“Instead of turning today’s education hearing into cable news theater, lawmakers should be asking what it will take to get kids back on track academically… and ensure schools have the resources and support students need to succeed.”
Washington, D.C., June 10, 2026 – Following the release of the latest National Assessment of Educational Progress (NAEP) Long-Term Trend results, National Parents Union President Keri Rodrigues issued the following statement:
“Today’s NAEP scores show two things can be true at once: younger students are making real progress, and America still has a long way to go. The gains among 9-year-olds in reading and math are encouraging, especially for students who struggled the most. That tells us recovery is possible when kids get the support, instruction, and attention they deserve.
However, let’s be honest, too many older students are still stuck, too many kids are missing too much school, and too many families are worried their children are falling behind academically and emotionally.
At a moment like this, Congress should be focused on solutions, not political games or culture war distractions. Instead of turning today’s education hearing into cable news theater, lawmakers should be asking what it will take to get kids back on track academically, improve attendance, strengthen literacy and math instruction, and ensure schools have the resources and support students need to succeed.
Parents do not want excuses or partisan fights. They want urgency. They want action. And they want every child, not just some children, to have the opportunity to thrive.
The progress we see today should give the country hope. It should also be a wake-up call that the work is far from over.”
About the National Parents Union
The National Parents Union is a network of parent organizations and grassroots activists working to improve the quality of life for children and families across the country. NPU represents more than 1.7 million families through over 1,800 affiliated organizations in all 50 states, the District of Columbia, and Puerto Rico.