Protect our public school systems from privatization.
Evaluate teacher performance through assessment by fellow professionals.
Do not rely on high stakes tests that reflect economic status of the community, and punish teachers working in low income communities of color.
Replace Common Core with curriculum developed by educators, not corporations, with input from parents and communities.
Stop denying students diplomas based on high stakes tests.
Stop using merit pay to punish teachers who work with the most challenging student populations.
Increase federal funding of public schools to equalize public school funding.
Replace No Child Left Behind with professional teachers
We recommend the following actions:
Eliminate gross inequalities in school funding. Federal policy on education should act principally to provide equal access to a quality education.
Oppose the administration of public schools by private,
for-profit entities.
Increase funding for after-school and daycare programs.
Give K-12 classroom teachers professional status and salaries commensurate with advanced education, training and responsibility.
Teach non-violent conflict
resolution and humane education at all levels of education.
Prohibit advertising to children in schools. Corporations should not be allowed to use the schools as vehicles for commercial advertising or corporate propaganda.
Ban the sale of soda
pop and junk food in schools. Junk food is defined as food or beverages that are relatively high in saturated or trans fat, added sugars or salt, and relatively low in vitamins, minerals, protein and fiber.
