Ed Notes video of AFT Common Core -- er, 'standards' -- debate shows Chicago at its best and AFT leadership's defense of Common Core at their macho silliest
With everything else going on, it took our brother Norm Scott a month to organize the videos of the now famous American Federation of Teachers Common Core debate, even though, as those who were at the convention know, the debate had to be about a muddled "standards" resolution devloped at the last minute by the national and New York leadership. Why? Because AFT President Randi Weingarten wanted to make sure that there was not a direct debate over Common Core, despite the fact that the Chicago Teachers Union had submitted a clear resolution opposing Common Core. It was shunted off the floor by back room maneuverings, and delegates were forced to submit to the debate over so-called "standards."
In the video posted on August 15, 2014 by Norm Scott's Ed Notes, the arguments presented by Chicago's Sarah Chambers and Michelle Gunderson can be plainy contrasted with Mulgrew's position.
Here is Norm's posting at Ed Notes. Readers can go to Ed notes to link to the video. Also in the posting below is Norm's reproduction of New York's Julie Cavanaugh, who published an Op Ed in the Daily News against Common Core
#AFT14 Video - Sarah Chambers and The Speech that Triggered Mulgrew "Punch in Face" Comments
Common Core Debate - Sarah Chambers, Michelle Gunderson vs Michael Mulgrew - Note how Mulgrew was set up at the mic to follow Sarah Chamber's speech. Not a coincidence. Another UFT leader, Leroy Barr (not included in this video) was set up at the mic following Mulgrew - also not a coincidence. Unity Caucus uses placeholders at strategic mics as a way to control the debate.
The battle between NYC and Chicago: Providing context for the common core debate at the AFT14 convention
The Chicago Teachers Union, (CTU), suffering almost 2 decades of ed deform based on testing regimens and corporate takeovers of education, has become one of the most militant voices in opposition. They view the common core standards as another plank in this takeover.
The New York City union, the UFT, has collaborated on many of the issues the CTU has opposed, including the common core. The UFT supports the CC but complains it was implemented poorly. They call for support (resolution 2) but with what they term "accountability."
UFT President Michael Mulgrew's speech during the debate has received wide notice for its "punch in the face" comment. Immediately preceding his speech, CTU's Sarah Chambers made a strong speech opposing the CC, pointing to the damage the rigid testing regimen that goes with it has done to the children of Chicago.
Following Mulgrew's response, I added CTU's Michelle Gunderson's words?
Norm Scott
Posted by Norm @ ed notes online at 10:31 AM 4 comments
Labels: #AFT14, American Federation of Teachers, Common Core Standards, Michael Mulgrew, punch in face, Randi Weingarten
Julie Cavanagh on Common Core in Daily News, Major Contrast to Mulgrew
Julie Cavanagh won't punch you in the face if you support common core as she makes a clear and concise statement in her article in the DN that is way more powerful than what we hear coming out of our union leaders.
As Mulgrew's opponent in 2013 election she is quite a contrast to Mulgrew as she makes similar points Chicago teachers made at the AFT convention in that debate on the floor and in committee where Unity slugs used thug tactics.
AFT Convention Update: Chicago CC Reso Goes Down O...Posted Fri 5PM
#AFT14 Report - Common Core Debate - Epic Battle B...
You heard none of Julie's points made at the convention by even one of the 800 Unity Caucus loyalty-oath pledged delegates who were elected in that winner take all election, thus disenfranchising the thousands of teachers who agree with Julie. The use of the Unity horde to distort and tilt and control the common core debate on the city, state and national levels is what has allowed the ed deform movement to gain such a strong foothold. Leo Casey's attempt to brand CC opponents as tea party influenced is one example (video). Leo can be assured that Julie is no tea party advocate, as he full well knows since he knows Julie.
That is why I put time into building MORE in the belly of the UFT/Unity Caucus beast. Because nothing will change with the unions unless we make those changes here in NYC. And Ed Deform cannot be defeated until the teacher unions become more Chicago-like -- willing to spit in the face of the deformers and use their resources in organizing opposition. Having powerhouses like Julie Cavanagh committed to this goal makes the work Cavanagh: Common Core testing creates a narrative of failure
Last year, our students were assessed for the first time according to the new standards. State Education Department officials predicted a steep drop, and scores plummeted. This year, small gains were predicted, and that�s what happened, to the astonishment of no one.
BY Julie Cavanagh
SPECIAL TO THE NEW YORK DAILY NEWS
Friday, August 15, 2014, 1:32 AM
Julie Cavanagh (center) is a special education teacher and chapter leader at Public School 15 in Red Hook, Brooklyn. Siegel.Jefferson Julie Cavanagh (center) is a special education teacher and chapter leader at Public School 15 in Red Hook, Brooklyn.
Four years ago, a group tied to testing and publishing companies, and bankrolled with Bill and Melinda Gates� money, brought us the Common Core Learning Standards.
Cash-strapped states that wanted to win federal Race to the Top dollars had to adopt the standards, and more than 40 states, including New York, did so.
Last year, our students were assessed for the first time according to the new standards. State Education Department officials predicted a steep drop, and scores plummeted. This year, small gains were predicted, and that�s what happened, to the astonishment of no one.
Predictions are easy to make when you define what constitutes proficiency.
There will be an attempt from all factions to spin the results: The state will say the reform agenda is working, the city will argue the scores show the need for pre-K, and charter schools will claim they show their importance as high-quality alternatives.
Let�s get off the hamster wheel.
The truth is, these tests were designed to create a narrative of failure, and the trends are not so different from those we saw on the old tests: we are failing our children with special needs, our English language learners, our children who live in poverty, and a disproportionate number of black and Latino pupils. Siegel.Jefferson The truth is, these tests were designed to create a narrative of failure, and the trends are not so different from those we saw on the old tests: we are failing our children with special needs, our English language learners, our children who live in poverty, and a disproportionate number of black and Latino pupils.
It is no surprise that the results mirror the struggles and deep flaws in our society. Of course, the goal was never to actually fix our schools � there are no profits in doing that. There are no profits in providing small class sizes, experienced educators and services like counseling, tutoring and family support � proven reforms that would benefit all students.
Instead, the focus is on unproven standards and the tests that supposedly measure our student�s competency � written by the very people who profit from their use.
Julie Cavanagh is a special education teacher and chapter leader at Public School 15 in Red Hook, Brooklyn .
Posted by Norm @ ed notes online at 8:11 AM No comments: Links to this post
