grades, revamped curriculums, and implemented high-dosage tutoring programs. Eschewing fleeting education fads, they have committed to reinforcing essential academic skills. Progress is slow but promising; in 2024, Louisiana was the only state to see an increase in fourth-grade reading scores compared to 2019.
These successes aren’t just coincidences; they result from ongoing conservative policymaking grounded in the belief that every child should have access to quality education rather than ideology. High standards and accountability are seen not as partisan issues but as crucial components of effective education.
It’s important to note that the conservative education movement isn’t solely about opposing what some view as “woke” ideas. Many parents feel frustrated when schools prioritize ideological perspectives over academic success, watching as math scores decline amid a focus on political narratives. This concern spans across party lines, including some Democrats questioning these trends. The focus on equity has often overshadowed traditional academic concerns, and it’s not conservatives who created this dilemma — they highlight issues raised by equity advocates themselves.
What distinguishes states like Mississippi and Louisiana is their proactive approach. They’re transforming teacher training, ensuring accountability, embracing research-backed methods, and challenging outdated political compromises that can hinder student success.
Critics often claim conservatives are anti-education, yet evidence shows otherwise. The progress in Mississippi and Louisiana is intentional, crafted by leaders willing to tackle difficult decisions and stand against established interests, rethinking everything from curriculum to promotion criteria.
Meanwhile, many blue states, with largely unchanged education bureaucracies, are lagging behind. Ironically, those who position themselves as champions of equity often manage systems where low-income and minority students struggle the most academically. In contrast, the conservative reforms in the South have ushered in meaningful gains for precisely these populations. It’s possible to challenge ideological excess while also fostering genuine academic reform.
Let’s move past the idea that conservative education policies are merely about political rhetoric or culture wars. They focus on results, ensuring children can read by third grade and master multiplication by fourth. It’s about making sure schools cater to families instead of political agendas and believing that education should open doors, not narrow perspectives.
Conservatives aren’t just reacting to challenges; they’re actively working to solve them. If others in the country seek a successful model, the South may serve as a relevant example.
