What do you think of the NEA 2007-2008 resolutions?

Question

Pay special attention to B-75, A-26 and B-11.

http://www.nea.org/annualmeeting/raaction/images/2007-2008Resolutions.pdf

Answer 1

Myself & over 2700 other homeschoolers are totally against it. I know - I have a petition going that will be being mailed certified to the NEA very soon!

http://www.thepetitionsite.com/1/homesch...

Answer 2

This is a lobby group for Union Teachers, what are you expecting them to say and do.

While I can agree with a lot of what they say, the concept of the Voucher programs one of the Good concepts Bush has, would be a noble experiment.  To bad everyone opposes it.

Too bad the NEA does give 40 lashed to the voter.  In California for the last 30 years voters have consistently voted AGAINST school programs for buildings, improvements, tools to allow for 365 education.

They also voted down water programs too, and then complain when droughts happen and there is talk of water rationing.  Yet on a consistant basis voters in California oppose both SCHOOL and WATER programs.

There should be a Federal and State tax write off, right on the 1040 and 1040A form to let homeschool parents write off the actual cost of supplies for homeschooling maybe with a ceilling.  $500  per year per child with a $1,500 maximum.  Parents would have to have receipts and the supplie would have to be legit, such as books, maps, software, even a percentage of internet fees and computer costs.

It would help.

Answer 3

My parents are teachers, I grew up in the NEA...they've had similar resolutions for the past several years.  I don't like them, but just because they have them doesn't mean anything's going to be done about them.

I do think we need to realize, however, that they're not likely to endorse homeschooling anytime soon (like ever...).  That would be akin to HSLDA putting out an acceptance campaign on public schooling.  The two are kind of diametrically opposed.  

I would gladly sign the petition, as I think the resolutions are uninformed and biased.  However, it's not law - it's the opinion of the leadership of an organization.  Being an American organization, they have the right to hold that opinion, whether we agree with it or not.  I'm sure they read some of the stuff we put out and shudder.

If any of it goes to legislation, you better bet I'd be all over it (like the garbage apparently going on in CA right now)...but they're allowed to voice the opinions.

Just my 2 cents, though... :-)

Answer 4

The NEA is a union representing people who make their living as teachers.  They oppose anything that undermines their power base.

Homeschooling does just that while disproving the assertion that you need "trained professionals" to teach kids well.

They will always oppose homeschooling as will other groups who want to control our childrens minds.

We must always be vigilant.

Answer 5

Well i like to speak my mind so please give me a thumbs down if you disagree with me.I cant see any problems , just standard non-discrimination legislation.

Answer 6

I agree with the previous poster, the NEA has had many such annual meetings, and made these resolutions each year.

We have to understand that they are not about education, they are a political group, stating opinions on many issues completely unrelated to education, as well as oppose anything that is not something they can control, like the freedom to choose alternative forms of education may that be private, or homeschooling, and that is why those who have to be a member of such organizations in order to be able to work, should choose the option of not having their dues go to support anything the NEA supports politically.

Answer 7

I signed the petition as well & am forwarding it on our homeschool e-tree!  That will reach hundreds of people in my area!!  Hope it helps!

Answer 8

A-26. For-Profit Schools

The National Education Association believes that there is an inherent conflict between serving the needs of children and serving the needs of stockholders in an educational setting, and opposes education for profit. (2000)

B-11. Racism, Sexism, Sexual Orientation, and Gender Identification. Discrimination

The National Education Association believes in the equality of all individuals. Discrimination and stereotyping based on such factors as race, gender, sexual orientation, gender identification, disability, ethnicity, immigration status, occupation, and religion must be eliminated.

The Association also believes that these factors should not affect the legal rights and obligations of the partners in a legally recognized domestic partnership, civil union, or marriage in regard to matters involving the other partner, such as medical decisions, taxes, inheritance, adoption, and immigration.

The Association further believes that plans, activities, and programs for education employees, students, parents/guardians, and the community should be developed to identify and eliminate discrimination and stereotyping in all educational settings. Such plans, activities, and programs must—

a. Increase respect, understanding, acceptance, and sensitivity toward individuals and groups in a diverse society composed of such groups as American Indians/Alaska Natives, Asians, Native Hawaiian or other Pacific Islanders, Blacks, Hispanics, women, g**s, lesbians, bisexuals,

transgendered persons, and people with disabilities

b. Eliminate discrimination and stereotyping in curricula, textbooks, resource and instructional materials, activities, etc.

c. Foster the dissemination and use of nondiscriminatory and nonstereotypical language, resources, practices, and activities

d. Eliminate institutional discrimination

e. Integrate an accurate portrayal of the roles and contributions of all groups throughout history across curricula, particularly groups that have been underrepresented historically

f. Identify how prejudice, stereotyping, and discrimination have limited the roles and contributions of individuals and groups, and how these limitations have challenged and continue to challenge our society

g. Eliminate subtle practices that favor the education of one student over another on the basis of race, gender, sexual orientation, gender identification, disability, ethnicity, or religion

h. Encourage all members of the educational community to examine assumptions and prejudices, including, but not limited to, racism, sexism, and homophobia, that might limit the opportunities and growth of students and education employees

i. Offer positive and diverse role models in our society, including the recruitment, hiring, and promotion of diverse education employees in our public schools

j. Coordinate with organizations and concerned agencies that promote the contributions, heritage, culture, history, and special health and care needs of diverse population groups

k. Promote a safe and inclusive environment for all.

The Association encourages its affiliates to develop and implement training programs on these matters. (1996, 2006)

B-75. Home Schooling

The National Education Association believes that home schooling programs based on parental choice cannot provide the student with a comprehensive education experience. When home schooling occurs, students enrolled must meet all state curricular requirements, including the taking and passing of assessments to ensure adequate academic progress. Home schooling should be limited to the children of the immediate family, with all expenses being borne by the parents/guardians. Instruction should be by

persons who are licensed by the appropriate state education licensure agency, and a curriculum approved by the state department of education should be used.

The Association also believes that home-schooled students should not participate in any extracurricular activities in the public schools.

The Association further believes that local public school systems should have the authority to determine grade placement and/or credits earned toward graduation for students entering or re-entering the public school setting from a home school setting. (1988, 2006)

Well, I hope every word stated there may be applied to students and parents through institution..  world is changing and so do we