UFT President Michael Mulgrew talked to District 15 members about the challenge facing teachers trying to prepare students for more difficult tests based on the new Common Core Learning Standards without appropriate curriculum during a Meet the President gathering on April 15. Noting there was once an Office of Curriculum and Curriculum Development at the Department of Education, Mulgrew said the current difficulty wouldn’t exist if there were 250 curriculum developers instead of 250 accountability experts at the DOE. PS 131 teachers all agreed not only on the need for curriculum but also for professional development designed to meet the higher standards. Fifth-grade teacher Alexis DeWald said educators need “training for depth.” PS 131 Chapter Leader Lorraine Donlon, one of 25 chapter leaders at the meeting in Sunset Park that included 180 educators, also appreciated the union president’s update on evaluation and contract negotiations. Chapter Leader Gordon Baldwin of MS 136 said that because he is looking forward to “a new mayor who will not vilify teachers,” Mulgrew’s emphasis on the importance of the upcoming mayoral election and the union’s role was of particular interest.