September 2024 Pulse Poll: An Eye on the U.S. Education Climate
As we reflect on Wednesday’s tragic events at Apalachee High School, we are devastated and mourning for the families of the victims and every student and faculty member at Apalachee High School and the community of Winder, Georgia.We debated whether today was the right time to share our previously scheduled new poll on the U.S. educational climate. But while this study is not about gun violence or legislation therein (scroll down for that), it is about the U.S. educational climate which could inform the larger conversation. If you’re a mother, we want to hear from you about your first-hand experience. Please take two minutes to weigh in. We send results to federal legislators.
A recent ProPublica/New Yorker article, as discussed on NPR’s All Things Considered, garnered national attention talking about shrinking enrollment in public schools in the wake of the COVID-19 shutdowns. The story reported that enrollment in public schools has decreased by approximately one million students since the start of the pandemic. In 2023, the Associated Press did an analysis of 21 states where data is publicly available. They found enrollment fell by 700,000 since 2020, and nearly 230,000 previously enrolled students could simply no longer be accounted for. We want to know about the greatest concerns mothers have regarding the schools their kids attend, as well as what they would change if they could.Please take a moment to Be In For The Count — we are committed to sending real-time data to policymakers every month. We want there to be no mistake or lack of information on how families feel about policies that are affecting their lives. Our goal is to make it known that As Mothers Go, So Goes the Nation.
We would like to take this opportunity to re-share results from our December 2023 study on mothers’ views on the GOSAFE Act, a bill still under review that seeks to regulate the sale, transfer, and manufacture of semi-automatic firearms. 93% of mothers surveyed believe the bill would have a positive impact on the safety, health, or well-being of kids and families, including nearly every mother who identified as moderate or liberal, and one half of mothers who identified as conservative. During the interviews that were conducted among conservative, moderate, and liberal mothers, all agreed there is a crisis of gun violence affecting their children and communities. The liberal and moderate mothers were more likely to believe that regulation of gas-operated, semi-automatic firearms would “stop the bleeding,” whereas the mothers who identified as conservative were more concerned with systems that isolate youth.
Finally, we want to celebrate the brands who are doing the hard work to gain the trust of mothers. Each month, we feature Brands We Love, a few companies of all sizes who prioritize kids’ and family health, safety, and well-being. We want to share them with you, and in turn they want to share promo codes as a thanks for participating in our monthly polls. Click on the logos to visit the sites!
Lalo has been involved with campaigns to amplify the needs of moms for paid family leave and creates safe, durable essentials for babies and toddlers. Promo code: COUNTONMOTHERS
My Serenity Kids is an advocate of paid family leave. In addition, they only use ingredients without antibiotics, added hormones, pesticides, fillers, GMOs, or major allergens. Promo code: COMSEPT15
Bobbie has been active in efforts to amplify childcare and paid family leave needs for families. They are a female-founded, mom-led baby formula company and are dedicated to prioritizing the health of kids and the mental health of mothers.
Finally, we want to take a moment to thank our Angels and inspire any of you who care about the work we’re doing to join the wall!
