Common Core: Do What It Takes Before High Stakes

In her latest column appearing in the New York Times, AFT president Randi Weingarten writes about the promise—and the possible pitfalls—of the new Common Core State Standards. If implemented properly—namely, by ensuring that frontline educators are prepared to teach these rigorous new standards—we can provide all children with the problem-solving, critical-thinking and teamwork skills they need to compete in today’s changing world. If not, they will end up in the dustbin of abandoned reforms. Read her full column.

One Voice United Rally - June 8th

We encourage NYSUT members, parents, students and community activists to come to Albany on June 8 to speak with one voice to fight for the future of public education.

Find out more at NYSUT.org/RallyJune8.

Teachers support Common Core and moratorium on stakes

Three-quarters of public school teachers surveyed support the Common Core State Standards, yet just 27 percent said their district has provided them with the tools and resources necessary to teach the standards, according to the results of a new AFT poll.

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Healing Our Healthcare System

In her latest column appearing in the New York Times, AFT president Randi Weingarten talks about the accomplishments to date of the Affordable Care Act, even in its early stages. And she discusses the vital role that nurses and healthcare workers—the AFT is one of the largest unions of nurses in the country—play in enhancing patient care and improving the healthcare system. Read Weingarten's column.

Reading, Writing and Recklessness

In her most recent column appearing in the New York Times, AFT president Randi Weingarten writes about the effects on children and schools of years of budget cuts, the possible harm to programs that help disadvantaged families from the sequester, and the community action she was part of to protest widespread school closures. Read the full column.

National Federation of Nurses to affiliate with the AFT

The leaders of two labor organizations representing healthcare professionals announced on Feb. 14 that they have approved an affiliation agreement that will bring 34,000 registered nurses into the AFT, the largest union of professionals in the AFL-CIO.

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