AFT-Speeches

In light of a recent campaign for greater parent and community authority in school administration for a public school, I.S. 201, in Harlem, Al Shanker discusses the various attempts at school reform in New York City. He hits on the desire by I.S. 201 parents to select textbooks, to require a certain racial makeup in the school staff and administration, and the idea of handing over administration of schools to universities or community groups rather than the government.

These short remarks condemn the Soviet government's oppression of Jewish citizens wishing to emigrate to Israel. Al Shanker cites the cases of two men in particular, Anatoly Scharansky and Yosef Begun, who were jailed in Siberia for several years for attempting to emigrate. In light of these actions, Shanker decries America's moves to enter into agreements with the Soviets.

In this speech, Al Shanker discusses the need for teachers to take responsibility of the state of education. He says that too often students, parents, or society are blamed for school failure, while teachers are cast as victims. Shanker argues instead that teachers need to adjust their attitudes to claim responsibility. In doing so, he also advocates for stronger teacher training and support noting that frequently young teachers fresh out of college burn out quickly.

During this interview, Al Shanker answers questions about a wide variety of educational topics including teacher examination and qualification; decentralization of school boards; community involvement in public schools; minority presence in school administrative and supervisory positions; how to measure achievement; requirements for teacher certification; merit pay; tenure; the use of paraprofessionals in schools; and accountability.

Debate taken from the United Teacher. Albert Shanker debates John Doar, Board of Education president of New York City about the Ocean Hill - Brownsville strike.