A new campaign is working to invigorate public schools across Florida and the U.S.
The American Federation of Teachers - Real Solutions for Kids and Communities campaign is looking to help schools bolster student learning.
One element of the plan is to boost reading, since reading skills have plummeted across the nation.
Research from the Albert Shanker Institute finds Florida has taken critical steps to ensure student reading is blossoming.
AFT President Randi Weingarten said evidence-based reading practices need to become the norm for school districts across the country, noting it has a multitude of benefits.
"That science of reading points to a systematic approach that includes phonics instruction," said Weingarten, "along with giving students plenty of opportunities to read interesting and high-quality books to develop their background knowledge and to build their vocabulary."
However, Florida has become a state where book bans have become a new normal.
Although Gov. Ron DeSantis has claimed books aren't being banned in his state, a Pen America report finds there have been 357 book bans in Florida.
Additionally, elected officials are working to implement parental bills of rights in schools. Although some see these are ways to ensure parents and schools are more collaborative, others feel it creates curriculum restrictions.
U.S. Secretary of Education Miguel Cardona said he thinks education should be determined by educators.
"We can teach the tragedies and the triumphs of American history, and still instill pride in our country," said Cardona. "As a parent, as a teacher and as a former principal, I know strong and productive relationships between teachers and parents are vital to student success."
This all comes as Americans' faith in education has dropped after reaching recent highs in 2020.
A Gallup poll finds 28% of people have confidence in public education, down from 32% in 2021, and down further still from 41% in 2020.
