
But now, a new and unexpected question has made its way into the spotlight. Why is the American Federation of Teachers (AFT) interested in Pearson improving its profits? Well, it appears that the AFT and Pearson are strange bedfellow. The AFT has investments in Pearson, and is seeking improvements in their financial positions. This presents an interesting dilemma for the AFT and its members. I don't know about you, but it seems that the AFT now need to figure a way to explain its relationship, while it continues to bash its partner.
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"The New Mexico Public Education Department, which introduced
the Partnership for Assessment of Readiness for College and Careers
test last year, slammed the AFT for its financial ties to the company." (Albuquerque Journal, April 1, 2016)
“It is the very height of hypocrisy for the union to
publicly bash an organization, yet gladly take their money behind closed
doors,” PED spokesman Robert McEntyre wrote in an emailed statement.
“The union’s actions are stunning, and it tells you everything you need
to know about this special interest group.”(Albuquerque Journal, April 1, 2016)
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As an educator, I have never been a big fan of high-stakes testing, believing that the biases built into these tests cannot be neutralized, and therefore, limits their ability to inform on students' progress. There are more authentic ways of assessing students that are more sustainable and progressive. Most educators have similar philosophical belief about this that is informed by their experiences in education as teachers, administrators, and leaders, as well as their understanding of how people develop and achieve best. Such positions are context neutral, and not subject to the situation or conditions. Therefore, it is not a matter of convenience. The relationship between AFT and Pearson should raise questions. The organization represents thousands of members, and I'm sure they'd like to better understand the relationship.
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