New York teachers boycott test May 1 after half of high school's parents opt out their children
The following was circulated on April 29, 2014 and I'm sharing it. The news is that 30 teachers at a high school in Brooklyn will be boycotting the city assessment this week, just as their Chicago counterparts did last month. They are asking for messages of support (see below):
From Emily Giles, UFT [member], New York:
After the majority of parents at International High School in Brooklyn opted their children out of the New York tests, a growing number of teachers joined them.Almost 30 teachers at my school, International HS at Prospect Heights, are refusing to give a city assessment tomorrow, May 1st. This is big news!!!!!!!! And we need as much support as we can get!!!!!
Please share the following request for solidarity with anyone and everyone you think will share with school communities and send props to our page. We would really really love pics of other union chapters, school staff holding up signs of solidarity posted to our page. Feel free to e-mail me with any questions.
In Solidarity!
Emily
Support the First High School Teachers to Join the growing Opt Out Movement in New York City!!!!
On Thursday, May 1, 2014, we, the teachers and school staff, at the International High School at Prospect Heights are refusing to give the NYC English Language Arts Performance Assessment Exam. We are standing in solidarity with the more than 50% of our parents who have opted their students out of taking the test. Please support the teachers and staff members who have joined together to abstain from administering a test we we believe is harmful to English Language Learners (ELLS).
We are not willing to sacrifice the trust of our students, their feelings of self worth, and our professional duty to do what is best for them. In good conscience, as educators dedicated to the learning of our students and the welfare of our school communities, we are not administering this test. We ask that Chancellor Carmen Fari�a remove the New York ELA Performance Exam in favor of an assessment created by educators who best know the individual needs of their students and classrooms.
Ways to support the staff at the International High School at Prospect Heights:
--Sign a Pledge of Support at Standupoptout.wordpress.com
-- Send a Photograph with a Physical Sign or Message of Support to afeingoldshaw@gmail.com.
-- Join our Press Conference on May 1st at 8:00 AM at 883 Classon Avenue Brooklyn, NY 11225
Here is a sample pledge below:
We, _________________, stand in solidarity with the 30 teachers and school staff at the International High School at Prospect Heights in Brooklyn who are refusing to administer the New York City ELA Performance Assessment. Teachers at IHSPH are standing up for all teachers and parents who feel that these tests that are traumatic for students, serve no instructional purpose, and do nothing to prepare students for college. It is clear that the feelings here in New York about these tests are felt nationwide. As _______________, we are grateful for your courage and we share your struggle.
