The MTA Board voted on Dec. 6 to approve an ambitious legislative package. This agenda is based on the positive vision for public education that our members have been telling us they believe in and want their union to support. It includes:
- A three-year moratorium on PARCC, high-stakes testing and new charter schools
- A prohibition against linking licensure to evaluations
- Restoration of some bilingual education services
- Free preschool and full-day kindergarten services
- Investments in public higher education faculty and staff
- Two seats for educators on BESE
- Elimination of the fingerprinting fee for educators
- Support for a living wage, progressive income taxes and a better COLA for retirees
To win on any of these issues, we will need a well-informed and fully engaged membership. More details on the package can be found here.
Speak out against Fitchburg charter on Dec. 11
Show your support for Fitchburg educators, parents and students by speaking out against the proposed Academy for the Whole Child Charter School at a public hearing from 4 to 6 p.m. on Dec. 11 at the Fitchburg Public Library, 610 Main St. The proposed charter school faces strong opposition from the Fitchburg City Council, the Fitchburg Education Association and a community group called Fitchburg Public Schools First.
More than 200 turn out to fight Brockton charter
Parents, educators, students and elected officials turned out in large numbers on Dec. 8 to testify against the proposed New Heights Charter School in Brockton. Many spoke passionately about the great public school education they have received and how opening a charter to serve college-bound students - while leaving high-need students behind - is not wanted or needed. Anthony Wright (left), 14, testified that he has successfully coped with autism and is doing well in school, thanks to the caring teachers and effective programs in the Brockton Public Schools.
No comments:
Post a Comment