Test Resistance and ESEA
The Test Resistance Network succeeded in separating annual standardized testing from teacher evaluation in the new ESEA legislation, now in House-Senate conference, reports Rosalie Friend, of Save Our Schools. However, the coalition did not succeed in replacing annual testing with grade-span testing. Friend also outlined several other concerning aspects of the legislation. View the House version and Senate versions. SOS also recommends reviewing Parents Across America’s statement. Listen to Track 3 below.
Ed Coalition Needs All
Another large and growing coalition of education advocates are planning to make their joint voice heard next summer in Washington, according to Bob George, another SOS-er and BUS regular. The focus, he explains, is on equity: that is, equitable resources for communities in which people live, and education as a FIRST priority in funding and support. The coalition seeks policy that “empowers parents, teachers, and students as nexus of communities,” responds to communal “realities and needs,” and promotes
democratic institutions. Track 4 below.
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Individuals and groups are encouraged to sponsor and participate in this coalition, working toward a July 2016 rally and convention.
Contact Bob George, national SOS March director: Bob at saveourschoolsmarch.org
Death Knell for “Ed Reform”?
Mitchell Robinson, of Michigan State University, and Denisha Jones, of Howard University — both active in BadAss Teachers Association — discuss the disappointment of teachers and teacher educators, nationwide, as unions and others jump on the “teachers are the problem” bandwagon of #TeachStrong.
Jones explains how the new effort fails to include many experienced schools of education, possibly in recognition of the fact that previous attempts to privatize and control schools has been thwarted by teachers and teacher educators.
Robinson also argues, however, that recent changes of tack for ed reformers, including Gates Foundation teacher prep funding [track 2 below], suggest reformers’ frustration because “they have not done one thing” and consequent flailing. Signaling, perhaps, a death knell for combative and unsuccessful strategies. Track 5 below.
Listen to 11-19-15 EDUCATION TOWN HALL here —
Track 1 — Introduction, Welcome with Host, Thomas Byrd
Track 2 (4:12-7:50) — Feature Report: Gates Dollars and Teacher Prep
Track 3 (7:50-24:00) — ESEA Update with Rosalie Friend
Track 4 (24-40:00) — Education Coalition Building toward July 2016 rally/convention
Track 5 (40:18-close) — #TeachStrong: the death knell of “ed reform”
The Education Town Hall broadcasts from Historic Anacostia in Washington, DC, Thursdays
at 11:00 a.m. Eastern on We Act Radio.
Listen live via Tune In
Shows are archived for convenient listening shortly after broadcast.
The Education Town Hall BUS is a monthly program
organized by BadAss Teachers, United Opt Out, and SOS March.
The program regularly airs on the 4th Thursday of each month, with occasional adjustments for holidays.
Education Town Hall Forum 