AAE Federal Update September 18, 2012 |
posted by: Alix | September 18, 2012, 05:29 PM |
Federal Leaders Comment on Chicago Teacher Strike As the Chicago teacher strike enters into its second week, federal leaders continue to comment on the national implications this situation will have on education and labor policy for years to come. The White House would not confirm whether President Obama had spoken with Chicago Mayor Emanuel about the strike, but a spokesperson told reporters Friday that the president wanted both sides to work together and resolve the problem. "I think what's important here is for all the parties to come together, work out a resolution, and make sure the children of Chicago are back in school getting educations," said White House Press Secretary Jay Carney in a press conference. Meanwhile, congressional Republicans have touted their support for charter schools and school choice, maintaining that this strike is a reason to support more school choice initiatives. "House Education and the Workforce Committee Republicans will continue fighting to expand school choice, promote the growth of quality charter schools, and support home school options so families nationwide can ensure a brighter future for their children," read a statement from the committee. Education reform groups from both sides of the aisle have expressed concern over the Chicago teacher strike and have called from an immediate resolution. AAE is vehemently opposed to strikes and work stoppages. Click here to read AAE Executive Director Gary Beckner's statement on the ongoing issue. President Obama Touts Education Track Record in DNC Speech Following the Republican National Convention's strong focus on education policy, President Obama touted his education plans and track record during his Democratic National Convention (DNC) speech earlier this month. President Obama argued that his economic policies would do more to protect the needs of students and schools than those of his Republican opponent. President Obama's address at the DNC stuck mostly to broad themes articulating his view of government's important role in society-a role which includes supporting a strong education system and the needs of impoverished students. The president gave an apparent nod to the Common Core state standards effort, which his administration has backed. "For the first time in a generation, nearly every state has answered our call to raise their standards for teaching and learning," the president said. President Obama also offered forward-looking policy ideas in education. He said he wants to recruit 100,000 new math and science teachers, and he proposed cutting half the growth of college tuition costs, with both goals to be accomplished over the next decade. Click here to view the entire speech. Department of Education Recognizes 269 Schools as 2012 National Blue Ribbon Schools National 'Above the Influence' Day Webinar for Educators
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