Deny Cuomo the data that feeds the monster. Jia Lee, of MORE and Change the Stakes and a chapter leader, has notified the UFT leadership she would like time to present this reso today. MORE
I think we need to make it clear to people who often don't make the connection between testing and the assault on teachers ---- the UFT supports too much of the ed deform movement and unlike other unions has not taken a firm stand in supporting opt-out teachers and parents. This is its opportunity -- deny Cuomo his data.
Knowing the way Unity operates I believe they may not be willing to reject this outright but instead offer an amended version that will dilute it. Or they will find a procedural ground to reject it. Or Mulgrew will talk for most of the meeting and new motions won't be gotten to. One thing is clear - they will not take a real stand on high stakes testing -- and by the way - Ed Notes presented resos at the DA against high stakes testing in the late 90s. Call me Clare -Voyant - I knew then from the Chicago story what the end game was going to be.
Join the conversation, post articles, ideas and actions, download materials, grow the NYC Opt Out movement on Facebook and beyond!
https://www.facebook.com/groups/nycoptout/
MORE has endorsed the following resolution which has also been posted on the ICE blog. (Note a minor error - there will be no AFT convention in 2015 - next one is 2016.)
Resolution to Support “The I Refuse Movement” to Oppose High Stakes Testing
WHEREAS, the purpose of education is to educate a populace of critical thinkers who are capable of shaping a just and equitable society in order to lead good and purpose-filled lives, not solely prepare that populace for college and career; and
WHEREAS, instructional and curricular decisions should be in the hands of classroom professionals who understand the context and interests of their students; and
WHEREAS, the education of children should be grounded in developmentally appropriate practice; and
WHEREAS, high quality education requires adequate resources to provide a rich and varied course of instruction, individual and small group attention, and wrap-around services for students; and
WHEREAS, the state assessments are not transparent in that–teachers and parents are not allowed to view the tests and item analysis will likely not be made available; and
WHEREAS, the assessment practices that accompany Common Core State Standards – including the political manipulation of test scores – are used as justification to label and close schools, fail students, and evaluate educators; therefore be it
RESOLVED that NYSUT opposes standardized high stakes testing that is currently pushed by the Federal and State governments, because this testing is not being used to further instruction for children, to help children, or to support the educational needs of children; and be it further
RESOLVED, that NYSUT advocates for an engaged and socially relevant curriculum that is student-based and supported by research; and be it further
RESOLVED, that NYSUT will embark on internal discussions to educate and seek feedback from members regarding standardized high stakes testing and its impact on students; and be it further
RESOLVED, that NYSUT will lobby the NYS Board of Education to eliminate the use of high stakes testing; and be it further
RESOLVED, that NYSUT will ask that all of its members have their own children refuse to take the Grade 3-8 assessments: and be it further
RESOLVED, that NYSUT will organize other members and affiliates to increase opposition to high stakes testing; and be it further
RESOLVED, that a copy of this resolution will be sent to the NY State Board of Education, the Governor of NYS, and all members of the NYS legislative branch; and be it finallyRESOLVED, that after this resolution is passed by the UFT Delegate Assembly, an appropriate version will be submitted to the American Federation of Teachers for consideration at the AFT July 20156 Convention and to NYSUT for consideration at the 2015 RA.
WHEREAS, the purpose of education is to educate a populace of critical thinkers who are capable of shaping a just and equitable society in order to lead good and purpose-filled lives, not solely prepare that populace for college and career; and
WHEREAS, instructional and curricular decisions should be in the hands of classroom professionals who understand the context and interests of their students; and
WHEREAS, the education of children should be grounded in developmentally appropriate practice; and
WHEREAS, high quality education requires adequate resources to provide a rich and varied course of instruction, individual and small group attention, and wrap-around services for students; and
WHEREAS, the state assessments are not transparent in that–teachers and parents are not allowed to view the tests and item analysis will likely not be made available; and
WHEREAS, the assessment practices that accompany Common Core State Standards – including the political manipulation of test scores – are used as justification to label and close schools, fail students, and evaluate educators; therefore be it
RESOLVED that NYSUT opposes standardized high stakes testing that is currently pushed by the Federal and State governments, because this testing is not being used to further instruction for children, to help children, or to support the educational needs of children; and be it further
RESOLVED, that NYSUT advocates for an engaged and socially relevant curriculum that is student-based and supported by research; and be it further
RESOLVED, that NYSUT will embark on internal discussions to educate and seek feedback from members regarding standardized high stakes testing and its impact on students; and be it further
RESOLVED, that NYSUT will lobby the NYS Board of Education to eliminate the use of high stakes testing; and be it further
RESOLVED, that NYSUT will ask that all of its members have their own children refuse to take the Grade 3-8 assessments: and be it further
RESOLVED, that NYSUT will organize other members and affiliates to increase opposition to high stakes testing; and be it further
RESOLVED, that a copy of this resolution will be sent to the NY State Board of Education, the Governor of NYS, and all members of the NYS legislative branch; and be it finallyRESOLVED, that after this resolution is passed by the UFT Delegate Assembly, an appropriate version will be submitted to the American Federation of Teachers for consideration at the AFT July 201
2 comments:
Our communication with chapter leaders and delegates (or through their members) is that some that don't often attend, will do so today just vote for this.
Three of the four caucuses of the UFT have voted to support this in addition to a growing number of teacher unions across the state.
Keep an eye out for WHO will stand in opposition to this reso and WHY.
Great. The Why is obfuscation to cover their real agenda. There are all sorts of Unity tricks - like using the time for resos to present their own version -- and shut out the real reso. People should speak to substitute not amend.
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