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A "Day of Action" for Some ROC Parents, Students & Teachers

Fair funding for public education and a moratorium on state tests. That’s what some Rochester area parents, educators, union members and activists called for during Monday's statewide “Day of Action.”

It’s all part of a national effort launched by the American Federation of Teachers, the National Education Association, and more than a hundred other organizations.

Tom Gillett is the Regional Staff Director of New York State United Teachers. He says a  three year moratorium on state tests connected to the new Common Core Standards will allow more time to sufficiently implement the standards.

"The curriculum at every level can be developed and tested and corrected if necessary," Gillett says. "The tests themselves can also be tested and by tested I mean made sure that the tests are appropriate for each of the developmental levels they're being applied to - kids at whatever grade level," says Gillett.

Gillett adds it’s not about trying to eliminate high standards, but rather developing the appropriate tools and resources to implement them successfully.

The "Day of Action" was part of a national effort called by the American Federation of Teachers, the National Education Association, and more than 100 other organizations.

Leaders of the “Day of Action” in New York will launch an open letter to the State Board of Regents. They're urging the Regents to recommend an increase in financial support to high needs schools and to re-evaluate and make changes to the implementation of the Common Core standards in state schools.