ur union has been involved with the formation and ongoing work of the Heights Coalition for Public Education. In November a few teachers attended the first of three forums titled “The Myth of Failing Public Schools.” The second forum, scheduled for January 28, is being planned Wednesday afternoon at the main library at 4:30 if you are interested in helping.
If you have not yet added your voice to the Coalition, I urge you to join over 230 community members and teachers who have agreed with the statement below. If you agree, then add your name to the list at http://chuh.net/coalition. Our goal is to educate and eventually influence public policy around testing and charter schools.
In Solidarity,
Ari Klein, CHTU President
Our Position
We call on Congress and the Ohio Legislature to end their war on public education and regain a responsible approach to education in a democracy:
*Abandon high-stakes testing, which is an invalid use of standardized tests to judge, label and punish children, teachers and schools.
*Prohibit the use of public funds for privately run, unregulated and profit-making charter schools that weaken public education and diminish the common good.
*Fulfill their constitutional obligation to provide adequate and equitably distributed funds for a thorough education for all children.
*Embrace locally-developed assessments of student learning that inform instruction, support a broad curriculum, and encourage creative and higher level thinking.
*Value, trust, and invest in the development of teachers as respected and effective professionals.