PARCC Information

Dear Members,

On Thursday, June 11, the Joint Committee on Education is holding a hearing calling for a three-year moratorium on PARCC and high-stakes testing.

The hearing is an opportunity for educators, students, parents and the community to let legislators know about the devastating impact that high-stakes testing is having on our students and our schools.

The hearing will culminate a statewide week of action that is being organized by a newly formed coalition called the Massachusetts Education Justice Alliance — the MEJA.

The MTA is a member of the coalition, joining with AFT Massachusetts, the Boston Teachers Union, Jobs With Justice, Citizens for Public Schools, the Greater Boston Labor Council, Mass Alliance and other labor and community groups. The MTA will be working to inform our communities, the media and our legislators that it is time to stop the testing madness and rethink the state’s educational goals and priorities.

Please plan to join me for a telephone town hall meeting to learn more about the week of action and hear about what you can do within your local to be a part of it. Details will be forthcoming as plans are finalized.

Week of Action activities so far are as follows:

May 26- Phone banking-This is held for all MTA members who indicated that testing is their number one topic for them. Calls will be made by members of the Government Relations Committee, all Senate District Coordinators, and as many volunteers as can be recruited. We will be calling teachers who have expressed an interest in high-stakes testing at the regional forums that were held this past Fall.

Wednesday, June 3 Telephone Town Hall-Members will be able to participate by using a call in number as well as being contacted by phone. More details will follow.

Monday, June 8: Sticker Day -The MTA will supply locals with stickers to wear and share.

Tuesday, June 9: Contact Your Legislator Day - Visit legislators’ offices, make phone calls and tell your stories.

Wednesday, June 10: Social Media Day and PARCC Hearing Day — Spread the word through social media. Attend the Board of Elementary and Secondary Education hearing on PARCC at Bridgewater State University and tell board members why high-stakes testing is bad for our students and our schools.

Cranberry Coalition -We are depending on you to get people to this event. MTA Regional Manager, Ann Sullivan, is the key person on this event. Please let me (Lynn Howard) know and I will take your information and send it to Ann. Our Legislative Political Action Team is part of the Cranberry Coalition.

Wednesday, June 10, 2015, Bridgewater State University, Rondileau Campus Center Ballroom, UPDATED 5:00-8:00 p.m.THIS IS A VERY IMPORTANT HEARING ON PARCC TESTING! WE NEED YOU HERE!

Thursday, June 11: Public Speak-Out Day — If you can, attend the hearing at the State House. The MTA will provide reimbursement for a substitute in each local to allow one member to attend. If you cannot get to the hearing, arrange a gathering in your community or join one of the regional actions being planned with the Massachusetts Education Justice Alliance.

Friday, June 12: Union Solidarity Day — Wear your union colors to work.

What can you do?

Hold a 10-minute building meeting and ask your colleagues to sign a petition supporting the legislation.
Join with other union members to ask your School Committee to support the legislation.
Hold a community forum and tell your stories about the impact of testing on students, educators and the school community.
Hold a local rally on June 11 or join one of the regional events.
Visit your legislator’s office and tell your story.
Write a letter to the editor of your local newspaper or to your legislator.
Join a calling party to let other members know about the week of action and the hearing.
Attend the June 10 BESE PARCC hearing and speak out — or attend and hold a sign.
Attend the June 11 House hearing and speak out.

Sincerely,
Lynn Howard
LPAT Representative