Why K-12 Education is Broken for High Achieving Kids | Niels Hoven (Mentava)
Plus how Niels taught 2-year-olds to read at the 2nd-grade level and why parents should not feel ashamed to advocate for their kids
Dear subscribers,
Today, I want to share a new episode with Niels Hoven.
Niels founded Mentava, an education startup teaching 2-year-olds to read at the 2nd-grade level. We had a great chat about why K-12 education is broken for high-achieving kids and what parents can do about it. As a parent, this was one of my favorite (and most actionable) conversations ever.
Watch now on YouTube, Apple, and Spotify.
Niels and I talked about:
(00:00) Why schools don't work for high-achieving kids
(01:26) The problem with K-12 education in the US
(03:08) What led to California banning 8th grade algebra
(10:11) Never be ashamed of advocating for your child
(14:21) How Niels homeschooled 3 kids during COVID
(19:25) Teaching 2-year-olds to read like 2nd graders
(25:24) Rethinking how we teach kids math
(28:44) Will AI replace teachers?
(30:34) Will elite college credentials still matter?
(35:29) Tips for parents to raise high-achieving kids
Get the takeaways below.
K-12 education is broken for high achieving kids
Welcome Niels. So why do you think K-12 education is broken in this country?
The US education system isn't focused on helping every kid reach their potential.
Instead, its primary goal is to close the gaps between high achievers and low performers.
While this goal is important, if it becomes the only priority, then schools will often try to close the gap by limiting opportunities for high-achieving kids.
Just look at San Francisco, where teachers are not allowed to teach material above grade level. Accelerated programs in math and science are being eliminated nationwide. As a result, high-achieving kids who want to learn more are stuck.
What’s the most egregious example of this?
Well, take the fight over 8th-grade algebra in San Francisco. Previously, most kids took algebra in 8th grade, with some taking it in 7th if they were ready. However, because some students were struggling with algebra, the local government mandated that everyone can only take it in 9th grade.
It took sustained activism from college professors and mathematicians to prevent this policy from going statewide. The irony is that these policies are deeply unpopular. When San Francisco held a public vote on allowing middle school algebra again, it passed with 80% approval.
Why did policymakers ban 8th grade algebra if the decision was unpopular?
There are two competing views of education's role. Most people believe education should provide opportunity for everyone. But some policymakers see education as a way to optimize for equal outcomes. They're evaluated on how well they close achievement gaps.
I witnessed this mindset firsthand at ClassDojo. When we built a tool to help kids learn, one teacher's response was telling:
"Won't some kids learn faster than others? That's a non-starter."
Doesn’t this just push parents to spend more money on after-school programs?
Exactly. By limiting opportunities in public schools, who gets hurt most? Wealthy families can afford after-school programs, private schools, or tutors.
It's families without those resources who depend on public schools to create opportunities for advancement. The current approach ends up hurting the very students it claims to help.
Why math education is especially lacking in the US
I think the math education in this country is especially lacking. My 6-year can easily grasp basic algebra like “x+3=5.” I think most kids can understand these concepts if they’re exposed to them.
The US’s Common Core standards were meant to be a minimum bar but instead became a ceiling that everyone gets pulled down to. Look at the expectations:
Kindergarten: Count to 20
First grade: Basic addition and subtraction
Many 3-5 year olds from academic families are already beyond these levels. So in school, they’ll just sit there bored. They won’t learn any new math for two years.
So what’s the solution if you’re a parent of a high-achieving kid? Do you have to pay for education outside of the school system?
The most important thing is to:
Never be ashamed of advocating for your child.