Grassroots Education Network- September 2020 Newsletter
The NPE Grassroots Education Network is a network of 155 grassroots
organizations nationwide who have joined together to preserve, promote,
improve, and strengthen our public schools. If you know of a group that
would like to join this powerful network, please go here to sign on.
If you have any questions about the NPE Grassroots Education Network
please contact Marla Kilfoyle, NPE Grassroots Education Network Liaison
at marlakilfoyle@networkforpubliceducation.org
Notes from Marla
As schools across the country reopen, in many forms, organizations in the
NPE Grassroots Education Network are mobilizing for children, their public
schools, and their communities. From helping to spread information
about internet access, to laptop pickup, and mask distribution, many
organizations not only continue to fight the battle to save public
education but also to support communities in times of need. I hope
that as you read this newsletter, you will pick up ideas for your
community, connect with organizations in your state to help out, or share
information with anyone who can help or needs help. As always, I am
humbled to work with all of you and appreciate the work you continue to
do.
National Organizing
The Network for Public Education continues to host Conversations with Diane. This month Diane’s guest
was author and adjunct at the Institute for Liberal Arts of Emory
University, Steve Suitts. Diane and Steve had a conversation about
Steve’s new book, Overturning Brown: The Segregationist Legacy of the Modern School
Choice Movement. Go here for the archive of this informative conversation. Diane also had
an amazing conversation with University of South Carolina professor, Derek Black. They spoke about
Derek’s new book, Schoolhouse Burning: Public Education and the Assault on American
Democracy. To view the archived video go here. Defending the Early Years released their latest report this month. Re-Thinking School Readiness: Knowledge Goals vs. Intellectual Goals
and Short-Term vs. Long-Term Outcomes is written by Marcy Guddemi, PhD, MBA National Consultant,
and DEY Treasurer. DEY’s Dr. Denisha Jones also published a powerful report, The Impact of COVID on Young Children, Families, and Teachers, that is a must read. In the Public Interest released several stories this month about charter schools.
Go here for all the latest reporting by ITPI! The Journey for Justice Alliance podcast On The Ground, hosted by Jitu Brown, airs every Monday at 6 PM CST. J4J remembered Johnnie Lattner late last month with this tribute to his amazing life. J4J National Director Jitu Brown led
a rally to protest the closing of Mercy Hospital. Fairtest publishes a newsletter each week about the misuses and flaws of standardized testing.
They are a valuable resource and clearinghouse for everything testing
and test reform. Fairtest has published a list of test-optional universities and colleges. Head over to
their open Facebook page for updates and their weekly newsletter. Rethinking Schools announced the launch of a new book this month Anti-Racist Teaching During the Pandemic: Lessons from The New
Teacher Book. The Parent Coalition for Student Privacy published a Top 10 Back-To-School Student Privacy Tips and Resources for
Parents this month. Parents for Public Schools launched a very powerful International Literacy Day campaign this
month. To see their campaign go here. Parents Across America provides position papers and key documents on their website. It is a great list to keep handy for advocacy work in your
area. The Schott Foundation highlighted the COVID-19 and Mass Protests: Lessons Learned and Future Directions on their website this month. Go here to view this informative virtual convening. CONTINUE
READING: Grassroots Education Network- September 2020 Newsletter - Network For
Public Education