News

AFT resources on the COVID-19

The AFT is focused on the health and safety of our members, communities and students.

School and library closures related to the coronavirus pandemic have impacted hundreds of thousands of U.S. schools and libraries and affected millions of students. The AFT is working constantly to help our members and the people they serve navigate this virus, and buffer against the economic impacts. These are unique and challenging times, and information on COVID-19 is constantly evolving.

Please visit https://www.aft.org/coronavirus to review the AFT's collection of resources.

This Year’s MCAS Tests Cancelled After Parents, Students, and Educators Speak Out

Since Massachusetts schools began closing in response to the COVID-19 pandemic last month, parents, students, and educators have spoken out and advocated for the cancellation of this year’s MCAS. On Friday, this advocacy paid off, as Governor Baker signed legislation – passed by the Legislature on Thursday – that suspends the testing requirement this year.

"The educators of AFT Massachusetts appreciate the House and Senate’s passage of legislation to waive this year’s MCAS requirement," said AFT Massachusetts President Beth Kontos. "We are glad Governor Baker signed the bill immediately so

Randi Weingarten and NYC teacher Tamara Simpson

Attacks on public education in America by extremists and culture-war peddling politicians have reached new heights (“lows” may be more apt), but they are not new. The difference today is that the attacks are intended not just to undermine public education but to destroy it.

AFT resources on the COVID-19

This Year’s MCAS Tests Cancelled After Parents, Students, and Educators Speak Out

In defense of public education