Over the next several weeks, we’ll be spotlighting students from Hauppauge High School’s IB program who have completed their Internal Assessments (IA)! These unique assignments allow students to explore their passions and design their own learning experiences. Whether it's running their own experiment in Environmental Systems, building their own model in Math Analysis, or evaluating historical perspective on a topic of their choice, these projects showcase the creativity and impressive insights of our students.
This week we have, senior Kailani Sanchez with IB Global Politics SL Project, “To what extent are threats by lawmakers to revoke federal charters of the AFT and NEA justified?
Kailani examined the roles of major teachers’ unions like the American Federation of Teachers and the National Education Association, focusing on whether their actions align with their core mission of supporting education and educators. While critics argue these organizations have expanded into political and social advocacy, Kailani's analysis explored whether revoking their federal charters would be justified. Education policy is inherently tied to social and political issues, and both unions continue to advocate for teacher support, student resources, and public education funding. Stripping their charters would set a concerning precedent, where organizations could be penalized for evolving in response to modern educational challenges rather than abandoning their mission.
Why Kailani chose this topic:
I chose to explore this issue because of my personal connection to the education system through my mother’s work in the New York City Department of Education. Observing her experiences gave me insight into the real challenges educators face, which often differ from how teachers’ unions are portrayed in public debates. This motivated me to bring awareness to the underlying tensions and perceived hypocrisy in criticisms of organizations like the American Federation of Teachers and the National Education Association, particularly when their broader advocacy is framed as a departure from education rather than an extension of it.
What Kailani found interesting about the research:
What I found most interesting was how deeply interwoven the education system is, particularly how the very contracted rules and structures meant to support educators can also create tension and conflict within it. Through examining organizations like the American Federation of Teachers and the National Education Association, it became clear that these internal complexities are often misunderstood or oversimplified in public debates. The idea of revoking their charters stands out as especially significant, as it symbolizes a broader lack of trust from Congress in their commitment to their core educational mission, rather than an acknowledgment of how their roles have evolved alongside the system itself.
What Kailani learned from the IA experience:
I found the process of completing this IA was highly valuable, as it allowed me to develop a deeper understanding of the education system not only in the United States but also within a broader global context. By researching organizations such as the American Federation of Teachers and the National Education Association, I was able to see how educational institutions are shaped by political, social, and economic forces. This process helped me recognize that debates surrounding education are not isolated, but reflect wider global patterns of governance, and public trust. ultimately expanding my perspective on how interconnected these systems are worldwide.