Every year, the California Department of Education releases statewide test results. And every year, the numbers tell the same grim story.

This year, over half of all students tested failed to meet basic standards in English. Nearly two-thirds fell short in math and science. These aren’t one-time dips; they’re part of a long-term pattern of failure.

Sacramento politicians want to frame this year’s modest $1.5$ to $2$ percentage point uptick in scores as progress, even as scores remain dismal and below pre-pandemic levels. That’s not a trend; that’s political spin.

In every corner of my district, I hear the same thing: parents feel shut out of their children’s education, and they can’t get a straight answer about what’s being taught or how their kids are really doing.

Teachers tell me th

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