Location(s)

Unity Rally for Children Left Behind

Wednesday, May 21, 3:00 p.m.

Grand Staircase, MA State House 

WHY:        Let state lawmakers know that education reform efforts aren’t working! Instead of focusing only on testing for proficiency in a few subjects, education reform should also focus on raising graduation rates, making sure all public schools have equal and adequate resources, and using lots of ways to evaluate student and school progress- not just one test.  

WHO:       Youth, teachers, parents, elected officials and everyone else who cares about public education throughout MA are invited to attend. We expect over 500 people. The MA Teachers Association, Boston Teachers Union, Citizens for Public Schools, American Civil Liberties Union, Boston Student Advisory Council, FairTest and The Center for Teen Empowerment are co-hosting the rally. 

WHAT:     Show the governor and legislature that youth do care about education! Let’s raise the awareness of policy makers about the unintended effects of school reform, like the high dropout rates in urban schools and the achievement gap between urban and suburban students.  The rally will include speeches by youth and adults about their personal experiences with educational policies. Bring signs and posters if you want and be ready to sign our giant diploma asking the governor for better schools.