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 corporate interests and the monetary influence of this foundation and its creator,
WHEREAS the Washington State Supreme Court has ruled that the legislature failed to amply fund basic education,
WHEREAS educators, parents, voters, and especially students are rendered voiceless and have been denied the opportunity to take part in making decisions that affect their public schools,
WHEREAS the negative impacts of large class sizes and childhood poverty must not continue to be denied in favor of illogical restraints, draconian consequences, and overly simplistic solutions to the highly complex practice of teaching and process of learning,
WHEREAS all students’ learning experiences must not center on preparing for and passing high-stakes tests, but rather curriculum that includes rich experiences in art, music, physical education, history, civics, and vocational training,
THEREFORE, be it resolved that we reject this foundation’s influence in deciding upon the practices and accountability measures for public education in Washington State and all other states in our nation. Further, we proclaim that programs and practices supported by this foundation, such as Common Core State Standards and accompanying standardized testing practices, charter schools, and Teach for America are harmful to children, to the equal availability of high-quality public education for all, and to our country’s democracy. Support public education, don’t destroy it!
The coalition assembled at this event stands behind this resolution.