Statement by Edward J. McElroy,
President, American Federation of Teachers,
On the Sharpton-Klein Education Initiative

Yesterday, the Rev. Al Sharpton and New York City Schools Chancellor Joel Klein held a press conference to announce what they billed as an education initiative. The Sharpton-Klein announcement came one day after the Economic Policy Institute launched a far better proposal to improve the quality of children’s lives.

WASHINGTON, D.C.—At yesterday’s announcement of the Sharpton-Klein initiative, a half-dozen people spoke from the podium, but no one was there to give the teachers’ perspective. We hope this is an oversight rather than an intentional slight, and that the initiative will focus on helping teachers do their jobs better and giving them the tools they need.

A more thoughtful proposal came this week from a task force convened by the Economic Policy Institute. Made up of civil rights leaders, education experts and other community leaders of various political affiliations, the task force recognizes the need for policies that help children both in and out of school. The task force will work for better schools; high-quality early childhood, preschool, after-school and summer programs; and stronger support for parents. These measures will go a long way toward providing better opportunities for all children. 

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