Statement by Randi Weingarten, President, American Federation of Teachers,
On PDK/Gallup Poll of the Public’s Attitudes Toward the Public Schools

WASHINGTON – Today’s Phi Delta Kappa/Gallup poll shows once again that parents, the public and teachers agree about the quality of our public schools and the steps needed to improve them.

The poll finds the public is confident that Sen. Barack Obama and his fellow Democrats will improve our public schools and give more children opportunities for success. The AFT shares the public’s confidence in Obama’s ability to tackle these tough issues, and we are working hard to help him become the next president of the United States.

What’s important is where the public is on these issues, namely:

* that all of us have the responsibility to create environments, both inside and outside our schools, that allow every child to reach his or her potential;
* that NCLB has not lived up to its promise and needs a serious overhaul; and
* that it is essential to support policies that ensure all students have access to well-prepared and well-supported teachers, a rich and broad curriculum, and safe and welcoming schools.

Both Obama and the AFT are in sync with the public’s views.

Some have sought to drive a wedge between parents and teachers or between elected officials and teachers unions. They have sought to portray teachers unions as obstacles to needed improvements to our schools. Nothing could be further from the truth. As this year’s poll shows, parents and educators have the same goal: the best possible schools for our nation’s children.

 

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