Actions for Educators
YOUR Commitment to participate in Just ONE action would have a huge impact!
1. ATTEND, ATTEND, ATTEND! Join with colleagues and attend education forums, rallies, lectures, etc. A large audience sends a powerful message and results in media attention. See the upcoming events page for events in and around your neighborhood.
2. Go to PTA meetings and Board of Ed meetings in your own town. As a parent, voice your opinion. Ask the questions you know people need answers to.
3. READ and SHARE information with others. Talk about what is happening in your district. Post flyers and information about upcoming events on your personal Facebook pages. Join Twitter, even if it is just to read information. The best place to find out the most current information is through social media right now. Follow @DianeRavitch, @LiOptOut, @NYSAPE, @carolburris, @NYStateBATs
4. Contact legislators. This is very important!! They are currently proposing and voting on new bills concerning APPR, common core, testing, and data sharing. Let them know how you feel, ask them for a response. Use the links on the www.nysape.com tools page for a list of whom to contact.
5. Download the NYSUT MAC (member action center) app. This app makes it very easy to send faxes to legislators, taking action on important issues and legislation, with one click.
6. Wear green laces and/or bracelets! See Lace to the Top on Facebook or go to the Lace to the Top website. Their goal is to unite parents, teachers and community members concerned about maintaining quality education in public schools and give them a voice.
7. Ask your local union president or building reps to forward you information shared with them about upcoming political action events. The Long Island President's Council (LIPC) frequently sends out information to be shared with members.
***8. REFUSE THE NYS ASSESSMENTS on behalf of your own children! Tell them why. Explain that you are not only doing this for them, but for the students you teach. Tell them that taking this action will get changes made, and will help make learning fun again. You may feel that this isn't necessary, since your child doesn't get stressed about the tests. What about test prep? Do they enjoy that? Are they missing out on science and social studies? Will they be placed in AIS if their score is low? It doesn't matter how your child feels about the tests - tests that are tied to APPR are detrimental to kids and teachers. We must not allow our children to be used as pawns in this game!! READ this blog by Peg with Pen about refusing the tests.
**BUY car magnets here (see image below)
For other inspirational ideas, read another blog entry from Peg with Pen, titled "A Quick Guide to Resisting from Within for Educators".
2. Go to PTA meetings and Board of Ed meetings in your own town. As a parent, voice your opinion. Ask the questions you know people need answers to.
3. READ and SHARE information with others. Talk about what is happening in your district. Post flyers and information about upcoming events on your personal Facebook pages. Join Twitter, even if it is just to read information. The best place to find out the most current information is through social media right now. Follow @DianeRavitch, @LiOptOut, @NYSAPE, @carolburris, @NYStateBATs
4. Contact legislators. This is very important!! They are currently proposing and voting on new bills concerning APPR, common core, testing, and data sharing. Let them know how you feel, ask them for a response. Use the links on the www.nysape.com tools page for a list of whom to contact.
5. Download the NYSUT MAC (member action center) app. This app makes it very easy to send faxes to legislators, taking action on important issues and legislation, with one click.
6. Wear green laces and/or bracelets! See Lace to the Top on Facebook or go to the Lace to the Top website. Their goal is to unite parents, teachers and community members concerned about maintaining quality education in public schools and give them a voice.
7. Ask your local union president or building reps to forward you information shared with them about upcoming political action events. The Long Island President's Council (LIPC) frequently sends out information to be shared with members.
***8. REFUSE THE NYS ASSESSMENTS on behalf of your own children! Tell them why. Explain that you are not only doing this for them, but for the students you teach. Tell them that taking this action will get changes made, and will help make learning fun again. You may feel that this isn't necessary, since your child doesn't get stressed about the tests. What about test prep? Do they enjoy that? Are they missing out on science and social studies? Will they be placed in AIS if their score is low? It doesn't matter how your child feels about the tests - tests that are tied to APPR are detrimental to kids and teachers. We must not allow our children to be used as pawns in this game!! READ this blog by Peg with Pen about refusing the tests.
**BUY car magnets here (see image below)
For other inspirational ideas, read another blog entry from Peg with Pen, titled "A Quick Guide to Resisting from Within for Educators".