Harmful NCLB Reauthorization Stopped

Dear Members:

I am never prouder than when CTA members organize, mobilize, and act to defend public schools. For the past two months most of you have participated in the CTA campaign to stop the harmful Miller-Pelosi reauthorization proposal for No Child Left Behind. Now your efforts have paid off. Last week House and Senate leaders announced they will not take up the reauthorization this year. For now, the proposals to pay teachers based on test scores and to undermine collective bargaining rights are off the table.

This is a tremendous victory. CTA members made thousands of phone calls to Congress members, wrote postcards, e-mailed, jammed congressional office phone lines, participated in local rallies, and told their personal stories of how NCLB overemphasis on testing was impacting students and why merit pay would only make things worse. We also launched an aggressive radio and Internet advertising campaign – making it clear we weren’t going to let up until Congress listened.

I want to thank you for all you did to make this happen. This is a great victory, but the struggle isn’t over. We are still left with the same bad version of NCLB that has besieged our schools since it was enacted. The delay, however, gives us more time to make sure Congress gets it right this time. During the coming months CTA will continue to meet with lawmakers, and work with NEA and other state affiliates to make sure that Washington keeps our concerns front and center as they work on this bill. CTA will make NCLB our top priority as we consider any possible presidential recommendation, and it is likely that the law will draw more public attention as the election nears.

So while the greater fight to reauthorize this law will continue, I’m optimistic for the future because I know CTA members are ready and willing to do what it takes to make their voices heard. I know you’ll be there to help stop any other harmful proposals that arise. And I know with your continued involvement and support, we will get lawmakers to “Erase, Rewrite, Reauthorize” NCLB so that it finally helps you and your students.

When we join together to be heard and to lead the education agenda, we can make a difference.

Sincerely,
David A. Sanchez
CTA President