The decline has been somewhat worse in higher education. Shifting industries, job losses, and a lack of affordable housing and childcare were also cited as preexisting reasons for enrollment decline in some localities. Many cited the rise of school choice and voucher systems accompanied by aggressive recruitment efforts by private and charter schools. As we heard from many survey respondents and interviewees, enrollment had been declining or at best stagnating in the years leading up to the pandemic. Various disruptions triggered by COVID-19 and remote learning were identified as major factors driving many families to leave public schools. The National Center for Education Statistics reported approximately 1.5 million fewer K–12 students attending public schools in 2020–21 compared with the previous school year-a decline of roughly 3 percent. ![]() This work is all the more urgent because the United States saw an unprecedented decline in student enrollment in public schools, colleges, and universities over the past two years. (For our case studies, see here.) We hope that readers draw inspiration from the work and stories of fellow educators who have been strengthening their unions’ connections with students, families, and communities and working to ensure all students feel safe and welcome in their classrooms. To answer these questions and more, we surveyed * B2S grant recipients from both preK–12 and higher education affiliates and conducted focus group interviews with teachers, union leaders, and community partners from three case sites: Martinsville, Indiana two communities in New York and several communities in Texas. These were the first books some students had ever received. What are some of the major lessons learned? What strategies and tactics were used? How effective were they? And how can teachers build on those efforts this coming school year and beyond?ĪFT-West Virginia distributed books to Charleston elementary and middle school students returning for the fall. Now that teachers, school staff, and AFT affiliates are preparing for the coming school year, we thought it would be a good time to review campaign efforts from last summer. 3 Importantly, the campaigns also countered misinformation about public health efforts, demonstrated the important role unions play in education and society, and helped build stronger relationships between local affiliates and the communities they serve. The AFT awarded a total of $5 million to over 75 grantees covering more than 1,800 AFT affiliates serving some 20 million students. 2 The campaign served as a catalyst for bringing students back into public schools, colleges, and universities through a vast public outreach effort. “Our members have talked to thousands of parents, done hundreds of walk-throughs of school buildings, stood up vaccine clinics, given away books, and yes, had some fun doing it,” Weingarten noted. According to AFT President Randi Weingarten, the B2S campaign was a concerted effort by teachers and staff across the United States to tackle barriers to safe, in-person learning and to ensure that all students feel welcome. Starting from that premise, the AFT launched a national Back to School for All (B2S) campaign in the summer of 2021. The positive effects of in-school learning are well documented. The COVID-19 pandemic has created far-reaching challenges for educators and learning institutions, but with adequate safety measures, schools can be open. ![]() When it comes to in-person learning, the AFT has a very clear message: our students need to be in their schools and on their campuses. AFT resources for organizing and back to school programsĪt the Lynn, MA, Back to School Fair, Lynn Teachers Union (AFT Local 1037) members and AFT President Randi Weingarten distributed food and health and wellness resources for children and families.Safe and welcoming public schools for all. ![]() DACA (Deferred Action for Childhood Arrivals).Standing united to protect immigrant rights.Paraprofessionals & school-related personnel.
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