Why did satisfaction with K-12 rise in the past year despite little changes?

Satisfaction with the K-12 education system is back on the rise after a steep decline last year, with experts saying rhetoric around the institution is sparking hope despite little tangible changes. 

A new Gallup poll found American satisfaction went up 7 percentage points after hitting a record low in 2023 at 36 percent.  

Experts say the rise in satisfaction is likely due to perception from how K-12 is discussed by political figures and the media as the system is still struggling in similar ways compared to last year.