EDUCATIONAL REFORM IN THE ELEMENTARY SCHOOL

WHEREAS, elementary teachers in many schools continue to work on "treadmill" schedules; and

WHEREAS, such schedules are frequently driven by a discredited and outmoded "time on deadly task"¾"cover the curriculum at all costs" philosophy; and

WHEREAS, such schedules do not afford elementary teachers adequate time for reflection, planning or dining; and

WHEREAS, such high-pressure schedules adversely affect student learning; and

WHEREAS, a greater availability of high-technology resources could reduce some of these pressures:

RESOLVED, that the AFT encourage and assist state federations and locals to promote the interests of elementary school teachers in achieving full professional status by means such as regularly scheduled planning time, duty-free lunch hour and the technology necessary to enhance and manage instruction.