Seattle, Speak Up for Children as SPS Contract Negotiations Go On

Seattle needs to decide if it will be an early adopter or a laggard in education reform, writes guest columnist Norman B. Rice, CEO of the Seattle Foundation and the city's former mayor. The current approaches are failing many students. Citizens should speak up for them.

Rice states, “Each and every city resident — and parent, in particular — needs to get informed about the issues, take a stand and advocate not for the teachers or the school district, but for the kids and the creation of a school system that truly works for them.”

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COMMUNITY GROUPS RENEW PUSH FOR REFORM IN TEACHER CONTRACT; NEGOTIATIONS SET TO CONCLUDE AUGUST 30

In the final weeks of negotiations, community groups have renewed their push for reform in the teacher contract. Today, the “Our Schools Coalition,” a broad a diverse group of more than 30 citywide organizations and city leaders, of which the Alliance is a part, issued open letters to Seattle parents, teachers and school officials urging adoption of a contract that puts student’s interests first and supports teachers as professionals. View the parent letter and the letter to teachers and district officials.

Link to parent letter is http://www.ourschoolscoalition.org/documents/OSC_open_letter_parents_Aug_3_2010.pdf)
Link to teacher/board letter is http://www.ourschoolscoalition.org/documents/OSC_open_letter_Teachers_and_Board_Aug_3_2010.pdf)

Article of interest

Article in the Seattle Times discussing US Education Secretary Arne Duncan's visit to Aviation High School.

U.S. education secretary Arne Duncan lauds, visits Aviation High

By Katherine Long, Seattle Times

Article of Interest

Article in the Seattle Times discussing the approval of the Superintendant's contract extension.

Seattle school leader Goodloe-Johnson's contract extension approved 5-2

By Nick Perry, Seattle Times

Article of Interest

Another interesting article in the Seattle Times discussing the Superintendant's academic initiatives including a new school-improvement plan.

Seattle Schools superintendant sets ambitious agenda

By Linda Shaw, Seattle Times

Article of Interest

Below is an interesting article in USA Today discussing the heightened awarenss of education reform evidenced by the number of documentaries released this year on education.

Is 2010 the year of the education documentary?

By Greg Toppo, USA Today

Article of interest

Below is an interesting editorial on teacher contract negotiations.

Summertime but Seattle Public Schools and its teachers union won't rest easy
Contract talks between Seattle Public Schools and its teachers union ought to feature less Sturm und Drang and more collaboration around stark new economic realities.

By Lynne K. Varner
Seattle Times editorial columnist