Therefore, we firmly resolve to support:

• bringing every man, woman and child in the United States to literacy and encouraging the involvement of Women's American ORT volunteers in local literacy projects.
• career, technological and vocational education programs for all students.
• continuous availability of educational choices that will allow diverse student populations of all ages to engage in lifelong learning.
• full funding for all programs that serve special needs children, beginning with early childhood intervention.
• equitable and sufficient educational funding for communities of all economic levels.
• close monitoring of charter schools to ensure that they are used for public education only, are fiscally sound, operate within constitutional boundaries, are not in violation of anti-discrimination laws, and are publicly accountable for their methodology and results.
• professional development for educators and quality teacher acquisition programs.
• programs designed to move students and parents into English fluency.
• the elimination of all forms of gender bias in public education.
• age-appropriate dissemination of information on sex education, including prevention of pregnancy and sexually transmitted diseases.
• educational programs that foster physical and mental health for students.
• instructional programs that promote safe Internet usage for children and adults.
• the teaching of Holocaust studies with emphasis on accurate historical data.
• programs that regularly teach tolerance and understanding diversity to all students and school personnel.
• programs to encourage parental involvement in their children's education.
• early childhood education and safe, affordable childcare.
• funding to provide merit-based financial incentives for post-secondary learning.
• appropriate, realistic disciplinary action policies that will allow for safe and weapon-free learning environments.
• Drug- and alcohol-free schools with appropriate substance abuse programs that are both preventative and supportive of recovery.




The operation of the global ORT network of schools is predicated on strong educational principles. In recognition of the success and expertise of ORT's programs, Women's American ORT envisions the application of these same principles to the American public school system. Any intrusions, governmental or otherwise, that compromise sound educational practices, can be detrimental to effective learning.


We therefore strongly oppose:

• all school vouchers or any other programs providing federal or state funds to private and parochial schools, thus draining key financial resources needed to maintain and improve our public education system.
• unfunded state or federal mandates, which take important educational dollars out of the classrooms.
• institutionalized prayer in any form, whether led by students or other individuals.
• censorship of appropriate educational materials, including but not limited to: texts, library books, videos, CDs and computer software.





Additional Women's American ORT Resolutions