Visual Protest March 15 Against NCLB and High Stakes Tests -- Media

[KaliTracy]

coverage likely in many cities. Wear Red -- children, teachers, parents, grandparents...

I'm posting this from an e-list I'm on -- If you want to let this person and her group know that you and your friends or colleagues are "on board" I'd be happy to forward the information requested. While she's up for her email address to be forwarded, I don't think it's appropriate to post to a public forum.

If you want to submit your group E-mail me at tnt#isoc.net (replace the # with the @ sign). Or PM me. And I'll forward the information on. But don't let that stop you from doing this anyway!

KaliTracy
http://stophighstakestests.org

***
"A notice or reminder of a national action initiated by a Washington state-based anti-high-stakes testing group for March 15. They are encouraging all those who want to make a symbolic statement against NCLB and your state’s high-stakes testing system to wear red if you’re a parent or teacher and encourage your children to wear red to protest this misuse of testing. More below….

**

Dear Test Resister:

The response to the "wear red" protest on March 15th is great. I never imagined this would get so big so quickly.

Many of you have sent me positive emails, so I assume you are "on board", but could you please send me an email stating such and the name of your group. We are getting ready to contact media and other groups and I want to be able to list as many supporters as possible.

Our statement to the media will be: "On March 15th we are sending our children to school wearing red to show our disapproval of high-stakes testing and the negative impact that No Child Left Behind imposes on our schools. We invite teachers and educators to join us in our protest."

If your group would like to be part of this protest, the very least I would like from you is to post the protest information on your web site.

Of course there is much more that can be done, and a big "thank you' to those of you that have already started. Here is a list of things I have thought of:

1. Start compiling a list of political and activist groups in your state that you think would support this protest and help get the word out. Please contact them and ask for their support. ( your local NAACP, educational groups, unions, etc.)

2. Have members of your group spread the word about the protest. Talk to friends, family neighbors, parents at school bus stops and athletic events, high-school students, etc.

If possible place notices in newsletters, employee lounges, bulletin boards, etc.

3. Write letters to the editor.

4. Have a statement ready to send to local media.

5. Contact me if you have any more ideas.

Here in Washington State, the word is already spreading. I am planning to contact the national chapter of NAACP, NEA (National Education Association) and AFT ( American Federation of Teachers)

I will be waiting for your emails to tell me to count you in!

-Kathy Storkersen