Issue link: http://digital.copcomm.com/i/391693
BACK TO SCHOOL 2014 | wyoea.org 9 that NEA is willing to step up, said Van Roekel. "When we put our own money into these projects, (people outside the organization) sit up and take notice." As the delegates shifted their focus to the hottest educational issues facing schools across America, they generated plenty of ideas. Some 110 new business items (NBIs) were proposed, along with amendments to the NEA constitution and bylaws. Delegates approved 56 NBIs at a cost of more than $800,000. The jump in spending was uncommon. Delegates approved less than $400,000 in total over the past three RAs. In 2013, roughly $197,000 was approved, and in 2012 and 2011 the totals were under $100,000. The largest single item in Denver was a proposal to begin a comprehensive campaign to end toxic testing. With more than $160,000 in additional spending, NEA plans to form coalitions, survey members, and promote the idea that students should take only three tests during their schooling career— once in elementary, once in middle, and once in high school. The change in focus for NEA to a more aggressive stance to combat bad education reform ideas is probably the most notable shift at this year's RA. Van Roekel challenged every single delegate to sign "An Open Letter from the NEA and educators of America," calling for an end to toxic testing and the implementation of real accountability systems that result in equity and improved student learning in every school across the country. "We need an accountability system that is centered on our students and their needs, not test scores," the open letter reads. "As educators who have dedicated our careers and lives to our students and their success, we will not stand silent while commercial standardized testing is used to reduce our public education system to wreckage." But Van Roekel was careful to note that NEA is not against all testing, and he challenged teachers to differentiate between "okay and not-okay tests." And if NEA is successful in convincing politicians and education policy makers to roll back the overemphasis on testing, NEA has to be ready to put forward a new accountability system that puts meeting the needs of students front and center, he said. "What are we going to put on the table?" asked Van Roekel. He pointed to NEA's Great Public Schools frameworks as a start. The new system has to actually make a difference in the lives of all students, including poor and minority students. Getting students ready for school is important, as well as having high standards and good curriculum, a high-quality workforce, and an equitable distribution of resources, Van Roekel said. As he leaves the term-limited post after six years, Van Roekel was upbeat. "NEA's leadership will be the national voice in advocating for what our children need to succeed to be college- and career-ready." Pics