Congress Strips Billions from Public Education

NEA President Reg Weaver Condemns 'Mixed Messages' From U.S. Congress, Historic Cuts to College Student Aid and No Child Left Behind, and First Taxpayer-Funded National Voucher Plan

WASHINGTON--National Education Association (NEA) President Reg Weaver issued the following statement, denouncing congressional action this week on the Department of Defense appropriations bill, the Labor-HHS-Education appropriations bill, and the budget reconciliation bill.

"We have witnessed this week the worst assault on public education in American history, with record-setting cuts to student aid, cuts to the so-called 'No Child Left Behind' Act (NCLB/ESEA), and the first taxpayer-funded, nationwide voucher program in the guise of hurricane relief.

"The irresponsible actions of the Republican-controlled House and Senate will touch the lives of every American. In its rush to leave town for the holidays, the Senate and House passed two bills that, if approved by President Bush, will severely injure public education.

"For the first time ever, taxpayers will be forced to pay for a nationwide voucher program as outlined in the Department of Defense appropriations bill. Religious schools will be allowed to receive taxpayer dollars and proselytize, and discriminate in hiring on the basis of religion.

"In a separate action, the Senate passed by voice vote the funding bill for the U.S. Department of Education which CUTS education funding for the first time in a decade. The House again concurred with little debate.

"As a result of these two bills, the federal share of special education will fall from 18.6 percent to 17.8 percent, or a total of $7 million. Funding for the Elementary and Secondary Education Act (ESEA) or the so-called 'No Child Left Behind' will be cut by $1 billion.

"While many members of Congress have praised the so-called 'No Child Left Behind Act' (NCLB) in their stump speeches, they clearly have little regard for it in this budget. When it came time to match money to their priorities, they cut it by $1 billion, which brings funding below the level provided THREE years ago.

"At a time when we need greater commitment to public education, and more investment in our children, both the Senate and House retreated from their promises, and didn't support the very Act they touted.

"Finally, the Senate made the largest cut in student aid in history, eliminating $12.7 billion over the next five years, making it more expensive for students to borrow for college. Pell Grants, targeted to aid disadvantaged and underprivileged college students, will be frozen for the fourth year in a row.

"This sends a mixed message: Congress cannot ask students to strive for college while it cuts the funding they need to attend college. We must ensure the House hears us loud and clear when it reconvenes. They must stop the raid on student aid and reject the Senate's version of the budget reconciliation bill.

"Great public schools are a basic right of every child. Senate and House action this week, coming mere hours before adjournment for the holiday season and with little debate, steals the promise of a quality public education and a great public school from America's students. This is public policy at its worst. Today is indeed a sad day for children and students, and a devastating blow to public education."

Dec. 23, 2005

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NEA Contact:

Cecil Cahoon, Public Relations, (202) 822-7756

The National Education Association is the nation's largest professional employee organization, representing 2.7 million elementary and secondary teachers, college faculty, school administrators, education support professionals, retired educators and students preparing to become teachers.

News Release

Senate Robs Billions from College Student Aid, Largest Cut in History  

NEA President Reg Weaver Condemns 'Mixed Messages' From Congress

WASHINGTON — National Education Association (NEA) President Reg Weaver issued the following statement, denouncing the Senate adoption of its Fiscal Year 2006 budget reconciliation package:

“On behalf of the Bush Administration, Vice President Dick Cheney led the Senate to squander a chance to help countless college students work their way out of poverty and into America’s workforce today.  With the adoption of a flawed budget reconciliation package, Cheney and 50 Senators approved cuts in college student aid, totaling $12.7 billion over the next five years. And if this isn’t bad enough, within the next few days, the Senate may vote to freeze the maximum amount of Pell Grants to low income students for the fourth consecutive year and may approve a first-ever taxpayer-funded national voucher plan.

“This potentially devastating vote comes at a time when average tuition and fees at four-year public colleges and universities have increased by almost $2,000 or 57 percent over the past five years. The message that the Bush Administration is sending to college students in America who need tuition assistance is loud and clear.  ‘Get an education, but do it yourself.’

“The cuts to student aid are unconscionable not only because they are the biggest in 12 years, but also because they take excessive fees from low-income students and give these proceeds, in the form of tax cuts, to the wealthiest Americans. It is shameful to finance tax cuts for millionaires with the hard earned dollars of students. The cost of college is increasingly out of the reach of many Americans, federal policy should help students get an education. Instead, this misguided federal policy robs the poor to pay the rich.

“Previously, Congress has  worked hard  to make it easier for students to borrow money to obtain a  higher education, while the 109th Congress appears to be doing all it can to make it difficult for poor students to attend  college. When the lawmakers who voted in favor of this bill meet students who are eager to enter college and realize the American dream, but can’t shoulder the costs to do so, those lawmakers should remember that it was their vote that robbed them of the promise of a college education—and perhaps the American dream.

“This Senate vote, just mere hours before adjournment for the holiday season, steals the promise of education from America’s students."

Dec. 20, 2005

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NEA Contact:

Cecil Cahoon, Public Relations, (202) 822-7756

The National Education Association is the nation's largest professional employee organization, representing 2.7 million elementary and secondary teachers, college faculty, school administrators, education support professionals, retired educators and students preparing to become teachers.

News Release

House Packages Rob Billions from Education  

NEA Calls on Senators to reject massive cuts and protect schools, students

WASHINGTON, DC— The Senate is poised to cut billions of dollars from public schools and poor students, and create a national voucher scheme that would divert public school money to private schools, as part of sweeping proposals to be finalized this week. The National Education Association is urging lawmakers to reject the voucher plan and oppose the cuts, which would reduce spending for public schools to levels not seen in years and drastically cut other education programs.

“Public schools were already under-funded, and this proposal guts a budget that was already inadequate to meet the education needs of our children,” said Reg Weaver, NEA president. “This is a 180-degree turn from where our country should be heading. Our schools, our teachers and our students need more support from lawmakers, not less.”

From 4 a.m. to 6 a.m. Monday, the House rushed through a series of proposals that attack public education. The rushed schedule, NEA noted, did not even allow many lawmakers enough time to read all of the bills. Those proposals are now before the Senate for consideration and approval early this week.

The proposed cuts come as public schools along the Gulf Coast are rebuilding after Hurricane Katrina. Lawmakers are neglecting public schools hit hard by the hurricanes, NEA said, and are instead diverting money to private schools under the House proposal.

NEA noted that proposed cuts in education spending will have a devastating affect on public education.  Last week’s adoption of the Labor-HHS Conference Report includes funding cuts of more than $1 billion for the so-called No Child Left Behind Act alone, reducing spending on the controversial law below levels provided three years ago.  No Child Left Behind has come under increasing attack from schools, teachers and state lawmakers across the political spectrum who say that the law is already unfunded to the tune of $27 billion: the budget cuts in the packages before the Senate will make it more difficult for schools to meet the across-the-board standards in the law.

Before adjourning for the holidays, Senators will consider three spending packages that include massive cuts in funding for education, including: 

- A $12 billion reduction in funding for student aid over the next five years, representing the largest cut in history. 

- Freezing Pell Grants for needy students for the fourth year in a row.

- Cutting federal support for special education from 18.6 percent to 17.8 percent.

- Providing federal taxpayer-funded vouchers to private and religious schools, under the guise of hurricane relief.
 
NEA pointed out that cuts to student aid will hit poorest students the hardest. Other proposals affecting education that the Senate will consider before going home for the holidays include allowing religious schools to accept taxpayer dollars and proselytize, and allowing religious schools to discriminate in hiring on the basis of religion.

“This bill makes a bad situation much, much worse,” Weaver said. “There’s a reason the House passed these proposals in the middle of the night, hoping that Americans aren’t paying attention to a raid on our future. At a time when our public schools are already under-funded and experiencing teacher shortages, Congress is poised to use taxpayer dollars to help private schools with teacher recruitment and enrollment. When it comes to education, lawmakers should be answering to students and schools in the light of day, not stealing from them in the dark."

Dec. 19, 2005

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NEA Contact:

Will Potter, Public Relations, (202) 822-7223

The National Education Association is the nation's largest professional employee organization, representing 2.7 million elementary and secondary teachers, college faculty, school administrators, education support professionals, retired educators and students preparing to become teachers.

News Release

National Meeting Focuses on Political, Community Involvement in Public Education 

NEA President Reg Weaver Leads Discussion

MONTGOMERY, TX—At the ACORN national meeting, Reg Weaver, president of the National Education Association, addressed the need for political and community involvement in public education.

This year’s meeting focused on the 2006 elections and building partnerships between teachers, public schools and communities.

“We are at a critical crossroads,” Weaver said.  “As we step forward into the new year we need to build upon our victories and elect officials that understand the challenges facing today’s public schools.”

In November, thousands of voters across the country turned out to the polls in contentious political battles to stand up for children and quality public education.  In California, voters defeated propositions that would have severely impacted the recruitment of quality teachers. In New Jersey and Virginia, voters elected public education advocates to the office of governor.

Weaver addressed more than 1,000 ACORN leaders and staff members from across the country.  Established in 1970, ACORN promotes social justice and stronger communities in the United States, Canada, the Dominican Republic and Puerto Rico.

Weaver urged the audience to build a partnership between communities and public schools.  This partnership is outlined in Weaver’s “six areas of mutual responsibility,” which focuses on providing teachers and public schools with the necessary resources to help every child succeed. 

“With the support of the community and local leaders, our public schools will succeed in providing every child with a quality education,” Weaver said.  “It is our responsibility as concerned citizens, as parents, as teachers, and as community members to take on this shared responsibility and ensure that every child has access to a great public school."

Dec. 17, 2005

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NEA Contact:

Jasmine Lyons, Public Relations, (202) 822-7228

The National Education Association is the nation's largest professional employee organization, representing 2.7 million elementary and secondary teachers, college faculty, school administrators, education support professionals, retired educators and students preparing to become teachers.

Save the Date -- Mark Your Calendars:
'You're Never Too Old, Too Wacky, Too Wild
To Pick Up A Book and Read With a Child!'

NEA's Read Across America Day Is March 2, 2006

March 2, 2006, is the ninth annual NEA's Read Across America Day, sponsored by the National Education Association (NEA) and Dr. Seuss Enterprises, L.P., when millions of readers-both young and old-will be in the company of a good book.

Originally created as a one-day event to celebrate the joy of reading, NEA's Read Across America Day-which culminates every year on the birthday of the beloved children's author Dr. Seuss-has grown into NEA's Read Across America, a nationwide initiative that promotes reading every day.

Next year marks a very special NEA's Read Across America as millions from coast-to-coast will join NEA for an extraordinary cause:  to bring the gift of reading to children who have been affected by Hurricanes Katrina, Rita and Wilma. NEA's Read Across America will launch the National Book Drive for Gulf Coast give reading relief by replenishing public school libraries.

Every year, parents, teachers, school employees, students and community members participate in the nation's largest reading celebration by engaging in a wide range of local activities that help excite and encourage children of all ages to pick up a book and read-on March 2 and throughout the year. Last year, a new Spanish language program, "Lea con La NEA!" ("Read with NEA"), was launched to reach out to the Latino community.

More information is available online in the Read Across America section NEA's Web site /readacross/index.html, including:

• Suggested reading lists for all ages.
• Downloadable tools, resources and press materials.
• Listings of NEA's Read Across America activity, reading and event ideas.
• Up-to-date local and national events.

Please mark NEA's Read Across America Day on your publication's calendar because, "You're never too old, too wacky, too wild to pick up a book and read with a child!"

Dec. 19, 2005

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For More Information, Contact:

Staci Maiers, NEA Public Relations, (202) 822-7150 or (202) 270-5333 cell 
Christiana Campos, NEA Public Relations, (202) 822-7261

The National Education Association is the nation's largest professional employee organization, representing 2.7 million elementary and secondary teachers, higher education faculty, education support professionals, school administrators, retired educators and students preparing to become teachers.

News Release

Senators try to Resurrect Failed Voucher Amendment:

Despite House Defeat, Underhanded Political Maneuvering Continues

WASHINGTON, DC -- Some lawmakers pushed today to attach a divisive private school voucher amendment, defeated in the House, to the Defense Appropriations bill in the Senate. National Education Association President Reg Weaver released the following statement about the proposal:

“This voucher amendment should suffer the same fate as its predecessors. This issue should be history, but political games in the Senate might bring it back to the table.

“Time and time again, the public has defeated attempts to drain valuable resources from our public schools through vouchers. It’s a divisive debate that should not be taking place during the important dialogue needed to finish the defense appropriations legislation.

"Instead of pushing for funding of risky voucher schemes in a defense bill, Congress should focus on investing in the future of our students by fully funding education in the education appropriations bill. Our students deserve the high quality teachers and up-to-date classroom materials that funding can provide, not political games."  

Dec. 15, 2005

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NEA Contact:
Cecil Cahoon, Public Relations, (202) 822-7756


The National Education Association is the nation's largest professional employee organization, representing 2.7 million elementary and secondary teachers, college faculty, school administrators, education support professionals, retired educators and students preparing to become teachers.

News Release

Senators try to Resurrect Failed Voucher Amendment:

Despite House Defeat, Underhanded Political Maneuvering Continues

WASHINGTON, DC -- Some lawmakers pushed today to attach a divisive private school voucher amendment, defeated in the House, to the Defense Appropriations bill in the Senate. National Education Association President Reg Weaver released the following statement about the proposal:

“This voucher amendment should suffer the same fate as its predecessors. This issue should be history, but political games in the Senate might bring it back to the table.

“Time and time again, the public has defeated attempts to drain valuable resources from our public schools through vouchers. It’s a divisive debate that should not be taking place during the important dialogue needed to finish the defense appropriations legislation.

"Instead of pushing for funding of risky voucher schemes in a defense bill, Congress should focus on investing in the future of our students by fully funding education in the education appropriations bill. Our students deserve the high quality teachers and up-to-date classroom materials that funding can provide, not political games."  

Dec. 15, 2005

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NEA Contact:
Cecil Cahoon, Public Relations, (202) 822-7756


The National Education Association is the nation's largest professional employee organization, representing 2.7 million elementary and secondary teachers, college faculty, school administrators, education support professionals, retired educators and students preparing to become teachers.

News Release

Department of Education Proposal Would Allow More Flexibility Under ‘No Child Left Behind’ 

NEA President Welcomes Response to Calls for Better Ways to Evaluate Students with Disabilities

WASHINGTON, DC -- Heeding educators’ calls, the Department of Education today proposed regulations that give schools more flexibility in measuring the achievement of students with disabilities under the sweeping so-called No Child Left Behind law.

 National Education Association (NEA) President Reg Weaver, leader of the nation’s largest professional organization of educators, welcomed the change as “another small step in the right direction” but cautioned that more substantive changes are necessary to “fix and fund” the law.

 “Since its adoption, NEA has sought accommodations for children who are poorly served by the law’s one-size-fits-all approach,” Weaver said. “Little by little, the department has agreed with teachers that not every child learns the same way or at the same speed. Although it is not the ideal solution, this is a commendable revision.”

 Education Secretary Margaret Spellings said the proposal is designed to meet the needs of students with disabilities who may not reach grade levels within the same time frame as their peers. They can, however, make strides with appropriate instruction. The proposal will implement the policy for “modified achievement standards for certain students with disabilities” announced by Spellings in April.

 While progress is being made to fix the law, Weaver said Congress is failing to fund it. Lawmakers are scheduled to vote today on an education appropriations bill that would strip $779 million in NCLB funding, cutting funding below the level set three years ago.  The bill before the House today would also reduce the federal share of special education funding from 18.6 percent to 18 percent.

 House leaders are pushing an additional 1 percent cut to all programs, including public education, which would push the total reduction in NCLB funding over $1 billion.

 “It’s going to be hard to implement these changes if Congress robs a billion dollars from public schools,” Weaver said. “Any way you look at it, we are moving backwards in our education priorities."  

Dec. 14, 2005

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NEA Contact:
Cecil Cahoon, Public Relations, (202) 822-7756
Staci Maiers, Public Relations, (202) 822-7150

The National Education Association is the nation's largest professional employee organization, representing 2.7 million elementary and secondary teachers, college faculty, school administrators, education support professionals, retired educators and students preparing to become teachers.

News Release

National Education Association Annoucnes Receipt of Technology Gift from Workplace Options

New NEA Site Will Expand Public Access to Research on Gaps in Student Achievement.  Workplace Options’ Content Management System and Hosting Facilities Offer Custom Solution to the New Site

WASHINGTON, DC -- The National Education Association (NEA), the nation’s leading organization for the advancement of public education, today announced that the Workplace Options, a leader in the field of work/life programs, has donated its highly- regarded content management system and hosting facilities to support NEA efforts to provide an up-to-date national collection of materials to create public awareness and understanding of issues related to student achievement and the achievement gaps. Included on the site will be advocacy information, strategies, best practices, teacher hints, and info for policy makers.  NEA will devote a portion of its Web site, nea.org, to house this growing body of work.

"We are extremely appreciative and excited by this generous contribution to NEA's Web site," NEA President Reg Weaver said.  "This will provide a wealth of knowledge and information for parents and teachers to ensure that every child is receiving the quality education they deserve."

“Workplace Options strongly believes in public education,” said Dean Debnam, CEO of Workplace Options.  “Through our technology and ongoing hosting and technical support, we are helping, in our own way to ensure that every child has a great public school.”

Workplace Option’s gift is valued at nearly $1,000,000.

About NEA

Founded in 1857, NEA serves educators and friends of public education by building community and awareness around public education in the United States. With more than 13,000 local chapters, NEA’s 2.7 million members include K-12 teachers, university professors, student teachers, retired education professionals, and education-support personnel professionals, such as teacher aides and bus drivers. 

About Workplace Options

Workplace Options is the largest provider of work/life programs to corporate America, through partnerships with employee assistance (EAP) companies. The company delivers a customized work/life product to EAPs who in turn offer employers an integrated work/life EAP employee benefit.  Founded in 1982, Workplace Options serves over 13,500,000 employees and their families.  The company is recognized for its innovative web delivery capabilities, flexibility and affordable pricing models.

Nov. 15, 2005

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NEA Contacts:

Jasmine Lyons, Public Relations, (202) 822-7228

The National Education Association is the nation's largest professional employee organization, representing 2.7 million elementary and secondary teachers, college faculty, school administrators, education support professionals, retired educators and students preparing to become teachers.

News Release

Federal, Public Employees
Unite in Support of Workers' Rights

National Education Association President Addresses Hundreds at Rally

WASHINGTON, DC -- Reg Weaver, president of National Education Association addressed hundreds of federal and public employees this afternoon at a rally in opposition to new personnel rules that will deny nearly 800,000 government employees their collective bargaining rights.

Under the new National Security Personnel System, managers will no longer need to bargain with unions before reassigning or relocating an employee or when introducing new technologies in the workplace.

"As we celebrate Human Rights Week, we must pause to examine workers' rights," Weaver said. "America's workforce is being denied access to quality healthcare and a fair and livable wage. Both are necessities for providing basic needs like food, clothing, and shelter."

The rally was part of a weeklong international celebration to commemorate International Human Rights Day on December 10, the anniversary of the ratification of the United Nations Universal Declaration of Human Rights in 1948. The events were aimed at bringing attention to employers that are denying workers the opportunity to form unions, a fundamental right. 

"It is time for the Bush administration to support workers' rights and work together with unions to develop a plan that will be mutually beneficial to both employers and workers," Weaver said. "Today, we are joining forces, globally, to take a stand for workers' and human rights."  

Dec. 8, 2005

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NEA Contacts:

Jasmine Lyons, Public Relations, (202) 822-7228
Will Potter, Public Relations, (202) 822-7223

The National Education Association is the nation's largest professional employee organization, representing 2.7 million elementary and secondary teachers, college faculty, school administrators, education support professionals, retired educators and students preparing to become teachers.

News Release

National Education Association President Honored

Reg Weaver Receives Award
For Advocating for Children and Educators

WASHINGTON, DC -- People for the American Way honored Reg Weaver, president of the National Education Association, this evening with the 2005 Spirit of Liberty Award at the Kennedy Center.

"It is a privilege to stand here tonight, surrounded by so many who have helped make a difference in the world," Weaver said. "It is our responsibility as leaders to ensure that our children have access to a quality public education."

As president of NEA, Weaver is an outspoken advocate for children and public education for the nation's largest education organization. The NEA is committed to ensuring quality public schools for every child in the country.

The Spirit of Liberty Award is given to individuals who contribute to the advancement of democracy and civic action. Along with Weaver, other award recipients included Sharon Gless, Jonathan Lewis, Peter Lewis, and Sharon Stone.

"We must begin to fully invest in our children, in our educators and in our public schools," Weaver said. "I stand before you committed and dedicated to ensuring that our children and educators have the full funding and the adequate resources needed to succeed academically and professionally."

Dec. 6, 2005

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NEA Contact:

Jasmine Lyons, Public Relations, (202) 822-7228

The National Education Association is the nation's largest professional employee organization, representing 2.7 million elementary and secondary teachers, college faculty, school administrators, education support professionals, retired educators and students preparing to become teachers.

News Release

Inflation Outpaces Teacher
Salary Growth in More Than 40 States

As school districts struggle to fill teaching positions, NEA study
finds teacher salaries are not keeping up with cost-of living increases

WASHINGTON -- Across the nation, teachers are losing spending power for themselves and their families as inflation outpaced increases in teacher salaries last year.  According to the National Education Association's (NEA) update to the annual report titled, "Rankings and Estimates:  Rankings of the States 2004 and Estimates of School Statistics 2005," inflation increased 3.1 percent over the past year, while teacher salaries increased by only 2.3 percent. Some of the key findings of the report include the following:

• Teacher salaries, which rose 2.3 percent to $47,808 since last year, failed to keep pace with the nation's 3.1 percent increase in inflation.
• Average teacher salaries actually declined in three states -- Maine, West Virginia and Alabama.
• Education revenue increased 4.1 percent since last year.
• Education expenditures rose 4.7 percent over the past year.

Reg Weaver, president of the nation's largest professional employee organization, expressed concern over the rate of inflation rising faster than increases in teachers' salaries, as school districts across the country struggle to attract and retain teachers in the profession.

"Without a firm commitment to raising teacher salaries, our schools will continue to have difficulty recruiting and retaining diversified teaching staffs that are prepared to meet the educational needs of our public school children," said NEA President Reg Weaver. 

"It's unsettling that when the rate of inflation is considered, on average, our teachers are actually earning less this year than they did the previous year.  We must do a better job of providing professional salaries to the teachers who are working directly with our children."

In 41 states and the District of Columbia, teachers saw their spending power shrink as a result of rising inflationary costs, and in three of these states -- Maine, West Virginia, and Alabama -- average teacher salaries dropped below the previous year's level.

Teacher salaries, however, increased at a rate higher than inflation in nine states, giving teachers more money to cover their living expenses, support their families, pay for continuing education, and save for unexpected emergencies.  Maryland, Minnesota, Wisconsin, Vermont, Virginia, Tennessee, New Mexico, Montana, and Oklahoma were among the states where increases in teacher salaries rose faster than the rate of inflation.

The commitment to teaching excellence demonstrated by these states represents the progress needed to sustain economic competitiveness, which is increasingly dependent upon well educated workforces, commercial and manufacturing innovation, and entrepreneurial productivity. 

Several states with both high average teacher salaries and large student enrollments carried the nation's $47,808 average teacher salary, including California, Michigan, New Jersey, New York, Illinois, Massachusetts, and Pennsylvania.  These states reported average teacher salaries higher than $52,000 and student enrollments nearing one million or more.  Fifteen states' average teacher salaries were lower than $39,999. Connecticut reported the highest 2004-05 average teacher salary, $58,688.

"Public education in America must raise teacher salaries at a rate faster than inflation in order to attract and retain the quality teaching force necessary to remain competitive in the global marketplace, as well as to maintain a high functioning society," said Weaver. 

To support teachers in their careers and to encourage more professionals to enter the field of education, NEA is advocating for a minimum beginning salary of $40,000 for all teachers nationwide.  Beginning salaries for other professional careers, such as accounting, nursing and business management, regularly outrank the teaching profession, leaving many teachers struggling with multiple jobs in order to meet their personal financial obligations.     

While states saw little change in teacher salaries, on average, total school revenues increased 4.1 percent and total school expenditures increased by 4.7 percent.  Since 2003-04, South Carolina raised their expenditures per student by a staggering 15.9 percent, more than any other state.  Only the District of Columbia, with a 13.2 percent increase, shared South Carolina's double digit increase in per pupil expenditures.    

In addition to data on teacher salaries, school expenditures, and school revenue, the fall 2005 "Rankings and Estimates Update: A Report of School Statistics" includes information on student enrollments, number of teachers in public schools, and student-teacher ratios (not class size).

The following chart, based on reports through August 2005, highlights national averages from the fall 2005 "Rankings and Estimates Update: A Report on School Statistics." (PDF, 215K, 8 pages )

*Includes capital and interest.
**Local, state, and federal; excludes nonrevenue receipts.

Since the 1960s, "Rankings and Estimates" has presented selected education statistics using information provided by state education agencies and analyzed by NEA researchers. The most recent full report (PDF, 1 MB, 129 pages) was issued in June 2005.

Dec. 5, 2005

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For more information, contact:

Staci Maiers, NEA Public Relations, (202) 822-7150
Derran Eaddy, NEA Public Relations, (202) 822-7213

The National Education Association is the nation's largest professional employee organization, representing 2.7 million elementary and secondary teachers, college faculty, school administrators, education support professionals, retired educator and students preparing to become teaches.

News Release

NEA President Reg Weaver Outlines Vision for Public Education's Future

Doris L. Allen Minority Caucus Looks at the Future of Public Education

WASHINGTON, D.C. - Today, Reg Weaver, president of the 2.7 million member National Education Association, outlined his vision for the future of public education at a meeting of the Doris L. Allen Minority Caucus of the Ohio Education Association in Columbus, Ohio.

“Moving forward, we all must take on the shared responsibility of supporting great public schools for all students,” said Weaver.  “To ensure a prosperous future for the generations yet to come, parents, community leaders, business executives and elected officials must make education a priority now and provide schools with the resources needed to help students succeed in the classroom.”

Weaver, a veteran classroom teacher of more than 30 years, also talked to the 300 education leaders and lawmakers in attendance about building more respect for teachers as professionals.  “Too many educators are leaving the classroom and not enough college students are choosing education as a career because teachers do not receive the professional recognition they deserve,” said Weaver. 

“When teachers are appropriately supported, our students flourish; they grow to reach their potential and their lives are made brighter and more productive.  Our children are our greatest assets, so we must invest in their futures while we can still make a significant and positive impact on their lives.”  

The Ohio Education Association’s minority caucus is named after the late Doris L. Allen, who served as a dynamic leader with the Ohio Education Association while holding the office of vice president and later served on the staff of the National Education Association in Washington, D.C.
 
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Dec. 2, 2005

CONTACT:
Derran Eaddy   (202) 822-7213, deaddy@nea.org

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The National Education Association is the nation's largest professional employee organization, representing 2.7 million elementary and secondary teachers, college faculty, school administrators, education support professionals, retired educator and students preparing to become teaches.

News Release

Annual Banquet Provides Grants for Public Schools

National Council of Urban Education Associations Holds Annual Banquet

LOUISVILLE, KY -- Celebrating the 20th anniversary of the National Education Association’s Urban Grants Program, Reg Weaver, NEA president, awarded 25 grants to local affiliates to help provide a great public school for every child.

This year’s grant winners were announced at the National Council of Urban Education Associations annual banquet.  The organization is a caucus of local NEA affiliates which is dedicated to strengthening quality teaching and learning in urban public schools.

“Particularly at a time when Congressional spending on education is under attack, this program will enhance professional and learning opportunities for educators and students in urban areas,” Weaver said.  “These grants will provide innovative approaches to education and the learning process.”

Established in 1985, NEA’s Urban Grants Program has supported hundreds of local affiliates in the development of education reform programs in America’s public schools.
Each year competition is open to all NEA local affiliates.

“It is vital that we remain committed to funding and supporting programs that enhance teaching and public education,” Weaver said.  “Through the Urban Grants Program and similar projects, we will continue to ensure that every child has access to a great public school.”

The complete list of grant winners with brief summaries of their projects is available on NEA's Web site.

Dec. 1, 2005

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CONTACT:
Jasmine Lyons   (202) 822-7228, jlyons@nea.org

The National Education Association is the nation's largest professional employee organization, representing 2.7 million elementary and secondary teachers, college faculty, school administrators, education support professionals, retired educator and students preparing to become teaches.

News Release

A Little Inspiration for Holiday Gifts for Teachers

WASHINGTON D.C. -- What's the best way to thank teachers this holiday season?  While the National Education Association (NEA) has no official policy on teacher gifts, here is some advice that might help you this holiday season:

Check the school policy. 

Some district policies discourage buying gifts for teachers to prevent feelings of inequity or concerns about favoritism.  In such cases, consider making something.  Bake cookies or cupcakes or send a handwritten note.  "A note from a parent saying 'My child has never been so excited about science before, and I can’t thank you enough' is a gift that any teacher will treasure," says NEA President Reg Weaver, a veteran classroom teacher of over 30 years, who still keeps copies of some of the notes parents and kids wrote to him.

Don’t break the bank. 

Remember that giving a present is optional.  Teachers appreciate gifts, but they do not expect them.  If you choose to buy a gift, keep it simple -- extravagant gifts are unnecessary. 

Organize a class gift. 

Any parent can take the initiative and collect money based on each person's ability to pay.  If someone can give $5, and someone else can give $20, that's fine.  Scrapbooks and photo albums are also popular gifts a class can give to a teacher -- a gift's value grows when the whole class contributes.

Buy a gift certificate. 

Sometimes it's nice to buy something just for the teacher, rather than classroom supplies and materials.  Treat your child's teacher to a night at the movies, a trip to a favorite bookstore or a visit to the spa.  Indulge an interest or just plain indulge!

Bag the apples.  
It's guaranteed that every teacher has accumulated a multitude of items -- from soaps and socks to mugs and oven mitts -- engraved with every kind of apple imaginable.  Try a unique spin on "an apple for the teacher" theme:  a bottle of sparkling cider.

Give the gift of time. 

Give the teacher a book of coupons that can be redeemed for volunteer hours in the classroom.  You don’t have to spend any money to find that perfect gift for a teacher.  Your child’s class could benefit from your time and attention more than anything. 

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Dec. 2, 2005

Contact:

Jasmine Lyons, NEA Public Relations (202) 822-7228
Denise Cardinal, NEA Public Relations (202) 822-7239

The National Education Association is the nation's largest professional employee organization, representing 2.7 million elementary and secondary teachers, college faculty, school administrators, education support professionals, retired educator and students preparing to become teachers.

News Release

Los demandantes del pleito sobre la Ley “Que Ningún Niño Se Quede Atrás” Apelarán la decisión

DETROIT—El Juez Bernard Friedman del Tribunal de Distrito de los Estados Unidos para el Distrito Oriental de Michigan, concedió hoy la petición del Departamento de Educación de los EE.UU. para que se declarara sin lugar el pleito de Pontiac, et al., v. Spellings, el primero en ser presentado para prevenir que la Ley Que Ningún Niño Se Quede Atrás (NCLB por sus siglas del inglés) imponga “mandatos sin fondos” sobre los estados y distritos escolares.  La National Education Association (NEA) y sus co-demandantes apelarán la decisión ante el Tribunal de los Estados Unidos para el Sexto Circuito.

El pleito, que fue presentado el 20 de abril de 2005 por la NEA, varias de sus filiales y nueve distritos escolares, está basado en una cláusula específica de la ley NCLB —Sección 9527(a)— que dice así:

“Nada de lo contemplado en esta Ley [i.e., la NCLB] se entenderá como que autoriza a un funcionario o empleado del gobierno Federal a…exigir a un Estado o cualquier subdivisión del mismo, que gaste fondos o incurra en costos no pagados como resultado de esta Ley.”

En el pleito, los demandantes alegan que el gobierno federal está violando esta cláusula sobre mandatos sin fondos al insistir que los estados y los distritos escolares gasten su propio dinero para cumplir con los requisitos de la Ley NCLB, a pesar de que los fondos federales son varios miles de millones de dólares menos que los necesarios para cubrir los costos de llevarla a cabo. 

“A los padres en las comunidades cuyos distritos escolares están atravesando dificultades financieras, se les prometió que esta ley cerraría las brechas en el logro de las metas fijadas”, dijo Reg Weaver, presidente de la NEA, que cuenta con 2.7 millones de miembros. “En vez de ello, los dólares que aquéllos pagan en impuestos se están usando para cubrir cuentas pendientes de pago enviadas por Washington en concepto de un costoso reglamento que no ayuda a mejorar la educación.”

El Departamento de Educación pidió que se desestimara el pleito por dos razones: que los demandantes carecen de la reputación necesaria para iniciar el pleito, y que la Sección 9527(a) no quiere decir que la Ley NCLB no puede imponer mandatos sin fondos a los estados y los distritos escolares. Al conceder al Departamento de Educación la moción para que se declarara sin lugar dicho pleito, el tribunal rechazó la objeción de reputación, determinando que “la reputación había sido afirmada adecuadamente.” 

No obstante, el tribunal concluyó que la Sección 9527(a) no le prohíbe al Congreso imponer mandatos sin fondos. Según el tribunal, la sección solo prohíbe a los “funcionarios y empleados federales imponer requisitos sin fondos adicionales a los previstos en el estatuto.”

“Obviamente, estamos decepcionados con la opinión”, dijo Weaver, añadiendo que los demandantes “encuentran bastante perturbador que el tribunal ni siquiera discutió —y mucho menos sentó base alguna para rechazar— los argumentos que presentamos con respecto al significado de la Sección 9527(a).”  Weaver indicó que los demandantes apelarán la decisión.

“Tenemos la esperanza,” continuo Weaver, “de que el tribunal de apelación se muestre de acuerdo con nuestros argumentos, que revoque la opinión dictada hoy, y permita que este pleito siga adelante. La necesidad de la compensación solicitada es todavía más urgente ahora que cuando se presentó el pleito, pues el Congreso está considerando reducir en la suma de $780 millones los fondos para los programas de la NCLB en el próximo año escolar.”

Para mayor información sobre el pleito, visite: www.nea.org/lawsuit .

Nov. 23, 2005

PARA MAYOR INFORMACIÓN, CONTACTAR A:

Staci Maiers, NEA Public Relations, (202) 270-5333
Stacey Grissom, NEA Public Relations, (202) 486-3491

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The National Education Association is the nation's largest professional employee organization, representing 2.7 million elementary and secondary teachers, college faculty, school administrators, education support professionals, retired educator and students preparing to become teaches.

News Release

Plaintiffs In ‘No Child Left Behind’ Act Lawsuit Will Appeal Decision

DETROIT—Judge Bernard Friedman of the United States District Court for the Eastern District of Michigan today granted the United States Department of Education’s motion to dismiss in Pontiac, et al., v. Spellings, the first lawsuit filed to prevent the No Child Left Behind Act (NCLB) from imposing “unfunded mandates” on states and school districts.  The National Education Association (NEA) and its co-plaintiffs will appeal the decision to the United States Court of Appeals for the Sixth Circuit.

Filed on April 20, 2005, by NEA, several NEA affiliates, and nine school districts, the lawsuit is based on a specific provision of the NCLB—Sec. 9527(a)—which states:

“Nothing in this Act [i.e., the NCLB] shall be construed to authorize an officer or employee of the Federal government to... mandate a State or any subdivision thereof to spend any funds or incur any costs not paid for under this Act.”

In the lawsuit, the plaintiffs allege that the federal government is violating this unfunded mandates provision by insisting states and school districts spend their own money to comply with the requirements of NCLB despite the fact that federal funding falls billions of dollars short of covering their costs of doing so. 

“Parents in communities where school districts are financially strained were promised that this law would close the achievement gaps,” said Reg Weaver, president of the 2.7 million-member NEA.  “Instead, their tax dollars are being used to cover unpaid bills sent from Washington for costly regulations that do not help improve education.”

The Department of Education moved to dismiss the lawsuit on two grounds:  that the plaintiffs lack standing to bring the lawsuit, and that Section 9527(a) does not mean that there can be no unfunded mandates imposed on states and school districts by the NCLB Act.  In granting the Department of Education’s motion to dismiss, the court rejected the standing objection, finding that “standing had been adequately alleged.” 

The court concluded, however, that Section 9527(a) does not prohibit Congress from imposing unfunded mandates.  According to the court, the section only prohibits “federal officials and employees from imposing additional, unfunded requirements, beyond those provided for in the statute.”

“We obviously are disappointed with the opinion,” said Weaver, adding that the plaintiffs “find it particularly troubling that the court did not even address—much less provide any basis for rejecting—the arguments that we presented as to the meaning of Section 9527(a).”  Weaver indicated that the plaintiffs will appeal.

“We are hopeful,” continued Weaver, “that the appellate court will agree with our arguments, reverse today’s opinion, and allow this litigation to move forward.  The need for the requested relief is even more urgent now than it was when the lawsuit was filed, since Congress is considering cutting funding for NCLB programs by $780 million in the next school year.”

For more information about the lawsuit, visit: www.nea.org/lawsuit .

Nov. 23, 2005

For More Information Contact:

Staci Maiers, NEA Public Relations, (202) 270-5333
Stacey Grissom, NEA Public Relations, (202) 486-3491

                                             #  #  #

The National Education Association is the nation's largest professional employee organization, representing 2.7 million elementary and secondary teachers, college faculty, school administrators, education support professionals, retired educator and students preparing to become teachers.

News Release

U.S. Education Dept. Validates NEA's Concerns, Proposes More Flexibility Under 'No Child Left Behind'

National Education Association Signals New Policy is a Step in Right Direction - But New "Growth Model" Proposal Leaves Out Far Too Many Children

WASHINGTON—After years of calls from the National Education Association (NEA) for more flexibility under the sweeping so-called No Child Left Behind (NCLB) law, the Department of Education announced today that it would grant a “growth model” policy in determining school progress labels.

Under the Department's proposed “growth model,” up to 10 states would be allowed to measure not only how well students are performing on the day standardized tests are administered, but also how that performance changes over a period of time.  The move by the Department validated NEA’s position that the current Adequate Yearly Progress model (AYP), which bases all school accountability decisions on just two test scores, needed to be fixed.

“Evaluating school progress based only on a ‘snapshot’ of two standardized test scores on any given day, while failing to measure individual student progress over time is a fundamentally flawed approach,” said NEA President Reg Weaver.  “Today the Department heeded to the calls of millions of educators for a ‘growth model’ that truly reflects the great progress we are making in the classroom.”

Approximately 11,000 public schools are already labeled as “failing” for not showing improvement on standardized test scores.  As a result, those same schools are in jeopardy of losing millions of dollars in federal funding.  It is estimated this list will grow by the thousands before the next school year begins.

“Unfortunately, the Department’s move does not go far enough because students in a maximum of 10 states will be able to benefit from this more reasonable and valid growth model, leaving students in classrooms in the rest of the country with the very same model the Department has identified as flawed,” Weaver added.  “We will continue to urge that broader flexibility be provided such as including multiple measures of student achievement beyond two high-stakes standardized test scores.”

Although today’s announcement is a welcomed change, federal funding for the law’s mandates continues to move in the wrong direction.  The current appropriations bill pending in Congress, although wisely rejected yesterday by the House, would cut NCLB funding by $750–$800 million.

“Even with the new ‘growth model’ in place, schools still need additional resources to provide the things we know improve student achievement such as: smaller class sizes, qualified teachers, individual attention, up-to-date textbooks, materials and technology as well as safe and orderly schools, adequate and equitable funding and an environment conducive to good teaching and learning,” said Weaver.
 
 
Nov. 21, 2005

CONTACT:
Staci Maiers   (202) 822-7150, smaiers@nea.org

# # #

The National Education Association is the nation's largest professional employee organization, representing 2.7 million elementary and secondary teachers, college faculty, school administrators, education support professionals, retired educator and students preparing to become teaches.

News Release

New Report is a Diversion from Real Issues

Leader of 2.7 million-member National Education Association comments on new report by The New Teacher Project

Below is a statement from National Education Association (NEA) President Reg Weaver on the report titled, “Unintended Consequences: The Case for Reforming the Staffing Rules in Urban Teachers Union Contracts,” which was released today by The New Teacher Project.

“Today’s report by The New Teacher Project diverts attention away from our collective responsibility to make sure no children are left behind.  It is just another smokescreen to blame so-called ‘union rules’ for our society’s lack of commitment to all children.  

“The real issue is that the American public wants to create environments in all schools that are conducive to good teaching and learning.  We must have good teachers in order to help students achieve.  To recruit and retain talented teachers for the long-haul and stem the high rate of teacher turnover, we have to pay them what they’re worth.  Anything less is a band-aid for major surgery—useless and not acceptable.

“Moreover, the report’s language of ‘union rules’ to describe a contract is wholly inaccurate.  A contract is an agreement between parties, mutually agreed to, and includes the school district.  To classify it as including ‘union rules’ implies that the union unilaterally makes these decisions.  There is no place in America that the union has this kind of authority.  Where contracts exist, they exist by mutual agreement.  Where bargaining does not exist, the district has the authority.  Although there may be ‘school district rules,’ there are never ‘union rules’ without mutual agreement.

“Every day, the 2.7 million members of NEA are advocating for the ingredients known to improve student achievement such as greater parental involvement, smaller class sizes, a qualified teacher in every classroom, up-to-date textbooks, adequate and equitable funding, technology and safe and orderly schools.  And our locals are asking to expand the scope of bargaining to be able to engage with the districts to discuss the important matters of teaching and learning conditions so as to positively impact the conditions for all students.”
 
 
Nov. 17, 2005

CONTACT:
Staci Maiers   (202) 822-7150, smaiers@nea.org

# # #

The National Education Association is the nation's largest professional employee organization, representing 2.7 million elementary and secondary teachers, college faculty, school administrators, education support professionals, retired educator and students preparing to become teaches.

News Release

Partnership Raises Awareness
of Workplace Issues Affecting Teenagers

National Education Association Joins Youth@Work Initiative

 

NEA President Reg Weaver and Vice Chair of EEOC  Naomi C. Earp, sign Youth@Work partnership.               Photo by Sandy Schaeffer/NEA

WASHINGTON — Raising awareness about workplace issues affecting teenagers, the National Education Association (NEA) partnered today with the United States Equal Employment Opportunity Commission’s (EEOC) Youth@Work Initiative, a nationwide program that educates America’s youth about their employment rights and responsibilities.

Through this initiative, the EEOC continues to ensure the elimination of illegal discrimination from the workplace. 

"The partnership with the Youth@Work Initiative will allow us to educate our youth about their rights and responsibilities in the workplace," NEA President Reg Weaver said.  "Raising awareness about workplace rights will help our teenagers become more mindful, responsible, productive and knowledgeable young adults."

The Youth@Work Initiative, created in September 2004, has developed partnerships to help promote an equitable workplace environment for all employees.  Additional components of the nationwide campaign include a Youth@Work Web site , which provides information for teenagers about their employment rights and responsibilities, and a series of free national outreach events designed for high school students, youth organizations, educators and small businesses that employ young workers. 

"The National Education Association’s commitment to quality education and advocacy on behalf of students renders it a vital ally in our efforts," Naomi C. Earp, EEOC vice chair said.  "EEOC is pleased and excited to partner with the National Education Association to help ensure that every teenager’s work experience is a positive one."
 
 
Nov. 17, 2005

CONTACT:
Jasmine Lyons   (202) 822-7228, jlyons@nea.org

# # #

The National Education Association is the nation's largest professional employee organization, representing 2.7 million elementary and secondary teachers, college faculty, school administrators, education support professionals, retired educator and students preparing to become teaches.

News Release

National Education Association Celebrates Education Support Professionals Day, November 16

Celebration Part of Association's American Education Week, November 13-19

WASHINGTON — To recognize and honor the more than 2.9 million education support professionals providing services such as clerical and administrative support, transportation, food planning, nursing and health, security and technical support, today the National Education Association (NEA) and its 2.7 million members are celebrating Education Support Professionals Day. The celebration is part of NEA's 84th annual American Education Week taking place November 13-19.

Education Support Professionals Day will help draw attention to American Education Week's 2005 theme, "A Strong America Starts with Great Public Schools." The theme represents NEA's vision of calling upon everyone to do their part in making public schools great for every child so that they can grow and achieve in the 21st century.

"By participating in Education Support Professionals Day, we will be joining millions of people nationwide in celebrating the hard work, dedication and invaluable services our education support professionals provide,” said NEA President Reg Weaver.  “They are unsung heroes who drive our students to school, help them cross the street, provide them with nutritious meals, serve as partners in educating our children and keep school buildings safe, operational and clean.”

Education support professionals include:

• Paraeducator employees who provide instructional and noninstructional support as partners in student learning;

• Clerical Service employees who are the front line of public relations with parents staff and the community;

• Custodians who pay constant attention to all safety conditions in schools;

• Maintenance Service employees who are responsible for heating, ventilating, air-conditioning and overall safety for the entire school environment;

• Transportation Service employees who are the first and last person seen by our students in a day;

• Food Service employees who provide the most basic component of student achievement: nutrition;

• Skilled Trades employees who are responsible for the physical quality of our school building environments;

• Health and Student Service employees who are vital to student health and welfare within a public school;

• Security Service employees who are responsible for the safety and security of students, staff community and campus property; and

• Technical Service employees who provide essential technical services throughout a school district.

Education Support Professionals Day was first celebrated in 1987 after NEA's Representative Assembly, the Association’s annual conference of 10,000 member delegates, called for the creation of a way to honor contributions of school support staff.  Today's support professionals provide services that enable students to learn in positive, supportive environments.  Education Support Professionals Day is observed on Wednesday during American Education Week.

About American Education Week
American Education Week presents Americans with an opportunity to honor individuals who are making a difference in ensuring that every child receives a quality education. The weeklong celebration spotlights the different people who are critical in building great public schools for the nation's 50 million K-12 students. American Education Week's celebration days include:

• Sunday, November 13: Student Leaders Day. Hundreds of future teachers convened in Boston, Mass., to participate in an American Education Week kick-off event with NEA President Reg Weaver and other NEA leaders.

• Monday, November 14: National Kick-off Celebration. From national commemorations to local events, Americans celebrated public education.

• Tuesday, November 15: Invite Parents to School Day. Schools invited parents into the classroom for a firsthand look at what the school day is like for their children.

• Wednesday, November 16: Education Support Professionals Day. Education employees who provide invaluable services to schools are being publicly recognized for their outstanding work.

• Thursday, November 17: Teacher for a Day. Community leaders will be invited to teach for a day to experience the challenges of teaching and the needs of students.

• Friday, November 18: Substitute Educators Day. This day honors the educators who are called upon to replace regularly employed education employees.

Celebrated the first full week before Thanksgiving, American Education Week began in 1921 as a way to generate public awareness and support for education at a time when illiteracy was still a major problem in the United States.

To find out more about American Education Week, visit www.nea.org/aew or contact your local public school.
 
 
Nov. 16, 2005

CONTACT:
Christiana Campos   (202) 822-7261, Ccampos@nea.org

# # #

The National Education Association is the nation's largest professional employee organization, representing 2.7 million elementary and secondary teachers, college faculty, school administrators, education support professionals, retired educator and students preparing to become teaches.

News Release

La Asociación Nacional de Educación hace un llamado a todo el país para promover las escuelas públicas excelentes durante la Semana de la Educación Americana,
del 13 al 19 de noviembre

Actividades en toda la nación destacan la importancia de una educación pública de calidad para todos los niños

WASHINGTON — Durante la Semana de la Educación Americana, que tendrá lugar del 13 al 19 de noviembre de 2005, la Asociación de Educación Nacional (NEA) – la mayor organización de educadores del país – hará un llamado nacional instando a todos los americanos a hacer su parte en ofrecer una educación pública de calidad a los niños de manera que puedan crecer y prosperar en el Siglo XXI. Durante toda la semana, la NEA y sus 2.7 millones de miembros servirán de anfitriones de eventos en todo el país, diseñados para despertar el interés en la necesidad crítica de educadores, padres, estudiantes y comunidades para trabajar unidos en pro de una educación pública excelente en América.

“Estoy pidiendo a todos los americanos, de costa a costa, que se unan a la NEA para asegurar que todos los niños tengan el derecho básico a recibir una educación pública superior, independientemente de dónde vivan o de su situación económica”, dijo Reg Weaver, presidente de la NEA. “Mediante su participación en los eventos de nuestra Semana de la Educación Americana que se celebrará en todo el país, todo americano tendrá la oportunidad de dejar una marca en las vidas de los estudiantes de escuelas públicas, al sacar a la luz pública importantes cuestiones que afectan a la educación.”

Como parte del llamado de la NEA para una educación pública de calidad, la Asociación está organizando días de celebración individual durante toda la Semana de la Educación Americana, con objeto de reforzar la importancia de trabajar juntos como una comunidad unificada, para crear escuelas públicas excelentes. Las celebraciones de la semana incluyen los siguientes eventos:
 
• Domingo, 13 de noviembre: Día de los Líderes Estudiantiles.  Cientos de futuros maestros se reunirán en Boston, Mass., para participar en un evento inicial de líderes estudiantiles con el Presidente de la NEA, Reg Weaver.
• Lunes, 14 de noviembre: Celebración de Puesta en Marcha Nacional.  Desde conmemoraciones nacionales hasta eventos locales, los americanos celebrarán la educación pública. 
• Martes, 15 de noviembre: Día de Invitar a los Padres a la Escuela.  Las escuelas invitarán a los padres a las aulas para que observen de cerca cómo sus hijos pasan el día en la escuela.
• Miércoles, 16 de noviembre: Día de los Profesionales Auxiliares de Educación.  El personal que proporciona servicios valiosos a las escuelas es reconocido por su labor sobresaliente.
• Jueves, 17 de noviembre: Maestro por un Día.  Se invitará a líderes de las comunidades a enseñar por un día para que experimenten los desafíos de la enseñanza y las necesidades de los estudiantes.
• Viernes, 18 de noviembre: Día de los Maestros Sustitutos.  En este día se honra a los educadores que son llamadas para reemplazar a los maestros regulares.

“Estos días de celebración individual ayudan a atraer la atención hacia el tema de nuestra Semana de la Educación Americana de 2005: Una América Fuerte Comienza con Escuelas Públicas Excelentes”, dijo Weaver.  “El tema refleja nuestra creencia de que cada niño en América se merece una educación de calidad. También sirve de tributo a las distintas personas que están creando escuelas públicas excelentes para los 50 millones de estudiantes de Kindergarten al grado 12.” 

Para ayudar a planear y promover la Semana de la Educación Americana y sus días de celebraciones, la NEA está ofreciendo gratuitamente en línea, un paquete completo con materiales promocionales, ideas para actividades y plantillas que se pueden descargar. Para mayor información sobre la Semana de la Educación Americana y para descargar el juego de materiales, visite www.nea.org/aew. 

La Semana de la Educación Americana siempre se ha celebrado durante la primera semana anterior al Día de Acción de Gracias, habiendo comenzado en 1921 como una manera de generar interés público y apoyar la educación en una época en que el analfabetismo era un problema muy serio en los Estados Unidos. Actualmente, la Semana de la Educación Americana se sigue celebrando en la primera semana completa anterior al Día de Acción de Gracias.
 
 
Nov. 15, 2005

CONTACT:
Christiana Campos   (202) 822-7261, Ccampos@nea.org

# # #

La Asociación Nacional de Educación (NEA) es la mayor organización de empleados profesionales del país, y representa a 2.7 millones de maestros de escuelas primarias y secundarias, profesores de enseñanza superior, profesionales auxiliares de educación, administradores de escuelas, educadores retirados y estudiantes que se están preparando para ser maestros.

News Release

National Education Association Marks American Education Week with Nationwide Call for Great Public Schools November 13-19

Nationwide Activities Spotlight the Importance of a Quality Public Education for Every Child

WASHINGTON — This week, during American Education Week, November 13-19, 2005, the National Education Association (NEA)—the nation’s largest educators' organization—is issuing a nationwide call urging everyone to do their part in providing a quality public education to children so that they can grow and achieve in the 21st century. Throughout the week, NEA and its 2.7 million members are hosting events across the country designed to raise awareness about the critical need for educators, parents, students and communities to work together for great public education in America.

"I am calling everyone from coast-to-coast to join NEA in promoting the importance of great public schools for every child and proclaiming loudly and clearly that  all children have the basic right to a superior public education, regardless of where they live or their economic situation," said NEA President Reg Weaver. "By participating in our American Education Week events taking place across the country, everyone has the opportunity to make a difference in the lives of public school students by shedding light on important education issues."

As part of NEA's call for quality public education, the Association is organizing individual celebration days throughout American Education Week to reinforce the importance of working together as a unified community to build great public schools. The week's celebration days include:

• Sunday, November 13 : Student Leaders Day. Hundreds of future teachers convened in Boston, Mass., to participate in an American Education Week kick-off event with NEA President Reg Weaver and other NEA leaders.

• Monday, November 14 : National Kick-Off. From national commemorations to local events such as American Education Week house parties, the nation is celebrating public education.

• Tuesday, November 15 : Invite Parents to School Day. Schools will invite parents into classrooms for a firsthand look at what the school day is like for their children.

• Wednesday, November 16 : Education Support Professionals Day. Education employees who provide invaluable services to schools are recognized for their outstanding work.

• Thursday, November 17 : Teacher for a Day. Community leaders will be invited to teach for a day to experience the challenges of teaching and the needs of students.

• Friday, November 18 : Substitute Educators Day. This day honors the educators who are called upon to replace regularly employed educators.

"These individual celebration days highlight our American Education Week 2005 theme, 'A Strong America Starts with Great Public Schools,'" said Weaver. "The theme reinforces our belief that every child in America deserves a quality education. It also serves as a tribute to the different people who are building great public schools for the nation's 50 million K-12 students."

Celebrated the first full week before Thanksgiving, American Education Week began in 1921 as a way to generate public awareness and support for education at a time when illiteracy was still a major problem in the United States.

To find out more about American Education Week, visit www.nea.org/aew or contact your local public school.
 
 
Nov. 15, 2005

CONTACT:
Christiana Campos   (202) 822-7261, Ccampos@nea.org

# # #

The National Education Association is the nation's largest professional employee organization, representing 2.7 million elementary and secondary teachers, college faculty, school administrators, education support professionals, retired educator and students preparing to become teaches.

News Release

NEA Celebrates Election Day Victories

Results from yesterday’s elections signal wins for children and public education after three key statewide victories.  Reg Weaver, president of the National Education Association, offered his comments on the victories:

“Today we celebrate a victory for children and public education across the nation as millions of Americans turned out to the polls on Election Day and let their voices be heard.

“We must all share in these victories.  A vote for public schools is a vote for America’s future.  In heightened political battles in California, Virginia and New Jersey, voters overwhelmingly supported our children, public schools and public school employees.

“In California, Propositions 74, 75 and 76 attempted to limit the rights of union members and threatened to halt recruitment of quality teachers in our classrooms.  Today, I thank California voters for recognizing and for rejecting these measures that would have hurt our children and our public schools.

“In Virginia, voters elected Tim Kaine governor.  Kaine has been a long time advocate for public education, ensuring that our children have the adequate resources they need to succeed and that our quality teachers receive quality pay.

“In New Jersey, voters elected Democratic Senator Jon Corzine as the next governor.  Corzine believes that every child deserves access to a quality education.

“Our victories today will begin a new dialogue between parents, policymakers and education advocates.  Together, as a nation, we will continue to support our public schools and continue our fight to ensure that every child has access to a quality education and a great public school.”

Nov. 9, 2005

For More Information Contact:

Jasmine Lyons, NEA Public Relations, (202) 822-7228

                                             #  #  #

The National Education Association is the nation's largest professional employee organization, representing 2.7 million elementary and secondary teachers, college faculty, school administrators, education support professionals, retired educator and students preparing to become teaches.

News Release

Senate Vote for Vouchers Short-Sighted, Disappointing

Below is a statement from National Education Association (NEA) President Reg Weaver on today’s voice vote in the U.S. Senate in favor of Senator Michael Enzi’s (R-WY) amendment to create the first-ever national voucher program:

WASHINGTON—“Today’s vote in the Senate for a national voucher program is a calculated attempt to advance a national voucher system as part of a larger political agenda.  Worse yet, this political maneuvering was done under the guise of trying to provide assistance to the schools and students affected by Hurricane Katrina—our lawmakers should be ashamed. And they are—which is why they acted out this outrage in a voice vote so that there wouldn’t be an official record that could be reported out to their respective constituencies. 

“This political jockeying comes right on the heels of the Senate’s vote to provide miniscule increases in Title I and IDEA funding.  With this vote, the U.S. Senate has signaled that it is ready to give billions to private schools while leaving the needs of millions of children woefully under funded.

“It’s a textbook example of how political posturing has become more important than doing the right thing in the halls of Congress.  NEA had urged the Senate to support an already existing option that would help all students by providing goods and services to public and private school students.  The mechanism NEA supports, equitable participation, is the best and most efficient way to speed relief to schools and children in need. 

“Instead, the Senate has decided to create an entirely new bureaucracy that is riddled with a host of potential problems.  I am deeply disappointed in this short-sighted, self-serving decision because vouchers don’t rebuild schools and won’t do anything to address the issues these children and schools are confronting or will face next school year.  This action is a precursor to an extended national voucher system.

“The American public doesn’t support vouchers—that is why the supporters of this bill exploited this crisis because they knew doing so would be their best chance to get a national voucher program.  When the Senate voted in favor of Senator Enzi’s amendment, they did it via a voice vote.  My question is this:  If the supporters of this amendment believe this is the right thing to do for our children, why didn’t they want their votes on record?”

Nov. 3, 2005

For More Information Contact:

Denise Cardinal, NEA Public Relations, (202) 822-7239
Staci Maiers, NEA Public Relations, (202) 822-7150

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The National Education Association is the nation's largest professional employee organization, representing 2.7 million elementary and secondary teachers, college faculty, school administrators, education support professionals, retired educator and students preparing to become teaches.

News Release

Who's Teaching When the Teacher is Out?

Substitute Educators Day 2005 Spotlights the Substitute Teacher Crisis

WASHINGTON — How’s this for a classified ad?  “Tough job. Low pay. Little respect. No benefits. But lots of openings.”  All too often, it is the job description for substitute teachers.  And as we approach Substitute Educators Day (Nov. 18), the National Education Association (NEA) finds that the situation is desperate with schools facing one of the most severe shortages of substitute teachers in memory. 
 
In a recent national survey, 96 percent of school districts reported having difficulties finding substitute teachers.  Of those, 40 percent said it was a severe problem, with classes frequently going uncovered and instruction being affected.

A combination of factors has created the current crisis.  While the appointments of other professionals can be rescheduled when an illness or emergency arises, a teacher’s day can never be canceled.  In addition, school districts are facing an increased demand for teacher professional development opportunities, fueled in part by the requirements of the No Child Left Behind Act.  Economic conditions are also impacting districts—many former substitutes have moved into full-time positions with the shortage of permanent teachers, and many temporary workers can make more money in other fields.

“The substitute educator pool is quickly dwindling and replacements are hard to find,” says NEA President Reg Weaver.  “Unfortunately, the essence of the job itself is the biggest recruitment hurdle.  Low pay, poor training, lack of benefits and inadequate professional support reduces the number of available substitute teachers.”

Some key trends include:

- Nationwide, substitute teacher salaries average about $65-$70 per day.  In rural areas rates are often as low as $40-$45. 

- Half of public schools serving minority children fill teaching vacancies with long-term substitutes.

- In 77 percent of school districts across the country substitute teachers are given no training at all.            

The need for an expanded pool of qualified candidates, growing attention to teacher quality issues in general, and research suggesting that the use of under-prepared substitutes can lower student achievement has led some states and districts to address the substitute teacher issue in new ways. 
 
“There was a time when substitute teachers were considered hired babysitters, but those days are gone,” says Weaver.  “With today’s focus on standardized test scores, schools are taking a closer look at who’s teaching children when the permanent teacher is out.”
 
Rather than relaxing hiring requirements to increase the number of substitutes, some districts and states are responding to the crisis by raising standards and taking steps to attract and retain quality substitute educators.  The most common strategies used to replenish the supply of qualified substitute teachers include increased pay, additional employment benefits, training sessions in classroom management and incentives for substitutes who teach within a system for a predetermined amount of time.
 
At the building level, teachers and administrators can also help maintain an adequate pool of quality substitute teachers through their actions and attitudes.  Experts suggest that teachers leave lesson plans for substitutes, that principals treat them like professionals, and that students understand that they're expected to treat substitute teachers with the same courtesy and respect as other educators in the building.

“Sometimes absence makes the heart grow fonder,” says Weaver.  “In this case, I believe the substitute teacher shortage has created a new appreciation for skilled substitute teachers.”

Created in 2003, Substitute Educators Day is designed to encourage greater respect for school substitute employees and support for improved wages, benefits and training.  The day is observed during American Education Week (AEW), Nov. 13-19.  This year’s AEW theme, “A Strong America Starts with Great Public Schools,” reflects NEA's vision of calling upon America to provide students with quality public schools so that they can grow, prosper and achieve in the 21st century.

For more information on substitute teachers, please visit the NEA website at www.nea.org/substitutes.  To learn more about AEW and Substitute Educators Day, visit www.nea.org/aew.
 
 
Oct. 27, 2005

CONTACT:
Melinda Anderson   (202) 822-7230, MAnderson@nea.org

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The National Education Association is the nation's largest professional employee organization, representing 2.7 million elementary and secondary teachers, college faculty, school administrators, education support professionals, retired educator and students preparing to become teaches.

News Release

U.S. Education Dept. Validates Educators' Efforts
to Make 'No Child Left Behind' Law More Flexible

NEA Signals New Policy Is Step in Right Direction, But Problems
Remain in Complex, Complicated 'Highly Qualified' Provision

WASHINGTON -- As the deadline for teachers to meet the "highly qualified" provision of the so-called No Child Left Behind (NCLB) law approaches, Education Secretary Margaret Spellings concurred with the National Education Association (NEA) that despite many states' best efforts, more time is indeed needed to meet this complex and complicated provision.

The announcement came Friday in the form of a letter to chief state school officers stating that, in certain circumstances, states may be able to extend the deadline for teachers to be "highly qualified" under NCLB by one additional year until the end of the 2006-07 school year.

"The Department of Education's move to extend the deadline for teachers to be 'highly qualified' acknowledges the complexity of the rules and validates the concerns NEA has raised since the so-called No Child Left Behind law was enacted," said NEA President Reg Weaver. "Although this extension is a positive step in the right direction, the Department and Congress still need to enact common sense changes that maintain the focus on high standards and to ensure that every child can attend a great public school with a fully qualified teacher."

Weaver cautioned that as Secretary Spellings herself said, even those states in full compliance with the law and making the best efforts to meet the "highly qualified" provision are going to need additional time.

One problem with the new policy by the Department is that a state will likely not know whether it will be granted flexibility under the "highly qualified" teacher provision until at least next year because the deadline extension hinges on the state's data submission in January 2006.

"By the time a state knows whether it has been granted an extension, it might be spring, which is close to the end of most school years," said Weaver. "If the request for an extension is denied, it will be too late for many school districts and teachers and would put them in jeopardy with virtually no time remaining to meet the 'highly qualified' teacher provision."

Friday's announcement is the eighth NCLB rule or policy change that the Department has made in the past two years. Each one of the rule changes, while providing needed flexibility, has never been clear or simple, and additional criteria have usually accompanied the changes.

"In this case, a more logical approach by the Department would have been to simply extend the timeline rather than provide additional complex and complicated criteria that could result in states still facing potential elimination of federal funds," said Weaver. "Fixing and funding NCLB is what is necessary. In addition to the amendments, schools need additional resources for professional development, mentoring programs and other assistance in order for teachers and paraprofessionals to meet the 'highly qualified' requirements.

"We urge the Secretary to extend the deadline for paraprofessionals to meet their NCLB 'highly qualified' rules in any state which has the deadline extended for teachers, to maintain the alignment within schools of the deadline for both groups of employees," said Weaver.

Oct. 26, 2005

For more information contact:

Staci Maiers, NEA Public Relations, (202) 822-7150

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The National Education Association is the nation's largest professional employee organization, representing more than 2.7 million elementary and secondary teachers, higher education faculty, education support professionals, school administrators, retired educators, and students preparing to become teachers.

Statement

White House Shifts Position on Davis Bacon Act

Victory for Working Families

Below is a statement from the President of the National Education Association (NEA), Reg Weaver, about today's decision by the White House to lift its suspension of the Davis Bacon Act for the rebuilding efforts in the Gulf Coast.  The Davis Bacon Act guarantees high quality standards and prevailing wages for workers on government funded projects.  The administration suspended the Act in September denying workers in the rebuilding effort union wages and compromising the required work standards.

WASHINGTON -- "Today's decision by the White House is a victory for working families. In addition to guaranteeing good wages, the Davis Bacon Act ensures quality standards in the construction process. By bringing quality workers, with quality wages, and raising the standards for rebuilding, we can look forward to a strong, safe and prosperous future for the communities of the Gulf Coast."

Oct. 26, 2005

For more information contact:

Denise Cardinal, NEA Public Relations, (202) 822-7239
Staci Maiers, NEA Public Relations, (202) 822-7150

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The National Education Association is the nation's largest professional employee organization, representing more than 2.7 million elementary and secondary teachers, higher education faculty, education support professionals, school administrators, retired educators, and students preparing to become teachers.

News Release

Assaults on Education, Other Quality of Life Issues Threaten Rights of Children and Families

OXNARD, CA -- Speaking at the League of United Latin American Citizens (LULAC) 76th Anniversary Gala Salute to Educators this evening, the President of the National Education Association (NEA), Reg Weaver praised the ongoing relationship between LULAC and NEA. Weaver stressed the importance of the long-standing partnership in the fight to improve public education, not only in California, but across the nation.

Weaver told the audience, gathered to recognize the contributions of outstanding local educators, that LULAC and NEA have worked together for years on quality of life issues such as education, adequate health care, and public safety.

"Education is the most basic of civil rights: The right to a quality public education is the enabling right, the prerequisite to fully exercising all other rights that are our birthright as American citizens," Weaver said.

According to Weaver, at no other time in our nation's history has public education been under greater and more persistent attack. He cited the unfunded mandates of the No Child Left Behind law, looming state budget deficits, and dwindling human and fiscal resources as serious threats to public education.

He said groups like LULAC and NEA must continue to work together to defeat so-called reforms like California Propositions 74, 75, 76, 77 and 78 that hurt children and families and do nothing to help ensure the right of every child to attend a great public school.

Weaver said that while progress has been made over the years, there are still gaps.

"Too many Latino students do not have access to college prep courses and far too many talented Latino students do not go on to college," according to Weaver. "We can and must insist that this nation do better by our children and young people." 

Oct. 21, 2005

For More Information Contact:

Denise Cardinal, NEA Public Relations, (202) 822-7239

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The National Education Association is the nation's largest professional employee organization, representing 2.7 million elementary and secondary teachers, college faculty, school administrators, education support professionals, retired educator and students preparing to become teaches.

News Release

NAEP Scores Show Minimal
Changes in Reading and Math Scores

Achievement Gaps for Minorities Closing at Slower Rate than Before NCLB

WASHINGTON -- The release of 2003-05 data in the National Assessment of Educational Progress (NAEP) report indicates that the so-called "No Child Left Behind" (NCLB) law has resulted in very little improvement, if any, of students' math and reading test scores. In fact, the National Education Association (NEA) noted results in some areas indicate that progress has slowed in the last two years.

The NAEP results show continued improvement in math in grades 4 and 8, a trend that was emerging before NCLB. The scores further demonstrate an increase in reading scores for fourth graders and a slight decrease in reading scores for eighth graders. Unfortunately, the achievement gaps for white and Black students in fourth and eighth grade math closed at a slower rate in the period between 2003-2005 than in previous years.

The rate at which the achievement gaps narrowed between white and Hispanic fourth graders in reading and math also slowed. In addition, the small decreases in the achievement gaps in reading are accompanied by flat scores for those students in the top groups, whites and those not eligible for free and reduced lunch. NEA is deeply committed to closing achievement gaps but not by holding the achievement of top students down.

"The results are a very troubling indication that not much has changed since the enactment of NCLB," said Reg Weaver, president of the National Education Association. "The biggest and most alarming change is that the achievement gaps between white and some minority students appear to be closing at a slower rate than before NCLB. These children cannot be left behind, they deserve the best public schools have to offer. And, NEA is working to bring real solutions that will do just that," said Weaver.

Weaver said NEA and its 2.7 million members will continue to push for solutions to close the achievement gaps and raise student achievement nationwide, including smaller class sizes, safe and modern school buildings, up-to-date textbooks, computers, and other learning resources, as well as working to place a qualified, motivated teacher in every classroom and to secure active parental involvement both at home and in school.

"The NAEP data suggest that high stakes assessments implemented as part of NCLB are not leading to improved overall achievement across the country.  Imagine if the federal government education improvement efforts started focusing on what students really need to learn instead of just scores on multiple choice tests - we'd begin to see meaningful gains on NAEP," said Weaver.

NEA has consistently criticized Congress and the administration for failing to fix and fully fund the No Child Left Behind federal education law. NEA and more than 50 educational groups have proposed legislation to fix the NCLB law. NEA has also filed a lawsuit against the U.S. Department of Education  on behalf of school districts in Michigan, Texas and Vermont, over the lack of funding for the law.

"If our warnings to fix and fund the so-called No Child Left Behind law had been heeded, then we might be further along in closing the achievement gaps," Weaver said. "The fact that these test scores have gone up at all shows our nation's teachers and support professionals - especially those working with students at risk -- have managed to overcome severe challenges in their classrooms. I commend them for a job well done."

Oct. 19, 2005

For more information, contact:

Denise Cardinal , NEA Public Relations (202) 822-7239

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The National Education Association is the nation's largest professional employee organization, representing 2.7 million elementary and secondary teachers, college faculty, school administrators, education support professionals, retired educators and students preparing to become teachers.

News Release

Vivian Malone Jones Opened the Doors of the University of Alabama and Opportunity for an Entire Race

The National Education Association issued the following statement from its president, Reg Weaver, on the passing of Vivian Malone Jones, the first African-American graduate of the University of Alabama:

WASHINGTON – “Forty-two years ago, Vivian Malone Jones helped to open the door of opportunity for an entire race.

“Ms. Jones took a courageous stand and endured indignities that students of today probably can’t imagine.  Her courage and determination helped to change our nation for the better. 

“Vivian Jones changed the admission practices of colleges and universities.  Students today who are prepared and determined have a much better chance of receiving an education from the college or university of their choice, regardless of their race or background.

“The NEA family joins the nation in honoring the memory and contributions of a great American.  We are grateful for the contributions of Vivian Jones to education and equal opportunity.”

Oct. 18, 2005

For more information, contact:

Denise Cardinal , NEA Public Relations (202) 822-7239

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The National Education Association is the nation's largest professional employee organization, representing 2.7 million elementary and secondary teachers, college faculty, school administrators, education support professionals, retired educators and students preparing to become teachers.

News Release

Statement by National Education Association (NEA) President Reg Weaver on the Planned Cuts to Major Federal Services

WASHINGTON – “The NEA strongly opposes the significant cuts being planned as part of the budget reconciliation process – particularly those cuts that will affect the millions of students receiving necessary federal financial aid for their post secondary education.

“With more than 8 million postsecondary students receiving financial aid, and 70 percent of this support coming from the federal government, we know that this money is currently being used by those who need it most. This need will only grow in the next decade when undergraduate enrollment in colleges and universities will increase by 14 percent. Of those new students, 80 percent will come from minority backgrounds and one in five will live in poverty.

“Knowing this, it’s unreasonable for our country’s leaders to make dramatic cuts that affect those most in need, and will affect our future for decades to come. In short, these are the wrong cuts at the wrong time.”

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Oct. 18, 2005

For more information, contact:

Denise Cardinal , NEA Public Relations (202) 822-7239

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The National Education Association is the nation's largest professional employee organization, representing 2.7 million elementary and secondary teachers, college faculty, school administrators, education support professionals, retired educators and students preparing to become teachers.

News Release

NEA Mourns the Loss of Dr. C. DeLores Tucker, Human Rights and Social Activist

WASHINGTON -- Reg Weaver, president of the National Education Association (NEA), issued the following statement on the passing of Dr. C. DeLores Tucker:

“Dr. C. DeLores Tucker broke countless social and racial barriers. A tireless worker, she dedicated her life to social change.

“Although she was best known for her roles as Pennsylvania Secretary of State—the first African-American to do so—and founder of the National Congress of Black Women, Inc. (NCBW), Dr. Tucker was a tireless advocate for education.

“She was an invaluable resource as the founder and president of the Bethune-DuBois Institute, Inc., which she established to promote the cultural development of African-American youth through scholarships and educational programs.

“Everyone, not just women and African-Americans, owes Dr. Tucker a great deal of gratitude for paving the way for equality at home and in the workplace.

“The NEA family is saddened to lose a friend who shared the Association’s vision of great public schools and education opportunities for every child.  She was a pioneer in every sense of the word.”

Oct. 14, 2005

For more information, contact:

Andy Krauss, NEA Public Relations (202) 822-7268
Staci Maiers, NEA Public Relations (202) 822-7150