Education News from the Texas AFT Legislative Hotline 
Drowning in Debt to Get a Degree
In her latest column appearing in the New York Times, AFT president Randi Weingarten writes about the challenge of making sure more students can earn college degrees at a time when the skyrocketing cost of higher education threatens to put it out of reach for many people. Read the full column.
AFT announces $25,000 Prize for Solution-Driven Unionism
The challenges the AFT faces demand a different approach to unionism—an approach that is relevant and appropriate to the 21st century, that is creative and visionary, and that unifies the members of our union with those we serve. This is what we call solution-driven unionism. We know that across the AFT, there are many inspiring examples of collective work to improve our workplaces and our communities. That's why we created the Prize for Solution-Driven Unionism: to recognize extraordinary accomplishments that exemplify our mission of providing high-quality public education, healthcare and public services. More Information
Common Core: Do What It Takes Before High Stakes
In her latest column appearing in the New York Times, AFT president Randi Weingarten writes about the promise—and the possible pitfalls—of the new Common Core State Standards. If implemented properly—namely, by ensuring that frontline educators are prepared to teach these rigorous new standards—we can provide all children with the problem-solving, critical-thinking and teamwork skills they need to compete in today’s changing world. If not, they will end up in the dustbin of abandoned reforms. Read her full column.
Teachers support Common Core and moratorium on stakes
Three-quarters of public school teachers surveyed support the Common Core State Standards, yet just 27 percent said their district has provided them with the tools and resources necessary to teach the standards, according to the results of a new AFT poll.
