Public Education Justice Resources from the National Council of Churches Committee on Public Education and Literacy

The National Council of Churches Committee on Public Education and Literacy has created resources to be used in ecumenical settings and local congregations in the many communions of the National Council of Churches to support work for justice in public schools. 

The Committee’s work is grounded in a policy statement passed in 1999 by the NCC General Assembly, a policy statement that was reaffirmed in a resolution adopted on November 5, 2003 by the NCC General Assembly.

Advocacy Resources

Repairing the Breach: A Just Agenda for Public School Reform—Questions for Public Officials  (2012)

An Alternative Vision for Public Education: Four Short Video Conversations with Dr. Diane Ravitch and Dr. John Jackson along with a study guide for congregational use (2011)

A Pastoral Letter on Federal Policy in Public Education: An Ecumenical Call for Justice This letter was adopted unanimously by the NCC Governing Board. (2010)

Opportunity Gaps in Public Education Must Be Closed (2009)

Opportunity Gaps in Public Education Must Be Closed (bulletin insert) (2009)

Public Education Justice—Where Do Charter Schools Fit In?  A set of questions to guide discussion. (2008)

Ten Moral Concerns in the No Child Left Behind Act (2005, revised in 2008)

A Study Guide for congregations to discuss Linda Perlstein’s TESTED, an expose of the problems in federal policy dominated by high stakes testing. Perlstein tells the story of children and teachers during one school year in a Maryland elementary school. (2008)

Science, Religion, and the Teaching of Evolution in Public School Science Classes (2006)

Worship Resources

Journey to Opportunity, Journey to Learn: A Reflection on Public Education in God’s World Today.  This is a 40-day study guide for personal devotion and/or group study. (2011)

A Litany for Education and Schools

Reports

March 13, 2009, Transforming No Child Left Behind conference frames agenda for public policy.

March 9, 2007, Fixing No Child Left Behind conference informs faith leaders for advocacy on federal policy.