It’s interesting how a huge democratic, deliberative body can take practically anything controversial and render it palatable to the majority.
The original language of new business item 62 at this year’s NEA Annual Convention would have mobilized the union against the “national standards movement” out of fear that it would lead to a national testing program.
The item passed, but only after delegates substituted language that directs the union to engage in a dialogue with stakeholders about the national goals and ensure teachers are part of the dialogue. And who doesn’t support that?