Community-Centered Systems Change

Operational programs focused on improving student academic outcomes. Specific methods or scope not detailed in available evidence.

Advocates at the federal, state, and local levels to reduce reliance on standardized testing in K–12 education and college admissions, including support for the More Teaching, Less Testing Act of 2023 and reform of ESSA assessment mandates. Submits policy comments and public statements to influence U.S. Department of Education regulations.

Supports a national opt-out movement by maintaining a network of state-level contacts, developing organizing toolkits, and providing media advocacy resources. Collaborates with organizations like NEA to advise affiliates on improving assessment systems and pursuing ESSA waivers.

Produces and distributes weekly updates, research reports, fact sheets, flyers, opinion pieces, and news articles to inform educators, administrators, families, and policymakers about testing trends, harms of high-stakes testing, and alternative assessment methods.

Conducts and publishes research on statutory testing requirements under ESSA, performance-based assessment models, and alternatives to high-stakes testing. Produces reports, fact sheets, and case studies, including "Assessment Matters" (2016) and guidance on assessment for students with disabilities.

Advocates for reducing reliance on standardized testing and increasing investment in student learning, including proper implementation of evaluations and Common Core standards. Organizes Full Funding Fridays to advocate for timely passage of education funding legislation.

Provides resources and training to support members in mobilizing against aggressive immigration enforcement, including the "Education, Not Deportation" program. Organizes leadership conferences for paraprofessionals, facilitates strategic discussions among union leaders, and trains them on using the Action Network database for communication and petitioning. Builds rapid response teams via listservs for quick mobilization.

Offers checklists to help K-12 schools, higher education institutions, and healthcare facilities prepare emergency plans to protect families during immigration enforcement actions.

Includes establishing an accelerated algebra class, co-teaching a multigrade-level special education math class, using newspaper clippings and model rockets to teach about the 1969 moon landing, and conducting daily mental math exercises to build student fluency.

Advocates for keeping ICE out of schools, preschools, and hospitals to ensure these spaces remain safe and welcoming. Participates in public actions such as the No Kings rallies and collaborates with Sunrise to oppose ICE enforcement practices.

Distributed 1.5 million books through the Reading Opens the World program in the prior year and plans to distribute 1 million additional books.

Sponsors social events such as picnics and baseball games for members and their families, and organizes marches during lobby days to increase visibility and public awareness. Provides matching T-shirts and uses attention-grabbing tools like a 20-foot inflatable bull named STOMP during mobilizations.

Provides a guide for new and experienced teachers outlining services and resources available to members.

Offers professional development courses for undergraduate, graduate, and in-service credit to NYSUT members. Provides access to the 2007 Danielson rubric components, sample observation forms, and instructional resources to support teaching effectiveness.

Co-published the report “Likes vs. Learning: The Real Cost of Social Media for Schools” with partner organizations.

Hosts informational meetings for teachers considering retirement to explain post-employment benefits and procedures.

Helped establish over 700 community schools across the United States.

Brought computers into the district and taught administrative staff how to use Excel.