By Devin Boyle, Director of Communications
Is it Friday already?
The last few weeks have been a whirlwind with the Democratic National Convention and the Chicago Teachers’ Union strike. So, for the sake of our eyes and minds, I’m going to keep this one as short/sweet as possible.
Here we go:
DFER Goes Big at the DNC
We premiered our new I’M A DFER video. Watch it here and like it on Facebook if you’re a DFER.
In case you missed any of our DNC posts, here’s a rundown:
- Joe Williams writes, “Making Sure the Charlotte Bounce Extends to Education” (DFER Blog)
- “Change We Celebrated Together” At The DNC (DFER Blog)
- “Education factions battle at the DNC,” says DFER’s Doug Tuthill (DFER Blog)
- DFER’s Lisa Macfarlane has a crush on Ohio State Senator & DFER Town Hall panelist Nina Turner (DFER Blog)
- DFER Photo Gallery from our 2012 Town Hall (See here)
- DFER Photo Gallery from our 5th Anniversary Party (See here)
Oh, Chicago | Here are some of our “must read” recommendations:
News
- The Baltimore Times says Chicago teachers are striking out on education
- Both sides still optimistic as Chicago teachers strike enters 5th day, says Chicago Tribune
- David Brooks of the NY Times pens, “Après Rahm, Le Déluge”
- From DFER’s Blog | “Chicago Teachers Union: The Ed Reform Storm in the Windy City”
- From Ed Sector’s Blog, “Chicago Teachers: Fighting Test-Based Evaluation is a Loser”
- The Chicago Tribune reports, “Chicago Teachers Union fighting inevitability of education reform”
- “The teachers’ strike challenges reforms to public education in Chicago, Denver and elsewhere,” reports The Denver Post
- “DFER for Teachers: Chicago Teachers Strike Day 2” (DFER Blog)
- “Listen Up: CTU needs to PUT STUDENTS FIRST by ending the strike now!” (DFER Blog)
- Sun-Times Editorial says CTU is fixated on issues that cannot be resolved at bargaining table and calls it a “strike of choice”
- Chicago Tribune Editorial – “Don’t cave, Mr. Mayor”
- “Chicago teachers strike reverberates nationwide, in presidential race” (Washington Post)
Graphics & Videos
- VIDEO | Put Students 1st & Education Reform Now urge the CTU to end its strike
- Check out our Facebook album “Notes on the CTU Strike” for some excellent graphics and photos
- Infographic Series on CTU Strike: Why Chicago Teachers are on Strike (and how it hurts kids ) by Mr. Omar Lopez Part 1, 2, & 3
DFER Seen & Heard:
- NSVF’s Jonathan Schorr blogs on DFER’s Town Hall (Read it here)
- DFER’s Grau weighs in: “Why Teachers Unions Aren’t Backing Democrats Quite As Reliably” (State Impact)
- “Teacher Grading Off to Uneven Start” in NY (WSJ)
- Radio broadcast from Minnesota Public Radio gives a great account of our Town Hall (Listen here)
- “Arne Duncan’s DNC Speech Focuses On Ryan Budget, But Not Class Size” (Huffington Post)
- “At Convention, Lawmakers Talk Peace, and War, With Unions” (Education Week)
- “Teachers unions face fight within party” (Washington Times)
- “Gloria Romero: The Trials of a Democratic Reformer” (WSJ)
DFER Blog:
- DFER CA sends letter to LAUSD on charter school resolution (DFER Blog)
- Michigan reforms are a work in progress, says DFER MI State Director (DFER Blog)
- “New York: Good Jobs Going Unfilled Due to Workforce Skills Gap,” reports DFER’s Elizabeth Ling (DFER Blog)
- There’s An Opportunity for Change at IPS, says DFER’s Grau (DFER Blog)
In Other News:
- “Teachers’ Unions Donate To Republican Candidates Against Abortion, LGBT & Immigration Rights” (Huffington Post)
- “In Surprise Move, Texas to Apply for NCLB Waiver” (Education Week)
Sorry folks. I said I’d make it short/sweet. I lied.
Call to Action:
- Contribute to DFER
- Support our Reformer of the Month
- Sign our Statement of Principles
And, as always – Have a great weekend!