AFT’s Weingarten on NAEP Report Card

WASHINGTON—American Federation of Teachers President Randi Weingarten issued the following statement in response to the National Assessment of Educational Progress Report Card:

“Thankfully, after two years of an unprecedented economic, educational and social disruption, we have the tools, vaccines and treatments to deal with COVID-19 and re-establish a sense of normalcy in schools. The bad news is that too many lives and families were upended by the pandemic, and the NAEP scores show part of that terrible impact.

“These scores reiterate the vital importance of this school year to help students recover and thrive. This is a year to accelerate learning by rebuilding relationships, focusing on the basics and investing in our public schools. Educators want what kids and communities need—from reading and math, to social-emotional support, to pathways to careers and colleges—and we are redoubling our efforts to meet children’s needs, deal with teacher shortages and fulfill the purpose, promise and potential of public education.”