DFER Statement on School Safety & Educator Vaccinations

NEW YORK, N.Y. (Aug. 5, 2021) — Democrats for Education Reform National President Shavar Jeffries released the following statement in response to district vaccine mandates for educators:

“One of our top priorities as a nation must be getting our students safely back into classrooms this fall where educators can support students’ mental, emotional, and academic wellbeing.

Over the past year and a half, pandemic-related school closures have cost historically underserved students almost a year of learning time. We risk losing a generation of students if we cannot safely reopen our schools. As the Delta variant threatens in-person learning, it’s more important than ever for districts to take steps to reduce virus transmission—this includes heeding the guidance of the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention for individuals ages 12 and over to get vaccinated, and for continued masking indoors in areas of substantial or high transmission.

Given the tremendous stakes for our students, all eligible adults working in schools—especially elementary schools where students are ineligible for vaccines—have a clear responsibility to get vaccinated. Our leaders must step up and mandate that teachers and school staff be vaccinated to stem the transmission of Delta and other variants, and protect our most vulnerable communities, families, and students.

By following the science, we can create a safe space for our students to learn and thrive.”

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Democrats for Education Reform New York Congratulates Eric Adams on his Primary Victory in the Race for NYC’s Next Mayor  

Democrats for Education Reform New York Congratulates Eric Adams on his Primary Victory in the Race for NYC’s Next Mayor  

New York, N.Y. (July 7, 2021) — Democrats for Education Reform-New York (DFER-NY) is excited to congratulate Eric Adams on his victory in the New York City Democratic Mayoral Primary. We, along with our coalition partners, are prepared to be a resource for Adams by providing data-backed recommendations and strategies in working together to advance equity in New York City’s schools for all students. 

As disparities persist across the city for students of color and those from high-need communities, it’s critical that New York’s next Mayor select a Chancellor who can advocate for educational equity. As Adams prepares to select his team, we are encouraged by voters who, according to our partner’s latest poll, want a chancellor who has experience addressing inequities that these communities face. 

After learning for over a year in a global pandemic, our city’s students will need an administration that advocates for both their academic and social and emotional wellbeing. We must work together with New York City’s next mayor to make policies that benefit those who need it most and uplift their voices in the process. This path must include bridging the digital divide and diversifying the teacher workforce through increased access for educators of color.  

Adams has already prioritized integration efforts in NYC schools and believes in using the lessons from remote learning through the pandemic as an opportunity to expand students’ options and digital access. We are also encouraged by his inclusion of universal screening for dyslexia as part of his education plan and are ready to assist in this fight for increased literacy and equitable resource distribution. 

DFER-NY extends our congratulations to Adams and we look forward to his continued leadership in working toward a more equitable future for New York City Public Schools.

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DFER DC Statement on the Derek Chauvin Verdict

WASHINGTON, D.C. (April 21, 2021)—Democrats for Education Reform DC (DFER DC) State Director Jessica Giles released the following statement today on the verdict in the Derek Chauvin trial:

“The jury’s verdict of guilty on all charges provides a critical measure of accountability. As we breathe a collective sigh of relief, let us continue the work of dismantling white supremacy and systemic racism, which continue to oppress and kill Black people in America.”

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DFER Statement on the Conviction of Derek Chauvin

NEW YORK, N.Y. (April 20, 2021)—Democrats for Education Reform National President Shavar Jeffries released the following statement today in response to the conviction of Derek Chauvin of second degree murder for the killing of George Floyd.

“The jury reached the right verdict, and we hope the judge sentences Chauvin to a significant term that sends a strong signal to police officers throughout the country that Black lives do indeed matter, and that officers who senselessly murder Black people will pay a high price and will spend most of the rest of their lives behind bars.

It also is hopeful that scores of millions of people in our country, of diverse racial backgrounds, have raised their voice over the past several months to demand that this country take bold, aggressive action to root out the racism that infects too many of our institutions and aggressively pursue the anti-racist actions required for this country finally to vindicate its lofty ideals.

At the same time, the fact that we celebrate today over what should have been an obvious result—a murder conviction for the killing by strangulation of a handcuffed, unarmed human being who was choked for over nine minutes should be an afterthought—reminds us that justice is too often so illusory for Black Americans that even the most incremental form of it is a surprise and a cause for celebration. But we must take our wins as they come. This is a positive day, and I hope that all Americans of goodwill will use this episode as a launching pad in making our country truly a land of freedom, justice, and equity for all.”

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STATEMENT FROM DFER DC ON THE DEATH OF WTU PRESIDENT ELIZABETH DAVIS

WASHINGTON, D.C. (April 5, 2021)— Jessica Giles and Erika Harrell of Democrats for Education Reform (DFER DC) released the following statement regarding the death of Washington Teachers Union (WTU) President Elizabeth Davis.

“Today, we join our D.C. education community in mourning the life loss of long-time Washington Teachers Union President Elizabeth Davis.

Liz was a teacher for more than 40 years and rose to leadership within the WTU as a voice in DC public education when, across the country, there were very few women of color leading these conversations. As public education advocates and Black women who know the impact of quality education systems on our communities, we mourn her passing and will keep her family, friends, and colleagues in our hearts.”

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DFER DC Appoints New State Director

DFER DC Appoints New State Director

Jessica Giles to Lead Work to Justly and Equitably Serve D.C. Students

WASHINGTON, D.C. (March 31, 2021)—Democrats for Education Reform (DFER DC) announced today that Jessica Giles has been appointed as the new State Director for the chapter, as well as its affiliate organization Education Reform Now DC.

Giles joined the organization in 2019 and has since served as Interim Director and Deputy Director, during which she’s advocated for strong, but just accountability for DC’s public education system and increased funding for education, mental health, and academic supports to equip all students with the tools they need to succeed.

“Jessica is an extraordinary leader who has already delivered powerfully for children in DC,” said DFER National President Shavar Jeffries. “As Deputy Director, she led the charge for ERN DC in calling for COVID relief funds to support publicly funded High Impact Tutoring for students who have fallen behind academically during the pandemic—an investment that will take effect later this year. She also advocated, in coalition with partner organizations, to successfully expand the school based mental health program to more than 60 schools in cohort two during the pandemic. Jessica is uniquely prepared to lead our chapter to the next level of impact for the District’s students, and we could not be more excited for the new horizons we will reach under Jessica’s stewardship.” 

Giles also drove ERN DC’s advocacy efforts to make the My School DC Lottery more equitable by providing the 47% of DC students identified as ‘at risk’—those who qualify for Temporary Assistance for Needy Families or the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program, are experiencing homelessness, are in the District’s foster care program or are one year or more older than expected for their grade in high school – a greater opportunity to attend the participating public charter school of their choice, beginning in school year 2022-2023.  
“As DC grapples with a concurrent crisis of a deadly pandemic, disrupted education system, mass unemployment, and continued racial inequity and injustice, I feel called to lead in this moment,” said Jessica Giles. “Our public education system in DC has improved, but it has not served all our students well. Education reform is about centering students in policymaking, advancing equity, and constantly improving our public education system so that our Black, Brown, English Learners, students with different abilities, LGBTQ+ students, and students from low-income families receive a high-quality education from preschool through postsecondary education and training that enables them to enter the workforce well-prepared and free from crippling student loan debt. We’re not there yet but I won’t stop fighting until this vision is realized,” continued Giles.

Previously, Giles served as Deputy Committee Director for the Council of the District of Columbia’s former Committee on Education. Having served on the Committee for nearly four years, Giles helped ensure greater equity in the childcare industry and public education. Specifically, under the leadership of former Councilmember David Grosso, Giles advanced legislation to protect the education rights of students with special needs, improve educational opportunities for students in the care of DC, and increase our supply of high-quality, affordable childcare for low-income families in DC. Giles also worked on issues in the Human Services committee, where she fought to protect the rights and dignity of individuals and families experiencing homelessness. Giles began her career as an early childcare provider in South Carolina. 

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About DFER DC
DFER DC recruits, educates, and helps elect Democratic and progressive candidates who are committed to creating a public education system in Washington, DC, that justly and equitably serves all students. Since 2015, DFER DC’s work aims to continue and accelerate the reforms that have made the D.C. the most rapidly improving urban district in the nation. Learn more about the organization at dfer.org.

DFER LA Appoints New State Director

 FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE                                             Contact: Victoria Fosdal
March 16, 2021                                                                               victoria@dfer.org

DFER LA Appoints New State Director
Terrence Lockett to Lead Advocacy for an equitable education for all

BATON ROUGE, LA (March 16, 2021)—Democrats for Education Reform Louisiana (DFER LA) announced today that Terrence Lockett has been appointed as State Director for the chapter, as well as its affiliate organization Education Reform Now Louisiana (ERN LA).

“Terrence is a tremendous asset to the Louisiana team,” said DFER National President Shavar Jeffries. “His compassion and dedication to the mission are evident in the work he’s led for DFER LA in Baton Rouge, from representing the organization in conversations for the East Baton Rouge (EBR) School Board search for a superintendent to fighting for an equitable distribution of resources for students during the pandemic so that those farthest from privilege are able to succeed.”

Terrence has been with DFER LA since 2019, previously serving as Interim Director and Director of the Capitol region. He’s worked closely with state legislators, and education stakeholders to advocate for students in EBR to advance the district’s racial equity work and help pass a new charter policy, and at the state-level, to support DFER LA’s efforts to ensure that Louisiana’s new State Superintendent was someone who would prioritize educational equity for Louisiana’s historically underserved students.

“I am honored to lead the Louisiana chapter of DFER,” said Terrence. “I know that our work matters to every person on our team, to parents and education advocates, and most especially, to the students we serve. The fight for education equity will continue until each and every student has fair access to opportunities and the resources they need to turn those opportunities into success. I know that, together, we can bring possibility into reality.”

Terrence previously worked as the Capital Region Manager and State Education Liaison for U.S. Senator Mary Landrieu (D-LA). In this capacity, he acted as a direct contact to a 12-parish coverage area assisting elected officials and community stakeholders in the region. In his role as Education Liaison, he was responsible for working with multiple stakeholders at the national, state, and local levels to advance Senator Landrieu’s education reform priorities in Louisiana. Terrence has also worked as campaign manager and chief strategist on multiple campaigns around Louisiana, and proudly served as a speech therapist to a First Nations school in New Mexico.

DFER LA was launched in 2015 to as a means to address challenges—such as education quality, equity, and a pronounced opportunity gap—advocate for students farthest from privilege, and support candidates who are dedicated to creating better opportunities for all students.  Learn more about the organization here.

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About DFER LA
DFER LA recruits, educates, and helps elect Democratic and progressive candidates who are committed to creating a public education system in Louisiana that justly and equitably serves all students.

DFER DC Statement on the DC Auditor Education Data Audit

DFER DC Statement on the DC Auditor Education Data Audit

WASHINGTON, D.C. (March 10, 2021)—Democrats for Education Reform DC Interim Director Jessica Giles released the following statement in response to today’s release of the Office of the DC Auditor’s findings:
“The Office of the DC Auditor (DC Auditor) released an inflammatory report that implies our public education system has not collected the data which is necessary to measure student progress meaningfully. 
Having accurate data is essential for the District. It gives the general public accurate information on its schools and helps policymakers take actionable steps to close students’ opportunity gaps. The Office of the State Superintendent of Education (OSSE) has made significant strides in creating more robust data systems. It will need to develop stronger policies to improve data collection and build on its foundation.
Unfortunately, this report comes at a time when we can’t afford to fail our students. Many of our students, especially Black and Brown students, are experiencing difficulty learning and maintaining their physical and mental well-being. We must advance targeted solutions that will close the opportunity gaps that have plagued the District for far too long. Join us and our affiliate Education Reform Now in fighting for a just and equitable public education system for all students in the District of Columbia.”

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About DFER DC
Democrats for Education Reform DC (DFER DC) recruits, educates, and helps elect Democratic and progressive candidates who are committed to creating a public education system in Washington, D.C., that justly and equitably serves all students. We are committed to being student-centered, anti-racist, honorable, and collaborative.

DFER Statement on The Latest COVID-19 Relief Funding

DFER Statement on The Latest COVID-19 Relief Funding

NEW YORK, N.Y. (March 10, 2021) — Democrats for Education Reform National President Shavar Jeffries released the following statement in response to today’s passage of The American Rescue Plan Act of 2021:

“The American Rescue Plan Act of 2021 will truly be a lifeline for our students, educators, and families so long as funds are directed to best meet school and student needs—particularly for students of color, students from low-income families, and other historically underserved students who have been disproportionately burdened by both the COVID-19 pandemic and its ensuing school closures.

The investments passed in Congress today will provide billions of dollars in vital funding to support school reopening, distance learning, and academic and social-emotional supports to help our children persist through these deeply challenging times.

Now the hard work truly begins to ensure that resources are equitably distributed and that our states, districts, and schools are well-supported in allocating resources purposefully to get as many students safely back into classrooms as quickly as possible.”

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New Poll Finds DC Parents Overwhelmingly Support Designating Emergency Funds to Limit Learning Loss

New Poll Finds DC Parents Overwhelmingly Support Designating Emergency Funds to Limit Learning Loss

WASHINGTON, D.C. (Feb. 16, 2021) — A new poll released today by Education Reform Now DC (ERN DC) found that 90% of D.C. voters, who are parents or guardians of a child between the ages of 3 and 18, would support the use of emergency relief funds to implement tutoring services for public school students who have fallen behind since the start of the Coronavirus pandemic. 

More than one in four parents report that they have paid to supplement their child’s education during the pandemic, from joining community learning ‘pods’ to using private tutoring services.

“While our students, educators, and parents are doing their best given the circumstances, many students are experiencing learning loss and declines in well-being, especially students of color and students from low-income families,” said Jessica Giles, interim director of ERN DC. “It’s time to reimagine our public education system. This means ensuring our students and families—especially those who cannot afford it—have additional resources, like high-dosage tutoring services and mental health services, to ensure they are well-supported—whether learning in person or virtually.”

The poll found District parents split by gender and race on in-person instruction. Nearly half of men say schools should be open for in-person instruction, while only 27% of women did. Additionally, 69% of White parents believe schools should be open for instruction compared to 26% of Black parents. Willingness to receive a COVID-19 vaccine also varied by race: 90% of White parents are willing to get a COVID-19 vaccine compared to 72% of Hispanic or Latino parents and 47% of Black parents. 

“In-person learning can be safe with the right protocols in place. This poll demonstrates that there is more work to do to build parents’ support and confidence in COVID vaccinations and in-person learning,” said Giles. 
Other key findings from the poll include: 

  • 79% of parents rate their child’s school’s handling of the COVID-19 pandemic as excellent or good, and 21% of parents said the word that best describes how they feel about the current school year is hopeful.
  • Nearly one-in-four parents said the word that best describes how their child feels about the current school year is frustrated.
  • An overwhelming majority of parents (87%) surveyed said that end-of-year assessments used to evaluate student learning, skills, and academic achievement are important.
  • Most parents support the Mayor’s ability to hire and manage the Chancellor of Public Schools (67%), with women in strong support (73%).

The survey of 277 Washington, D.C., parents, who are voters, was conducted on Feb. 1-5, 2021, by Public Policy Polling. The margin of error is +/- 5.9%. All interviews for the survey were conducted by live callers; 31% were contacted via landline telephone and 69% by cell phone. You can view the full results here. 

ABOUT EDUCATION REFORM NOW DC
Education Reform Now DC is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit advocacy organization that promotes increased resources and innovative reforms in PreK-16 public education in Washington, D.C., particularly for students from low-income families and students of color. 

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