Weingarten praises Democrats’ education stances for convention platform
American Federation of Teachers President Randi Weingarten offered nothing but praise for the Democratic Party after delegates passed amendments that bridged Bernie Sanders’ and Hillary Clinton’s platforms.
“Thanks to collaboration between Clinton and Sanders drafters and platform committee members, the public education plank in the Democratic platform represents a refreshing sea change in its approach to public education, to the students we serve, and to the parents and educators who work so hard to give all our children the opportunity they deserve,” said Weingarten in a statement. “This platform makes it clear that Democrats are committed to ending the failed era of test-and-sanction, and are ready to refocus on strategies that will help each and every child succeed, from early childhood through college and career.”
Some of the amendments to the education platform that Democrats will present at the upcoming convention include charter schools reflecting the neighborhoods they serve and teaching all children regardless of their special needs, their disabilities or their backgrounds.
“This supports the original vision for charter schools: to complement, not to replace or destabilize, traditional public schools,” stated Weingarten.
Another part of the platform, passed via a unity amendment, will include the goal of providing free tuition for middle-class and working families at public colleges and universities and pushing for a debt-free higher education for all Americans. Clinton mentioned this proposal Tuesday after Sanders endorsed her at a rally in New Hampshire. The amendment calls for year-round Pell Grants, additional support for historically Black colleges and universities and an expansion of debt-repayment options.
“Democrats’ higher education plank is the most progressive in American history,” said Weingarten. “It matches Hillary Clinton’s New College Compact, a plan that contains the best ideas from leaders in the field including Sens. [Elizabeth] Warren and Sanders, as well as from the many young people Hillary engaged on the trail.”
The platform also includes increased support for community schools and alternative discipline practices.Weingarten praises Democrats’ education stances for convention platform | New York Amsterdam News: The new Black view: