Our vision:
Is to include the voices of students, parents, teachers and our communities in the process of ensuring public schools are centered on this vision:
Students deserve the universal right to learn in a manner that allows them to find and develop their highest potential as functioning members of a diverse and democratic society.
Our mission:
Educate teachers, parents, students and communities on the long term consequences of current education reforms. This will be followed by mobilizing these partners to advocate for public education.
What we are for:
1. A big picture approach to public school improvements.
2. Investing in our public schools and our children's future.
3. Well-rounded education that includes music, art, history, civics, PE and vocational training.
4. Giving teachers the tools to help every child succeed.
5. Reducing class sizes to give students the individual attention they need.
6. Education policies created by communities and local schools boards.
7. Fully fund basic education per McCleary and Washington State Constitution's Paramount Duty.
8. Taxes for education that benefit learning and teaching, not testing company profits pros and CEO bonuses.
Whereas the public school experience for students is increasingly dictated by one man through his foundation’s “philanthropy”,
Whereas The Washington State Supreme Court has ruled that the legislature has failed to amply fund basic education,
Whereas EDUCATORS, PARENTS, VOTERS, AND ESPECIALLY STUDENTS have been left out of decision making processes,
Therefore, be it resolved that a big picture approach to public education includes; class sizes that allow teachers to reach all students, rich curriculum including music, art, libraries history, civics, PE and vocational training not corporate takeovers of our schools.
Further, Common Core State Standards Charter Schools, Standardized Testing and programs like TFA are harmful to society. The real issue that should be addressed by this man’s resources is poverty.
The coalition assembled at this event stands behind this resolution.