Skills‑over‑knowledge curricula fail

Replacing a shared, content‑rich curriculum with generic 'skills' instruction erodes common cultural literacy and, according to Scottish case evidence, correlates with declines in basic reading, writing, and math competence. The reformers' promise that transferable skills would equalize outcomes and modernize economies did not materialize in Scotland and similar systems. — If true broadly, the shift from knowledge to skills reshapes civic cohesion, workforce preparedness, and inequality — central questions for national education policy and political debate.