DFER Condemns Governor Haslam for Skipping Another Year of Accountability for Tennessee Schools, Calls on Secretary DeVos to Closely Review this Decision that Harms Tennessee Children

DFER Condemns Governor Haslam for Skipping Another Year of Accountability for Tennessee Schools, Calls on Secretary DeVos to Closely Review this Decision that Harms Tennessee Children Decision Marks the Second Time in Three Years that Tennessee Skirts Accountability, This Time Mere Months After the Volunteer State’s ESSA Plan – Contingent on Assessments – Was Approved

District Schools Improve Overall on PARCC, But Some Schools Still Languish

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE Washington, DC — This morning, the District’s Office of the State School Superintendent (OSSE) released the 2015-2016 Partnership for Assessment of Readiness for College and Careers (PARCC) scores for public school students in 3rd-8th grades and high school. The results show that, on average, 27% of students in all grades are college-ready

DNCC Releases Draft 2016 Platform Language Supporting Progressive Education Reform

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE DNCC Releases Draft 2016 Platform Language Supporting Progressive Education Reform Washington, DC – Today, the Democratic National Convention Committee (DNCC) released its draft of the 2016 Democratic Party Platform, which outlines a progressive, pro-student, pro-public education vision for our Party and our country and embraces more resources and reform in our schools.

Fox 5 NY: Shavar Jeffries Says Opt Out Effort Could Adversely Impact Communities of Color

Today, Democrats for Education Reform National President Shavar Jeffries appeared on FOX 5’s Good Day New York to discuss Common Core, New York State opt out groups and how their efforts could have an adverse impact on children of color. The segment comes as New York’s public schools begin statewide standardized testing:  

Shavar Jeffries in New York Daily News | The Establishment Bernie Sanders Likes

In the New York Daily News, DFER President Shavar Jeffries calls out the flip-flops and hypocrisy in Bernie Sanders’ education record. As the next round of hand-wringing over the Democratic race commences, those of us who are focused on education policy have our own questions.   First, why, when Democrats need a broad coalition of

DFER-DC Statement on Elementary & Middle School PARCC Scores

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE Statement From DFER D.C. Director on Elementary & Middle School PARCC Scores “For too many kids, their zip code is still determining their access to quality education.” Washington, DC — Today, the Office of the State Superintendent for Education released the 2014-2015 Partnership for Assessment of Readiness for College and Careers (PARCC) scores for

DFER-DC Statement on PARCC High School Scores

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE Democrats for Education Reform-D.C. Releases Statement on PARCC High School Scores Washington, D.C. – Today, the Office of the State Superintendent for Education released the 2014-2015 Partnership for Assessment of Readiness for College and Careers (PARCC) test scores for DC public high schools. The results show that citywide, only 1 in 4

Joint Statement on the Senate's Passage of the Every Child Achieves Act

Since HELP Committee Chairman Lamar Alexander announced his plans to reauthorize ESEA at the beginning of this year, our organizations have worked together—across lines that often divide us on matters of public policy—to secure provisions in the law that we all think are vitally important to this nation’s future. Our common goals include: • Maintaining the

DFER-MA's Liam Kerr: No reason to abandon MCAS testing

The following Letter to the Editor was submitted to the Worcester Telegram & Gazette by DFER-Massachusetts State Director Liam Kerr: Letter: No reason to abandon MCAS testing Posted Jul. 2, 2015 at 7:06 AM The recent legislative hearing on proposals to jettison assessment tests underscores the need to return the Democratic Party to its role as

DFER Louisiana Statement on House Bill 166

Baton Rouge, La—Today, following the House Education Committee vote on House Bill 166 that passed by a vote of 9 to 8, DFER-LA State Director, Eva Kemp-Melder, released the following statement: “While we are disappointed that a measure focused on adult politics rather than student outcomes is moving forward, we will continue to make the