American schools weren’t broken until Silicon Valley used a lie to convince them they were—now reading and math scores are plummeting

PUBLISHED Sep 12, 2026, 11:57 AM ET

Education critics argue that technology companies convinced school districts that traditional teaching methods were obsolete, leading to widespread adoption of digital devices. Over the last decade, national assessments and standardized tests have revealed stagnant or declining student performance in reading and mathematics across various US school districts. Educational researchers note that constant screen exposure and fragmented digital tools have altered cognitive processing and diminished student attention spans. In response to mounting concerns over academic regression and behavioral distractions, educators and policymakers are increasingly reevaluating the heavy reliance on classroom technology. Many districts are shifting focus toward traditional analog learning methods, including physical textbooks and handwritten assignments, to restore fundamental academic skills. While proponents of digital integration cite accessibility and modern preparation, growing evidence highlights the need to balance technology with proven, distraction-free instructional practices to foster better learning outcomes.

By Noormahi M. | JQJO News

Media Bias

Articles Published:: 37
Right Leaning:: 2
Left Leaning:: 3
Neutral:: 32

Explain Framing

Left: Emphasizes corporate overreach and underfunded public education systems. Center: Focuses objectively on empirical data linking screens to scores. Right: Criticizes progressive administrative choices and promotes traditional values.