Happy New Year!

10 Things We Would Like To See In 2015

10. A growing middle class and an economy that works for all

In 2015, we need an economy that continues to grow—but it must grow for all. Good jobs, collective bargaining and higher wages for workers will strengthen the middle class and provide more security in retirement.

9. Kids with healthy minds and healthy bodies

Through partnerships like First Book and Farm to School, we can get books into the hands and home of every child and make sure every child has access to healthy meals, at school and at home. In 2015, we want to see all kids healthy and ready to learn.

8. A prepared educator in every classroom

In 2015, we must focus on recruiting, supporting and retaining good teachers, especially for hard-to-staff schools, where the kids need them most. For students to thrive, educators must be provided appropriate training, conditions and support. Teachers need preparation to successfully make education their careers.

7. Comprehensive immigration reform

2015 must be the year that millions of people living in the shadows are able to achieve the American dream.

6. Paid sick and family leave

No one should have to choose between taking care of themselves or a loved one and keeping their job. In 2015, we must ensure every worker has paid sick leave.

5. Brakes on high-stakes testing

In 2015, testing data should be used to inform instruction, not to sanction students, schools or teachers. Accountability must value teaching and learning; it should be about ensuring meaningful learning opportunities, such as project-based instruction, so students are engaged, not forced to focus on rote memorization or subjected to the stress of endless test prep or standardized testing.

4. Access to affordable, high-quality higher education

In 2015, we must reverse the disinvestment by states in public universities and colleges, and give more students access to higher education without the burden of unaffordable debt.

3. Investment in community schools and high-quality career and technical education

In 2015, we must fix, not close, neighborhood public schools. We must open up new pathways to graduation, including in technical and other career-related fields, and surround schools with needed services and supports that can make them an epicenter for students, parents and the community. We can provide students with an education that is right for them and opens up their futures by encouraging project-based learning and addressing the causes of the achievement and learning gaps, two-thirds of which are based on social and economic conditions.

2. End Ebola

We must end the Ebola epidemic worldwide in 2015 by ensuring those fighting it on the front lines have training, equipment and resources they need to care for patients and contain the spread of the disease.

1. All lives matter

In America, communities of all races and creeds must feel safe and be able to rely on a justice system that is colorblind and fair to all and that honors and respects police officers for the work they do. It is bias, racism and economic inequality that are our enemies, and in 2015, we will continue to fight for justice for all.