“What’s the biggest change you’ve seen in education since you were in school?”

Across the country, Education Week asked a simple question on Facebook: “What’s the biggest change you’ve seen in education since you were in school?”

Hundreds of parents, educators, grandparents, and community members responded. Their voices were passionate, candid, sometimes frustrated—but remarkably consistent.

Here’s what families and schools are saying, loud and clear.

The Top Messages We’re Hearing

1. Respect, Accountability, and Behavior Are the Biggest Concerns

This rose above all others.

Parents and educators alike describe:

• Less respect for teachers and adults

• Fewer clear boundaries and consequences

• Students giving up more quickly when learning feels hard

Many people noted something simple but powerful:

When school expectations aren’t reinforced at home, learning suffers.

This isn’t about “kids today.” It’s about the adult systems around them.

2. The Parent–School Partnership Has Weakened

A strong theme emerged around misalignment:

• Parents feel frustrated or shut out

• Teachers feel blamed or distrusted

• Children receive mixed messages about effort, responsibility, and respect

When families and schools are not on the same page, students are the ones caught in the middle.

3. Too Much Testing, Not Enough Learning

Families are worried that:

• Standardized tests drive too many decisions

• Curiosity, creativity, and joy are being squeezed out

• Children are learning to perform rather than understand

Many parents said they want schools to focus on growth, not just scores.

4. Children Are Being Pushed Too Fast, Too Soon

Especially in early grades, families and educators see:

• Kindergarten becoming “the new first grade”

• Less play and hands-on learning

• Expectations that don’t match child development

The result? More anxiety, more behavior challenges, and less love of learning.

5. Technology Is Out of Balance

Parents across generations raised concerns about:

• Shortened attention spans

• Declining writing and reading stamina

• Phones and screens competing with learning

• Technology is widely seen as a tool—but one that needs clear limits and purpose.

6. Students Need More Support—and Adults Are Stretched Thin

Families recognize:

• More students with learning differences, mental health needs, and IEPs

• Teachers doing more than ever, with fewer supports

• Burnout driving talented educators out of the profession

There is empathy here—and concern about sustainability.

The Encouraging Truth Beneath It All

Buried within these concerns is something hopeful.

Many parents and educators also said:

• Kids today are more empathetic and inclusive

• Students care deeply about fairness and well-being

• When expectations are clear and adults are aligned, children rise to them

The challenge isn’t children.It’s alignment, balance, and partnership.

A Call to Action for Families

Strong schools are built with families, not without them. Here’s how parents can make a real difference—starting now:

1. Reinforce Respect and Responsibility at Home

Children notice when adults back each other up.

• Support teachers’ authority

• Emphasize effort, persistence, and accountability

• Talk about behavior as learning—not punishment

2. Partner Early, Not Only When There’s a Problem

Reach out before concerns escalate:

• Ask how your child is doing socially and academically

• Share what works at home

• Assume positive intent on all sides

3. Advocate for Developmentally Appropriate Learning

Parents have powerful voices.

• Ask about play, movement, and hands-on learning

• Support age-appropriate expectations

• Encourage balance—not pressure

4. Create Healthy Tech Boundaries

At home, families can:

• Set limits on screen time and phones

• Protect sleep and routines

• Make time for reading, conversation, and curiosity

5. Show Children That Education Matters

Not just grades—learning itself.

• Ask what they learned, not just what they earned

• Celebrate progress, not perfection

• Model curiosity and lifelong learning

Moving Forward—Together

What we’re hearing nationwide isn’t a call to go backward.It’s a call to rebuild trust, restore balance, and re-center children.

When families and schools work as partners:

• Teachers can teach

• Children can thrive

• Communities grow stronger

The future of education doesn’t rest on one reform or one policy.It rests on engaged families, respected educators, and shared responsibility.

That’s work we can all do—together.