I was interviewed today by a Seattle radio reporter who said that the teachers who refused to give the MAP test may be fined 10 days pay.
I told him they were acting in the finest tradition of American resistance to unjust authority. I mentioned Thoreau and King as Americans who blazed the trail of resisting injustice. King taught us the power of collective action. He taught us that unity of large numbers of people can defeat money and political power.
There are two ways the Garfield teachers can win.
One is if teachers at every other school in Seattle join them. In unity is strength.
Second, if they are fined, I will personally lead a campaign to raise money to make up what they lose. I urge the Garfield teachers and their friends to open a bank account. I will gladly make the first contribution.
I’m in, and I’m spreading the word! Please, someone, provide a mailing address, as I don’t like to send via e-mail.
I’d be happy to contribute to aid in the support of our brother and sister educators.
I’m in!
Amen, Diane. At my local’s representative council meeting next Tuesday, I’m adding this to the agenda. Thanks to you and our trail-blazing brothers and sisters in Washington!
I have seen my take home pay go down for the past two years, but there is still enough left to support these folks if they need it! I’m in!!!!!!!
Will contribute what I can and will fundraise and publicize as well.
Thank you, Seattle Garfield teachers, and thank you Diane Ravitch. Count me in as another contributor. Solidarity from Portland, Oregon.
Count me in!!
In here!!!
I will be happy to contribute!
I hope this group has partnered with Parents Across America and the film Race to Nowhere!?
I’m in. Go Garfield.
I’m in, Go Garfield.
So in. In until Pearson has to open up a bank account and ask for contributions.
This Sacramento Teacher is in!
Count me in as well! Garfield teachers chose “boycott” to remind folks of the Civil Rights movement of the 60′s and to help all of us make our way through the present complicated, stealth attack on public education to see the new face of the old forces of racism, classism, sexism.
I’m in!
This high-stakes testing is just setting up the kids and schools to fail. It’s a back door privatization scheme. Count me in.
THANK YOU! Count me in. Sharing.
I will definitely contribute and I am spreading the word.
Thank you! I’ll support this effort with a donation and I’ll spread the word.
I’m in, too.
[...] Education Advocates Offer Help The Seattle school district is threatening to fine teachers who do not administer the high-stakes-test ten days of their pay. Education historian and public education advocate Diane Ravitch told a Seattle radio reporter that the teachers can win this if educators at other schools come on board. She reminded listeners that Martin Luther King “taught us the power of collective action. He taught us that unity of large numbers of people can defeat money and political power.” Then Ravtich offered: “if they are fined, I will personally lead a campaign to raise money to make up what they lose. I urge the Garfield teachers and their friends to open a bank account. I will gladly make the first contribution.” [Diane Ravitch, 1-31-13] [...]