130 million Americans ages 16-74 can't read above a 6th grade level. Donate a book you no longer read to your local library, or a Little Free Library in your neighborhood.  Donating books can help those that have difficulty reading get more practice. It can also provide the opportunity to read to those that cannot afford to purchase books.

📚 Find your nearest Little Free Library: https://littlefreelibrary.org/ourmap/

📸: My Little Library

The latest test results continue to show a nearly decade-long decline in U.S. History scores for 8th-graders. I'll admit it - I was more of a math and science student, so the thought of taking this history quiz made me a little nervous. 🫣

The pandemic plunge in U.S. history accelerated a downward trend that began nearly a decade ago, hitting this recent low at a time when the subject itself has become increasingly politically divisive. About 40% of eighth graders scored “below basic” in U.S. history last year, compared with 34% in 2018 and 29% in 2014.

The No Child Left Behind initiative requires states to test reading and math, along with periodic testing for science. BUT, there is no mandate for social studies. Maybe this is proof that there should be.

In the meantime, we couldn't help but send this short history quiz your way. Test your knowledge in 2-minutes (scroll to the bottom of the linked page for the quiz) 👉 https://www.nytimes.com/2023/05/03/us/us-history-test-scores.html

Source: The New York Times
📸: Getting Smart

While almost every sector of higher education has fewer students registering for classes, many trade programs are thriving. Trade programs are often more affordable than a traditional four-year degree, students note, and, for many, skilled trades offer a more obvious path to a job. Mechanic and repair trade programs as well as culinary programs and construction trades have been seeing growth.

There are at least 23 states that offer free community college tuition to some students. (There are usually some requirements that apply, like residency and age.)

🇺🇸 The states offering free community college currently include Arkansas, California, Delaware, Hawaii, Indiana, Kansas, Kentucky, Maryland, Michigan, Missouri, Montana, Nevada, New Jersey, New Mexico, New York, Oklahoma, Oregon, Rhode Island, South Dakota, Tennessee, Virginia, Washington and West Virginia.

Check out your state's requirements OR consider sharing this information out to others that can use it!

Source: Nerdwallet; National Student Clearing House
📸: John Amis, AP