Teachers Fighting for Educational Justice in Chicago | ||
Teachers Fighting for Educational Justice in Chicago The strike isn’t all about wages: Instead, the big sticking points are maintaining existing health benefits and standardized testing. By Dana Liebelson
More than 350,000 kids in the Chicago Public School district got to sleep in on November 10 because their teachers were up early striking for better benefits, job security, evaluations and training. The Chicago Teachers Union has been in contract negotiations with Chicago Public Schools since November 2011, but this is the first actual teachers’ strike to hit the Windy City in 25 years. There have been other teacher strikes this year in Oregon and Pennsylvania, but this latest movement has sparked a fierce debate about national education reform, raising questions about America’s emphasis on standardized testing. It has also pit public schools against charter schools, which are often non-unionized and “tend to favor rookie teachers who are younger and far less likely to be minorities” according to The Chicago Tribune. Stephanie Gadlin, a spokesperson for the Chicago Teachers Union says “we are fighting for educational justice. We do not intend on taking this anymore.” But Chicago Mayor Rahm Emanuel is characterizing the protest as “a strike of choice” because, he claims, the city has already made an offer that is close to the demands of the union. Here’s everything you need to know about the clash: Why are the teachers striking? The Chicago Teachers Union is looking for a contract that includes the following (information courtesy of Gadlin): Pay Fairness: “CTU seeks a fairer distribution of pay [i.e. higher compensation for teachers] and to preserve the schedule for career advancement established 45 years ago in the Union’s first labor contract.” Protection of Benefits: “Maintain our existing benefits and sick days without increasing the contribution rate [how much teachers have to pay out-of-pocket for health care].” Fair Evaluation Procedure: “The Chicago Public Schools’ proposed evaluation procedures could result in 6,000 teachers, or nearly a third of all CPS teachers, facing discharge within one or two years. It places too much emphasis on standardized test scores, which diminishes children’s education and punishes teachers unfairly.” In other words, teacher performance will be judged by standardized test scores. Teacher Training: “Chicago Public Schools is imposing a new curriculum at all schools and a strict evaluation system. Teachers have asked for more training, but CPS proposes no increase, or in some cases decreased, teacher training.” Timetable for air conditioning: “Teachers insist that Chicago Public Schools agree to a reasonable timetable to install air conditioning in student classrooms. In July and August, students sit in sweltering 98-degree heat.” (In case you’re wondering what students are doing in a classroom during the summer, Chicago has implemented some year-round public schools.) The union is also looking for a fair recall procedure for laid off teachers and fair compensation for a longer school year. How long will the strike last? No one is hazarding a guess: Emanuel told Time he will “work to end the strike quickly.” CTU spokesperson Gadlin says that “We are currently in negotiations as we speak” but “I don’t know, I don’t have a crystal ball.” Where are the children going to go? Chicago Public Schools opened 144 “Children First” sites, September 10, with limited hours. These sites promise provide a safe environment, food, and things for kids to do. The school system is also working with libraries, non-profits, and church es. What do the parents say? Needless to say, some parents are very upset, and have taken to Twitter to express their frustration: However, other parents are taking the opportunity to express their support for the teachers. What do Romney and Obama say? Obama hasn’t taken a firm stand on the strike one way or the other. However, at a White House press briefing, spokesman Jay Carney said that President Obama’s “principle concern is for the students and families who are affected by the situation. And we hope that both sides are able to come together and settle this quickly and in the best interest of Chicago’s students.” Here’s a video of the briefing: GOP presidential candidate Mitt Romney has taken a firm stance against the strike. He said in a press release: “I am disappointed by the decision of the Chicago Teachers Union to turn its back on not only a city negotiating in good faith but also the hundreds of thousands of children relying on the city’s public schools to provide them a safe place to receive a strong education. Teachers unions have too often made plain that their interests conflict with those of our children, and today we are seeing one of the clearest examples yet. President Obama has chosen his side in this fight, sending his Vice President last year to assure the nation’s largest teachers union that ‘you should have no doubt about my affection for you and the President’s commitment to you.’ I choose to side with the parents and students depending on public schools to give them the skills to succeed, and my plan for education reform will do exactly that.” | ||
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