Just 28% of Americans say they have a “great deal” or “quite a lot” of confidence in public schools, the second lowest figure on record, a new Gallup poll revealed Thursday.
Why it matters: The poll illustrates a growing national divide over public education, which emerged as a political battleground during the pandemic, with debates over masking, openings and teachings about race dividing parents and triggering intense debates and school board meetings.
Driving the news: The percentage of Republicans who said they have a great deal or quite a lot of confidence in public schools dropped from 34% in 2020 to 20% in 2021 and 14% in 2022, per the poll.
