WEAC launches ad condemning 'interference' in schools

A new hard-hitting television advertisement beginning today condemns political and corporate interference in public schools.

The WEAC ad, "Interference," drives home the harm caused by conservative corporate influence in school policy.

The ad shows that there are some politicians and corporate lobbyists who do not have the best interests of children at heart," WEAC Public Relations and Communications Director Dick Vander Woude said. "These are forces more interested in destroying our public schools and making a profit from them than creating a great school for every kid. The ad asks Wisconsin residents to vote for candidates who support great schools."

Kerry visits Wisconsin

Democratic presidential candidate John Kerry made another swing through Wisconsin last week, talking to voters in Milwaukee and Madison.

In Madison, he blasted President Bush on Iraq, the economy, health care and other issues and then implored supporters to do everything they can over the next several weeks to remove George W. Bush from office.

"I don't want you to go out and fight for me," he told about 10,000 supporters at a September 15 rally. "I want you to fight for yourselves, for your families, and for America."

Board and committee members learn of volunteer opportunities

The WEAC Board of Directors and committee members underwent some intensive training this past weekend in preparation for candidate visits to their communities this fall.

Representatives of John Kerry's Wisconsin staff spent about two hours training members on "advance" work.

The session focused on what to expect when a candidate comes to a community. Members learned about crowd-building and volunteer opportunities.

AYP list is meaningless interference

A list of Wisconsin schools and school districts not meeting arbitrary standards is meaningless and yet another example of federal politicians' interference in teachers' ability to educate children, according to WEAC President Stan Johnson.

"The schools and school districts on a list released last week did not conform with the one-size-fits-all approach of the Elementary and Secondary Education Act, misleadingly called the 'No Child Left Behind' law by the Bush administration," WEAC President Stan Johnson said. "This list of schools not meeting so-called adequate yearly progress does not help teachers and education support professionals do what really helps children learn. Everyone supports high achievement and accountability, but the ESEA's rigid standards do not truly evaluate or improve student performance. "