Parent Voices Concerns Over Educational Trends in Local School District

During a recent Oshkosh Area Board of Education meeting, a concerned parent voiced strong criticism regarding the current educational curriculum, highlighting significant declines in student performance. The parent, who has had children in the district for over 20 years, pointed to several controversial changes that have been implemented over the years, arguing that they have negatively impacted students' learning outcomes.

Key issues raised included the elimination of phonics, which the parent described as a "disaster for reading performance," leading to a need for its reintroduction. The removal of cursive writing instruction was also criticized, with the parent noting that many young people now struggle to sign their names. Additionally, the discontinuation of traditional spelling tests was mentioned as a factor contributing to students' inability to write personal notes or letters.

The parent further expressed concern over the introduction of new math curricula, which they believe has created barriers between parents and children, making it difficult for families to engage in homework together. The discussion also touched on the inclusion of inappropriate material in reading assignments and the impact of COVID-19 protocols on students' social skills, referring to them as "COVID kids."

The parent concluded with a call for the school board to reconsider these changes, emphasizing that over half of the students are not meeting basic standards in reading and math. They urged the board to realign educational priorities to better support student success, particularly as the class of 2025 faces significant challenges in foundational skills.

This meeting underscores ongoing debates within the Oshkosh community about educational strategies and their effectiveness, as parents and educators seek to address the pressing needs of students in the district.