Citizens for Public Schools

Campaigns

• Less Testing, More Learning!

  The primary purpose of assessment in our public schools should be to improve teaching and learning. However, the high-stakes tests mandated in Massachusetts offer little benefit for students. High-stakes testing stifles innovation, narrows the curriculum, and hinders students from developing advanced thinking and problem-solving skills. Even US Education Secretary Arne Duncan admits that “testing issues today are sucking the oxygen out of the room in a lot of schools.”

  6,881 of 7,000 Signatures

  Created by Lisa Guisbond
• Keep Public Funds in Public Schools: Keep the Cap on Charters

  We object to the creation of a two-tier, separate and unequal education system in the Commonwealth of Massachusetts. Charters will divert an estimated $419 million in state education funding this year, meaning more and more public school students will lose access to services, supplies and enrichment programs. Moreover, charter schools are not accountable to their local communities. In Massachusetts, the state approves charter schools, often over the objections of local elected officials, parents, voters, and taxpayers. And charter schools are unlike public schools in that they do not serve all students. Through enrollment practices, hyper-discipline, and push-outs, charters serve far fewer high-need students than their sending districts.

  716 of 800 Signatures

  Created by Lisa Guisbond