Will the Garfield High School teachers’ test boycott go national? They now have the support of both the AFT and their own union, the NEA. Will other Seattle high schools join them? Will teachers in other districts follow their lead?
One source reported that the superintendent of schools in Seattle has warned that he will dock their pay. If that is true, we will have to raise money to help these brave teachers.
Here is the NEA statement:
Subject: Press Release – NEA President supports Seattle educators who refuse to give flawed standardized test
NEA President supports Seattle educators who refuse to give flawed standardized test
Standardized test takes away from student learning
WASHINGTON—National Education Association (NEA) members at Garfield High School in Seattle, Wash., voted to not administer the district-mandated Measures of Academic Progress (MAP) standardized test that is not aligned with state standards or the district curriculum. NEA has long urged for the careful consideration of the fact that these tests are being used to make decisions about students’ and teachers’ futures, and have corrupted the pursuit of improving real learning and effective teaching.
A rally event organized by the Seattle Education Association in support of Garfield High School educators will be held in Seattle on Wednesday, January 23, 2013, at 4 p.m. PST at the John Stanford Center for Educational Excellence.
The following is a statement by NEA President Dennis Van Roekel:
“Today is a defining moment within the education profession as educators at Seattle’s Garfield High School take a heroic stand against using the MAP test as a basis for measuring academic performance and teacher effectiveness. I, along with 3 million educators across the country, proudly support their efforts in saying ‘no’ to giving their students a flawed test that takes away from learning and is not aligned with the curriculum. Garfield High School educators are receiving support from the parents of Garfield students. They have joined an ever-growing chorus committed to one of our nation’s most critical responsibilities—educating students in a manner that best serves the realization of their fullest potential.
“Educators across the country know what’s best for their students, and it’s no different for our members in Seattle. We know that having well-designed assessment tools can help students evaluate their own strengths and needs, and help teachers improve. This type of assessment isn’t done in one day or three times a year. It’s done daily, and educators need the flexibility to collaborate with their colleagues and the time to evaluate on-going data to make informed decisions about what’s best for students.
“If we want a system that is designed to help all students, we must allow educators, parents, students and communities to be a part of the process and have a stronger voice in this conversation as they demand high-quality assessments that support student learning. Off-the-shelf assessments that are not aligned with the curriculum or goals of the school are not the answer.”
Follow the Washington Education Association at http://www.washingtonea.org
Follow the Seattle Education Association at http://www.seattlewea.org
Follow us on twitter at http://www.twitter.com/NEAMedia
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The National Education Association is the nation’s largest professional employee organization, representing more than 3 million elementary and secondary teachers, higher education faculty, education support professionals, school administrators, retired educators and students preparing to become teachers.
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Diane Ravitch's blog 
And it took this long because…..?
I had the same initial thought, Linda. I am glad, however, that NEA is supporting the Garfield High School teachers to help mitigate the push back that is already beginning to occur. Let’s hope they receive additional support.
The leadership of NEA has been part of the problem. One of the reasons I did not renew (other than cost) when I got forced out of a quote tenured position unquote was the fact that the NEA did not back me at all other than to provide someone in my meetings with the administration to prevent them from totally lying. Around here in MO, for the most part MNEA is in bed with the reformers.
Johny come latelys they are.
I had a similar experience, except that my representative did all she could before having to hand the matter over to legal (who dropped the ball). Knowing what I know now, I wouldn’t advise being a member either. The organization is weak, afraid, and they don’t have your back unless it’s politically viable for them. Save your money, and hire your own attorney if/when you need one. I had to hire one to do what my NEA affiliate was ultimately too incompetent and afraid to do, and I came out on top.
Maybe they decided it would be a good recruitment tool to get more teachers to join. At least that was my experience behind closed doors…
Yes, the Superintendent sent a letter to be read at staff meetings at the end of the day today, indicating teachers who refuse to administer the MAP can lose up to ten days of pay. It is clearly a confrontational threat. I’m sure it will appear soon in many places, but for now you can find it in the comments here: http://saveseattleschools.blogspot.com/2013/01/timely-updates.html
Will the NEA then pay for those lost ten days of pay. Probably not!!
Of course not… And “tenure” means nothing.
Thanks for the link. I sent an email to Superintendent Banda. Don’t know that it will do anything, but maybe one more voice helps.
Educators from across the country have already started emailing the Sperintendent. Please make your voices are heard! The Superintendent is on the Board of Directors? He should immediately resign from either the Superintendency or the Board. And if these people are docked pay, count me in as doing everything I can to fund raise and spread the word for donations.
Communications of support for the Garfield teachers should be sent to:
José Banda, Superintendent
Phone: (206) 252-0180
Fax: (206) 252-0209
Email: superintendent@seattleschools.org
Communications of support can also be sent to the National Education Association, which legally represents Garfield teachers. Ask for a statement of support and assistance.
Thanks Linda. We’ve put what you’ve said on our Facebook page and urged our friends to protest.
This information has been posted on the Facebook page of the New South Wales Teachers Federation (Australia) so I hope Mr Banda will soon start feeling the hot breath from Australia’s teachers!
Richard W,
I hope you have already read your fellow New South Wales’s, Noel Wilson’s 1997 dissertation “Educational Standards and the Problem of Error” or his take down of the “testing bible” “A Little Less than Valid: An Essay Review”. Totally destroys all standards and standardized testing and the practice of “grading” not only students but by extension teachers and schools. They can be found at:
http://epaa.asu.edu/ojs/article/view/577/700
http://www.edrev.info/essays/v10n5index.html
Click to access v10n5.pdf
Thanks Duane. Yes I was put onto his material some years ago by John Smythe. Good to be reminded of his writings and I’ll re-read them.
I am willing to donate money for the teachers at Garfield High School. These teachers are brave enough to stand up for what they believe in despite the consequences. I wish I could be so principled.
You shouldn’t have to “donate money” if the NEA had any balls at all and truly backed the teachers.
True, but I had already subconsciously removed the NEA from the equation. What does that tell you about our “leadership”?
That is very true, Duane. It is now up to the “we the teachers” to help each other. That’s the harsh reality. I, too, am willing to donate to the Seattle teachers if their superintendent carries out his threats.
This is the problem with public schools. Managers, who may not be professional educators, dictating what teachers do. It should be the other way around.
Thank you for supporting Seattle teachers who are standing up for their students and refusing to administer the MAP test!
Today, Seattle Public Schools Superintendent José Banda sent a letter to principals threatening teachers who refuse to administer the MAP with a 10-day suspension without pay. We need to send a message to Superintendent Banda that this is unacceptable! No disciplinary measures should be taken against teachers who are putting their students’ interests first. You can help by calling and emailing the Superintendent directly:
José Banda, Superintendent
Phone: (206) 252-0180
Fax: (206) 252-0209
Email: superintendent@seattleschools.org
Please help us keep up the pressure!
Thanks for the email address. My email has been sent.
I encouraged him to listen to the wise teachers he hired. I also encouraged him to sit in on the testing of five year olds and to learn what the children and teachers are actually forced to do. I even encouraged him to take the tests and experience the test for himself. I doubt he will listen but maybe one day, there will be a brave and honorable educational leader willing to protect children and will be as strong as the Seattle teachers.
It doesn’t matter if the school is public or private – admin dictates what the teachers do.
However, private schools are not subjected to the same dictates and mandates set forth by the city.
This is the basic problem with public education. We have managers, many of whom are not trained professional educators, dictating what the professionals should or should not do. It should be the other way around.
Yes, for the sake of the students, no one should dictate classroom instructional/assessment requirements if they have not had several years of successful classroom teaching experience. This malpractice should be made illegal BECAUSE CHILDREN’S FUTURES ARE AT STAKE!
Malpractice is RIGHT!! If only we had more respectful and understanding law-makers who actually cared about our kids to make that possible:(
Auto reply:
Thank you for your email. What our families, staff, students and community members have to say is very important to me. Due to the high volume of correspondence I receive, I regret that I cannot guarantee a response to each email.
§ If you are contacting me to request my participation at an event, please complete the invitation form that is available online at: http://district.seattleschools.org/modules/cms/pages.phtml?pageid=170077.
§ For information on current school district issues and initiatives, please see the news and calendars section of our web site at: http://district.seattleschools.org.
§ Please contact our Customer Service Center at (206) 252-0010 or CSC@seattleschools.org if you need help resolving a concern or getting information.
§ Please contact our District Ombudsman at (206) 252.0529 or ombudsman@seattleschools.org if you need help resolving a school related concern or getting school related information.
Sincerely,
José L. Banda
Superintendent, Seattle Public Schools
I was there, and standing behind Mary L of the WEA. Maybe late is better than never, as far as union support.
I sent the following message to Jose Banda at superintendent@seattleschools.org:
All educators should be treated as professionals and should be revered for wanting what is best for their students. Educators should not be punished for putting their students first. Show the brave educators in your district that you respect them and your students by supporting their decision to refuse to give the MAP. Assessment needs to be timely and meaningful. The MAP is not either. Stand up and support your teachers. Take the brave stance and become part of the solution rather than continue to push a political agenda that does nothing to help children learn and be successful.
–Shannon Ergun
I got an immediate automated reply:
Thank you for your email. What our families, staff, students and community members have to say is very important to me. Due to the high volume of correspondence I receive, I regret that I cannot guarantee a response to each email.
§ If you are contacting me to request my participation at an event, please complete the invitation form that is available online at: http://district.seattleschools.org/modules/cms/pages.phtml?pageid=170077.
§ For information on current school district issues and initiatives, please see the news and calendars section of our web site at: http://district.seattleschools.org.
§ Please contact our Customer Service Center at (206) 252-0010 or CSC@seattleschools.org if you need help resolving a concern or getting information.
§ Please contact our District Ombudsman at (206) 252.0529 or ombudsman@seattleschools.org if you need help resolving a school related concern or getting school related information.
Sincerely,
José L. Banda
Superintendent, Seattle Public Schools
Nothing like a corporate response from a public educator! I’m feeling the love!
I wonder if they were shamed into backing them by the Weingarten note of support?? They should have been there from day one!!!
(My message to Seattle Superintendent Banda about the MAP test. FYI, John Stanford was a previous superintendent, a retired US Army general, who sadly passed away in his prime. Seattle School District HQ is named after him)
Dear Superintendent Banda,
I’m writing in response to the confrontational letter sent to schools today indicating teachers who refuse to administer the MAP can face up to a 10 day suspension without pay. I believe this stance will only lead to more polarization and further entrenched positions.
I taught elementary school in SPS for 29 years and just retired. I remember sitting shoulder to shoulder with John Stanford over lunch one day. The huge table was surrounded by executives from the private sector, heads of nonprofits, and SPS administrators. I was there with one other classroom teacher. The General knew it was important to hear not only from his other commanders, but also his troops. I will never forget the gesture. And I know our teacher input made a difference to the outcome of that meeting – we talked about things nobody else considered. (it was a tech levy planning session)
I urge you to reach out immediately to the staff at Garfield High School, and arrange a time to talk with them. No principals, no administrators – just you and the teachers. They are indeed the ones who understand the test better than anyone else. That gesture would go a long way to showing Seattle is a forward thinking school district that values its teaching corps. The educational eyes of the nation are on Seattle right now. I believe you and the Garfield teachers are reasonable, intelligent, and caring people who can find a way out of the mess we are in.
Waiting for a task force in the spring is not a viable option.
A final thought…. please remember that every single kindergarten student in Seattle Schools will go to their school’s computer lab for FOUR HOURS of MAP testing in Jan/Feb. I do not think that is something anybody who cares about children can feel good about.
Thanks for your time and service – Mark
It’s about time that educators are acting upon what the vast majority have believed to a growing problem for years. Giving into fear and consequently doing nothing will only hurt our students and our profession. Unfortunately, we’re witnessing this already.
Please share my note documenting the state of education today from my perspective as a teacher. https://www.facebook.com/notes/ed-komperda/school-todaywhat-they-dont-tell-you-written-by-a-teacher/10151456975347786
The following is a forwarded update for those who wish to support the teachers directly- of a rather urgent nature:
Thank you for supporting Seattle teachers who are standing up for their students and refusing to administer the MAP test!
Today, Seattle Public Schools Superintendent José Banda sent a letter to principals threatening teachers who refuse to administer the MAP with a 10-day suspension without pay. We need to send a message to Superintendent Banda that this is unacceptable! No disciplinary measures should be taken against teachers who are putting their students’ interests first. You can help by calling and emailing the Superintendent directly:
José Banda, Superintendent
Phone: (206) 252-0180
Fax: (206) 252-0209
Email: superintendent@seattleschools.org
Please help us keep up the pressure!
Thank you, teachers, for speaking up for yourselves and your students! The tests stifle creativity, imagination and the motivation to learn and explore. I admire you!
So let’s see. We have a national union following the lead of a bunch of teachers in Seattle. Doesn’t this seem backwards? Why isn’t the WEA leading the movement nationally?
Corporate education reform is making K-12 teaching like a variation of the Milgram experiment, where participants were tested to see whether they would harm another person just because someone in authority said to do it.
The teachers boycotting the testing have responded correctly.
Their superintendant did not.