The Garfield High teachers leading the revolt against the MAP standardized test in Seattle say their push-back will gain new steam with a May Day rally.

They will hold a media event Monday afternoon to discuss the renewed effort and are calling on supporters in Seattle and around the world to show solidarity. From the Scrap the MAP blog:

Now the Seattle teachers need your support again.

The spring offering of the MAP test produces the scores that are supposed to be used in Seattle’s teacher evaluations. For this reason the Seattle School District could take a harsher stance against boycotting teachers this time around.

May Day is traditionally a day of international workers solidarity. What better time to show your support for the teachers who have risked their livelihoods to advocate for quality assessment and for our resources to be used to support learning rather than endless testing?

We, the Seattle MAP test boycotting teachers, pledge our solidarity to teachers around the world who are struggling for an education system that supports and empowers our students with curriculum and assessments that are relevant to their lives. In turn, we ask for your support as we struggle for these very goals.

See the group’s blog post for ideas on how to show solidarity.

Mayoral candidate forum Tuesday at Garfield

In other Garfield news, the school will be the site of the first mayoral candidate forum held in the neighborhood. Appropriately, the topic of discussion is education. Details:

CPPS, Community and Parents for Public Schools, is hosting a Mayoral candidate forum on Education.

Tuesday, April 30
6:30 – 8:30pm
Garfield High School Commons
400 – 23rd Avenue, Seattle, WA 98122

Candidates who have confirmed their attendance:
Tim Burgess, Bruce Harrell, Kate Martin, Michael McGinn, Ed Murray, Charlie Staadecker, and Peter Steinbrueck

Join these seven candidates running for Mayor of Seattle at the CPPS Mayoral Candidates Forum on Education. Ask questions and learn how the next mayor proposes to help ALL Children receive the support that they need to gain a quality education.