AFT President Advocates for Solutions to Improve Education Outcomes

Education Challenges Highlighted by NAEP Results

WASHINGTON—The recent release of National Assessment of Educational Progress (NAEP) scores underscores the ongoing challenges faced by students across the United States. American Federation of Teachers (AFT) President Randi Weingarten shared insights on the current educational landscape, emphasizing the need for proactive solutions rather than reliance on stagnant performance metrics.

“We don’t need stagnant NAEP scores to show us the headwinds children are facing, regardless of whether they attend public or private school. Rather than waiting for lagging indicators such as NAEP, AFT members are fighting every day for ‘real solutions’ to create safe, welcoming, and joyful schools that engage kids and close the achievement gap between the lowest and highest performers,” Weingarten stated.

She outlined a comprehensive approach to education reform, focusing on equipping students with practical skills through career and technical education programs. Project-based and hands-on learning experiences are seen as vital in reducing absenteeism while promoting student engagement. Additionally, the AFT is striving to foster a love for reading through initiatives like Reading Opens the World, which has distributed millions of books to children.

The statement also highlighted the importance of expanding community schools to offer wraparound services addressing various student needs, including mental health support and limiting smartphone use during school hours. Weingarten stressed the need for investments in smaller class sizes, improved ventilation, and modern educational tools to enhance the learning environment.

Finally, tackling issues such as gun violence and other forms of trauma were identified as critical steps to ensure schools are safe places where students can thrive. Weingarten concluded, “If we do even part of this, we will help make every school a place where parents want to send their kids, educators want to work, and kids thrive.”

The AFT, representing 1.8 million educators and related personnel, continues to advocate for these changes across various educational and professional sectors, including pre-K through 12th-grade teachers, higher education staff, government employees, healthcare workers, and early childhood educators.