Student misbehavior is still up — and teachers want parents to do more about it

March 22, 2026 - 13:44

A new national survey reveals that student misbehavior remains a significant and persistent challenge in schools, with educators increasingly looking to families for support in fostering a respectful learning environment. The data indicates that 64 percent of teachers report student behavior has worsened since the fall of 2019, prior to the pandemic's widespread disruptions.

Educators describe a range of issues, from chronic disrespect and refusal to follow instructions to more serious incidents of classroom disruption. This climate not only hinders academic progress for all students but also contributes to high levels of teacher stress and burnout. Many teachers feel they are spending an increasing amount of instructional time managing conflicts and behavioral problems.

The core message from the survey is a direct appeal for reinforcement from home. Teachers emphasize that consistent expectations between school and family are crucial. They are asking parents to engage in more proactive conversations with their children about respect, responsibility, and the importance of education. The findings suggest that a stronger, more collaborative partnership between parents and teachers is essential to create classrooms where every student is ready and able to learn.