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Press Release: Missouri NEA Supports School Transfer Plans from School Administrators, AFT-Missouri

JEFFERSON CITY, Mo – Today, the Missouri Association of School Administrators and the American Federation of Teachers–Missouri submitted plans to the Missouri Department of Elementary and Secondary Education for intervention in unaccredited school districts.

“DESE’s status quo of forced school district consolidation through bankruptcy is not a plan for improvement, nor is the one-size-fits-all approach of the CEE-Trust plan,” says Missouri NEA President Charles E. Smith, a high school English teacher on leave from the Center School District. “The plans submitted today recognize intervention must target schools’ individual needs, utilize proven strategies, maintain financial stability of schools, and ensure accountability to students and parents.

“DESE should establish accountability contracts with under-performing schools with specific expectations, timelines and intervention plans. Teachers know that a one-size-fits-all approach doesn’t work with students, and it won’t work in our schools. DESE has the ability to act now and should embrace the plans submitted today to improve our schools. It’s time to stop the chaos and do what is best for students and our communities.”

The 35,000-member MNEA represents teachers, education support professionals, college faculty, retired teachers and students studying to be teachers in school districts and on college campuses throughout the state. It is the Missouri affiliate of the 3.2 million-member NEA.

 

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