Tag: AFT

A Parent Reflects On Fredrick Douglas’ Fourth of July Speech: Gwen Samuel Calls Out Status Quo For Their Silence
Hartford · In the State

A Parent Reflects On Fredrick Douglas’ Fourth of July Speech: Gwen Samuel Calls Out Status Quo For Their Silence

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I wanted to share with my readers a recent blog post published by parent advocate Gwen Samuel. (If you haven’t already, you should check out her other blog posts too – she writes at RealTalkGwenSamuels.com) In her most recent post, she reflects on Fredrick Douglas’ famous July Fourth speech, “What To The Slave Is The… Continue reading A Parent Reflects On Fredrick Douglas’ Fourth of July Speech: Gwen Samuel Calls Out Status Quo For Their Silence

Parent Warrior Gwen Samuel Shares Why She Can’t Be Bought: “Our Children Really Need Us To Step Up And Protect Them”
Hartford · In the State

Parent Warrior Gwen Samuel Shares Why She Can’t Be Bought: “Our Children Really Need Us To Step Up And Protect Them”

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Gwen Samuel, a Meriden mom and the founder of the Connecticut Parents Union, shares her story, explaining why she can’t be brought by either side of the education debate: Shirley Chisholm said  “There is little place in the political scheme of things for an independent, creative personality, for a fighter. Anyone who takes that role must… Continue reading Parent Warrior Gwen Samuel Shares Why She Can’t Be Bought: “Our Children Really Need Us To Step Up And Protect Them”

While All Eyes Are On The Budget Debate, PEAC Quietly Votes To Chip Away At Accountability
In the State

While All Eyes Are On The Budget Debate, PEAC Quietly Votes To Chip Away At Accountability

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Ah, the Land of Steady Habits has done it again! The state’s Performance Evaluation Advisory Committee (PEAC),  tasked with advising the state on annual testing policy, once again, ignored Superior Court Judge Thomas Moukawsher’s ruling in CCJEF v. Rell,  in favor of shielding adults from consequences. On Wednesday morning, the committee, made up almost entirely… Continue reading While All Eyes Are On The Budget Debate, PEAC Quietly Votes To Chip Away At Accountability

Education Bills To Watch: Rundown Of What’s Been Proposed By The State Legislature So Far
Bridgeport · Hartford · In the State

Education Bills To Watch: Rundown Of What’s Been Proposed By The State Legislature So Far

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The General Assembly’s Education Committee met for the first time during the 2017 legislative session this afternoon. While, it’s bit early to tell what will happen this session, even at this juncture, there are already important education issues on the table. Here’s a quick rundown of a few education bills to watch in upcoming session:… Continue reading Education Bills To Watch: Rundown Of What’s Been Proposed By The State Legislature So Far

General Assembly Prioritizes Politics Over Student Stability
Students

General Assembly Prioritizes Politics Over Student Stability

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Shouldn’t decisions on school openings and expansion be decided by the education professionals at the State Board of Education and the State Department of Education? The answer appears to be no, according to those praising the new charter school bill passed by the state assembly last week. On the surface, Senate Bill 1096 updates transparency… Continue reading General Assembly Prioritizes Politics Over Student Stability

Parents and Students Call For an “Opt-in” Movement
Students

Parents and Students Call For an “Opt-in” Movement

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On Tuesday, while the Connecticut Education Association and the Connecticut Federation of teachers held a 500-person rally pushing their anti-accountability agenda, just next door students had a very different message for state legislators. A group of urban students and parents organized by Youth Unleashed and the Connecticut Parents Union held a press conference in the… Continue reading Parents and Students Call For an “Opt-in” Movement

Did the Teacher’s Union Pay Off Legislators to Vote Against Connecticut Families?
Students

Did the Teacher’s Union Pay Off Legislators to Vote Against Connecticut Families?

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When the two largest teachers unions in the state are bankrolling more than a third of the members on the state legislature’s Appropriations Committee it’s no wonder that kids lose out. This is the sad reality in Connecticut, where, on Monday, the General Assembly’s Appropriations Committee advanced a biennial budget plan that would strip $20.9 million… Continue reading Did the Teacher’s Union Pay Off Legislators to Vote Against Connecticut Families?

Truth Squad: Teachers Union’s Ad is Highly Misleading
Students

Truth Squad: Teachers Union’s Ad is Highly Misleading

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As reported last week, the Connecticut Education Association (CEA) is spending over $250,000 on a misleading TV ad campaign that demands state legislators eliminate annual state testing. They’re not alone in this endeavor. Their parent union, the National Education Association (NEA), has also been running an ad campaign in Connecticut as part of their nationwide… Continue reading Truth Squad: Teachers Union’s Ad is Highly Misleading

Is CEA’s Education Commissioner Pick Good for Connecticut Students?
Students

Is CEA’s Education Commissioner Pick Good for Connecticut Students?

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Connecticut Education Association’s (CEA) Executive Director Mark Waxenberg told the New Haven Register last Wednesday that he thinks “a lots going to depend on the new commissioner.” He’s right. A lot will depend on the new education commissioner. The direction of the state’s education system, for example, whether teachers will be rewarded for ability and… Continue reading Is CEA’s Education Commissioner Pick Good for Connecticut Students?

Union-controlled State BOE Appointee Raises Conflict Questions
Students

Union-controlled State BOE Appointee Raises Conflict Questions

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Last week, Erin Benham was appointed to the State Board of Education, creating an unprecedented potential for conflicts of interest. Benham, you see, is an officer with the American Federation of Teachers (AFT) and the president of an AFT affiliate, the Meriden Federation of Teachers. She’s also a longtime middle school teacher, which is great,… Continue reading Union-controlled State BOE Appointee Raises Conflict Questions