The importance of the U.S. Census to the well-being of children and the strength of their public schools cannot be overstated.
Using census data, the federal government allocates tens of billions of dollars in education funds to states and localities annually using formulas that factor in population and poverty levels.
An accurate census count is the critical first step to helping educators address the needs of every child who walks through their doors. The census count happens only once every 10 years; when we undercount young children, the consequences can last most of their childhood.
NEA has collected census resources for educators on one site that includes:
- Order a Census Poster and Toolkit for your Classroom, School, or Campus
- Lesson Plans and Activities
- Census Videos and Graphics
- Links to additional resources
When you order a poster, you’ll also unlock tons of resources including lesson plans for different grade levels and subject matters, a flyer in different languages to send home, and more.
NEA partnered with artist Marka27 to create vibrant posters that highlight the diversity of our communities. We hope they inspire students to learn about the census and make sure they, their household, and friends are counted.
Choose one of six “We Count” poster designs and we’ll also send you resources to ensure your community is counted in the census.*
An accurate census count of all the vibrant and diverse neighborhoods in our country brings critical funding and resources to our schools and communities. Funding for smaller class sizes, more teachers and support staff, students with special needs, and schools in low-income areas—it’s all based on census data.
So, an accurate census is key to getting public schools and communities the resources they need to serve all students—regardless of who they live with, what language they speak at home, or whether they are black, brown, or white.