This is a follow up article to the 6/19 CHALLENGE article “Pushback on the Bosses’ Curriculum.” The struggle against the new, mandated curriculum in New York City (NYC) schools continues with the leadership of teachers in Progressive Labor Party (PLP). Mayor Eric Adams, currently facing federal charges of bribery, wire fraud, conspiracy, and accepting illegal campaign contributions, the Department of Education (DOE), and the United Federation of Teachers (UFT) are forcing this new curriculum as a way to control teachers and students. Under capitalism the education system is designed to indoctrinate students with capitalist ideas and mold them into obedient workers and soldiers. Standardized curriculums help them do that.

Mayor Adams was the dream of the liberal fascists, a Black kkkop who had no problem decrying being left out of education due to his dyslexia and then subsequently slamming the door shut on the next generation of dyslexic Black kids coming behind him by imposing a one size fits all curriculum. Unfortunately, he got too obviously greedy by accepting lavish gifts and campaign contributions from foreign countries and hooking up his friends and family with city positions. Though it is enjoyable to see him get investigated, as communists we must remember that this is more about the rulers disciplining one member of their class to better carry out the needs of capitalism.  It is not about making life better for the working class. 

Struggle spreads

As the struggle at our high school escalated, the UFT shifted its message from collaboration with the district bosses to struggling for teacher autonomy. News of our fight reached the Chancellor’s office. Even though we are just one out of over a thousand high schools, they are afraid of the struggle spreading further. The Assistant Principal (AP) lied to the Chancellor about how widespread dissent was amongst the teachers but our union leader shared a petition that showed how many teachers were united in this struggle.

This same AP is now asking teachers if there is any organizing going on against her in the department. Of course we are organizing. Communist leadership is being given at all levels of the struggle. In quick meetings in between periods and during shared lunches, the department has discussed the struggle and shaped goals. They have prioritized the needs of the students over the mandate. 
Racist education fails Black students

Due to the racism inherent in capitalism, Black and Latin students are not achieving at the same rate. In some areas where there is a struggle against the mandate, Black students are being left out of the conversation. Many of the white and Asian students have tutors and use school to apply what they have already learned. But for many students, school is where they learn the skills and not just apply prior learning with the help of parents and tutors. 

The Superintendent is trying to say that the mandated curriculum is going to help Black students to achieve higher on tests but this is a lie. No mandated curriculum can fix systemic inequality, especially when it alienates, oppresses, and kills the creativity of the teachers who plan directly for their students’ needs. These curricula are specifically designed by corporations in order to meet the needs of a capitalist education system.
This struggle not only affects our jobs as teachers but also as parents to students in NYC schools. In a Parent Teacher Association meeting in an elementary school, the struggle against the new curriculum was discussed. Less time will be spent teaching math in second grade and below so that the students can be taught typing skills. This is so they can succeed in the timed standardized tests in third grade that are given on computers.

An important part of the struggle has been sharing CHALLENGE with more teachers. This has shifted the conversations from simply complaining about being told what to do by administration to understanding the importance of fighting for our students' needs and the importance of uniting with parents and students. So far our parent and student outreach needs to be strengthened. A single spark can start a fire and a single struggle with communist leadership can shake up the bosses’ plans. We have a world to win and we need to be able to teach that to our students.