Critical Thinking

Kids will be heading back to school soon and the following got me to thinking.  

“According to the U.S. Department of Education, 54% of U.S. adults 16-74 years old - about 130 million people - lack proficiency in literacy, reading below the equivalent of a sixth-grade level.”

It is concerning that a significant portion of the U.S. population lacks proficiency in literacy, and it is true that reading comprehension skills are essential for developing critical thinking abilities. Without these skills, people may struggle to evaluate and analyze issues objectively, potentially leading to decisions based on emotions rather than facts.

The importance of critical thinking skills cannot be overstated, particularly in today's complex and rapidly changing world. Critical thinking is crucial for objectively analyzing issues and forming informed judgments. It is also essential for identifying and evaluating sources of information, which is particularly important in an era of "fake news" and disinformation.

Improving education is one way to address this issue. Making education a national priority and upgrading the educational system could help to ensure that children have the necessary skills to succeed in the twenty-first century. Additionally, teachers play a crucial role in developing critical thinking skills in students, and they should be compensated accordingly.

While it may take years, or even decades, to achieve these goals, it is crucial to recognize the importance of critical thinking and to work towards improving education and literacy rates. It may not be an easy task, but the benefits of a more informed and critically thinking population are immeasurable.