Sacramento, CA — CFT – A Union of Educators and Classified Professionals President Jeff Freitas released the following statement on the release of the National Assessment of Educational Progress test scores and the California Smarter Balanced test scores today:

“The results of these tests show the profound impact the COVID-19 pandemic has had on our students’ lives and the pressing need to continue investing in our schools with a laser-like focus to help our students recover and thrive.

“California has shown a steadfast commitment to supporting schools during the pandemic and throughout the recovery, focusing the state’s efforts on raising record funding for education, including over $23 billion in targeted investments to help students succeed.

“It is essential that we continue supporting our students in the months and years to come by maintaining our commitment to their recovery – including expanding investments in mental health support, addressing educator staffing shortages, and expanding additional learning opportunities.”

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CFT — A Union of Educators and Classified Professionals represents 120,000 teachers, faculty, and school employees in public and private schools and colleges, from early childhood through higher education. It is the statewide affiliate of the AFT, AFL-CIO.