January 2014 Focus Color
Content
PEA
focus
on educators
California Teachers Association
Statement of Mission
with the District regarding Common Core Implementation. There will be a joint committee made up of teachers and district administrators and PEA will be selecting teachers to represent K-2, 3-5, 6-8, and 9-12. The committee will address what teachers need to implement the CCSS effectively. Please send a message to [email protected] if you are interested in serving on the joint committee. Furthermore, the agreement approves additional paid, teacherdriven collaboration time. Members are eligible to receive 2 days per diem this year and 2 days per diem next year (equivalent to approx. 1% of your salary each year). The details of the Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) can be found under the Bargaining Update at peateachers.org. PEA believes this is a positive agreement that puts teachers at the forefront of implementation. You have the knowledge and expertise to know what your students will need in order to meet the rigorous standards and we encourage you to make your voices heard. While there is still some controversy around the Common Core State Standards amongst educators and the public, our union (NEA/CTA) is supporting their implementation, with the caveat that high-stakes testing should not be part of their realization. Now is the time for educators to come together to ensure that parents, the community, and our legislators know that we cannot measure students’ or teachers’ success with a single test score. Assessments are meant to inform, not to judge and we must make certain that the Smarter Balanced Assessments are used appropriately. For more information about CTA’s view of the CCSS, see “Where We Stand” in this issue of the Focus. Again, I wish you a healthy and happy 2014! In Solidarity, Dawn Cova
focus on educators is an award winning publication of the Pittsburg Education Association/CTA/NEA www.peateachers.org
The California Teachers Association exists to protect and promote the well-being of its members; to improve the conditions of teaching and learning; to advance the cause of free, universal, and quality public education; to ensure that the human dignity and civil rights of all children and youth are protected; and to secure a more just, equitable, and democratic society.
JANUARY 2014
Volume XXII, Number 5
In this Issue - Sock Drive Photos - PEA’s Facebook/Twitter Info. - Conference Info./Scholarships - CTA/NEA News on Common Core - Know Your Rights & Wrongs - What is the FAIR Act?
President’s Message
!
Dear colleagues, Happy New Year! I hope 2014 will be a great year and bring you health and happiness. Our Association is excited to start off the New Year by announcing that we have reached an agreement
PEA Leadership 2013-2014
President Dawn Cova Rancho Medanos/PEA Office Elementary Vice President Tammy Carr Highlands Elementary Secondary Vice President Shelly Bascomb Rancho Medanos Secretary Chris Coan Willow Cove Elementary Treasurer Gale Higgins Stoneman Elementary Committee Chairs: Grievance Committee John Kleinjans – Pittsburg High Negotiations Team Mark Maselli - Chair Political Action Committee Iris Contreras - Chair Elections Chair Ruth Foster Human Rights Committee Tasharie Ameral Women’s Issues Committee Allison Azevedo - Chair O-Team Chair Shelly Bascomb CTA State Council Representatives Iris Contreras – PEA Sara Savacool, Robert Strickler - AEA Alternate Pandora Bethea - AEA CTA Director District C Terri Jackson NEA Director for California, District 3 Greg Bonaccorsi Technical Editor Susan Harrison – PEA Site Secretary
Rep. Council Meeting Calendar
January 22 February 19 March 19 April 16 May 21 June 4 ***********************************
School Board Meeting Calendar
January 23 February 12 February 26 March 12 March 26 April 16 May 7 May 21 June 4 June 25 ***********************************
Are you getting your PEA information?
Having our Site Reps collect your input, attend the monthly Rep meeting and then report back to you is vital in the communication chain of our Association. Roll call at December 18th Rep Council Meeting: Foothill – present Heights – absent Highlands – present Los Medanos – present Marina Vista – present Parkside – present Stoneman – absent Willow Cove – present MLK Jr. – present Hillview - present Rancho Medanos –present PHS - present Black Diamond – absent Adult Ed. – present
************************************
Focus on Educators is a publication of the Pittsburg Education Association CTA/NEA 159 East 4th Street Pittsburg, CA 94565 Phone: (925) 432-0199 fax: (925) 432-4854 email: [email protected] website: www.peateachers.org
Please give your personal email address to your Site Rep in order to stay connected! 2
The 3rd Annual Sock Drive
was a great success. We delivered 3 heaping bins of new socks to the Boys and Girls Club of Pittsburg just in time for their holiday celebration with the youngsters. Thank you for your generous contributions!
UPCOMING 2013-2014 CTA CONFERENCES/EVENTS School Board Breakfast February 8, 2014 Registration: 8:30 a.m. Doubletree Inn Pleasanton, CA Women’s History Month Reception February 20, 2014 Location: TBD Equity and Human Rights Conference February 28-March 2, 2014 Marriott Hotel Irvine, CA ALCOSTA Lobby Day April 22, 2014 Ann Katsburg – Sacramento WHO Awards Luncheon April 26, 2014 11:30 a.m. – 1:30 p.m. Scott’s Restaurant Jack London Square, Oakland
Pictured above are Tyiest Mayo of the Boys and Girls Club and Tammy Carr – PEA VP Elementary (Highlands).
Volunteers Needed for Affordable Care Act Sign-ups at PHS
When? Sunday, January 26 & Monday, January 27 Contact Jim Vaughan: [email protected] We have an opportunity to volunteer with SEIU and Covered CA to help with Affordable Care Act sign-ups in Pittsburg. In addition to volunteers, we need to get the word out to Pittsburg families that there are healthcare options for them. (Although we are not eligible for Covered CA subsidies ourselves, as our employer provides what is considered “adequate” coverage, it’s important that we help our families and community access this critical information.)
3
Announcing…
CTA SCHOLARSHIPS
CTA is supporting the Martin Luther
PEA is now on Facebook & Twitter!
Go to facebook.com/pea.teachers to friend us and go to twitter.com/PittsburgEA or search for @PittsburgEA to follow us! We will post association updates periodically and both can be used to converse around important topics affecting your classroom. We’d love to see them as a place to collaborate and share ideas as well. We request that the comments be appropriate and as a gesture of solidarity, let’s disagree in private and be united in public. It’s easy & free to set up Facebook and Twitter accounts and you can get updates sent right to your phone if you connect your accounts with your phone number. Members who friend us and post a teaching tip or comment on facebook.com/pea.teachers or follow us and post a teaching tip or comment @PittsburgEA by February 15th will be entered into a raffle for $10 gift cards! Need more instructions on Twitter, Facebook or Pinterest? Are you interested in becoming tech savvy but need some assistance? PEA is considering offering a technology class please send an email to [email protected] so we can see if there is enough interest to offer a class!
King Jr. Memorial Scholarship Fund Drive. This memorial fund is
designed to assist ethnic minority CTA members and their dependent children pursue degrees or credentials for teachingrelated careers in public education. Applications must be submitted online or postmarked by February 21, 2014. More information about contributions and applications can be found at: www.cta.org/ /Scholarships
********
Applications are now being accepted for the following 2014 Online CTA Scholarships: • • • • Dependent Children Del A. Weber for Dependent Children Attending Continuation High School/Alternative Education Members L. Gordon Bittle Memorial Scholarship for Student CTA
Applications must be submitted online or postmarked by February 7, 2014. To learn about the individual scholarships, please go to: www.cta.org/ /Scholarships ************************************
We need your home email address!
Your Site Rep will be collecting/verifying your personal email address over the next few weeks and we will use this as one of the primary modes of communication going forward. Only the PEA President and your Site Rep will have access to your email address. We promise not to bombard you with messages; however, this is one of the most efficient methods of getting important updates to all of our members quickly. Members who provide their personal email address by February 15th will be entered into a raffle for $10 gift cards!
************************************
Read Across Pittsburg is March 6!
Save the date! We will be seeking volunteers to read at a variety of locations. Sign-ups will occur in February.
4
PEA is Seeking a Local Delegate for NEA Representative Assembly!
PEA members will be electing a Local Delegate to the NEA Representative Assembly (RA). The 2014 NEA RA will be held in Denver, CO. Delegates will arrive on Monday, June 30 and depart on Monday, July 7. PEA has allocated $2,500 for our elected delegate. Are you interested? You must attend PEA Rep Council in June & September and commit to going to all of the relevant caucus meetings and stay for the duration of the RA. Declaration of Candidacy Forms will be available January 22-February 3. The election will occur February 19-March 5. ************************************
NEWS …
WHERE WE STAND ON THE COMMON CORE STATE STANDARDS
We will be spending much of this year dealing with the implementation of Common Core Standards. They put teachers back in control of crafting and tailoring the education of their students. Critical thinking skills can now be part of our students’ educational foundation, and we can decide how to best teach that. And while we support the Standards, we do not support the high-stakes testing that some want to bring along with them. CTA supported AB 484 which allows schools flexibility in testing while students and teachers become more familiar with the new Standards and become technologically ready to take the new state assessments. It is our belief that we cannot test simply for the sake of testing. Student assessments must be thoughtful in their purpose and must include both formative and summative pieces so that learning is assessed throughout the year. This includes educators creating authentic, classroom-based curriculum and assessments along with high quality professional development that is directed by educators. (from CTA.org)
Mount Diablo Peace & Justice Center
Presents the Third Annual Conference CREATING A PEACEFUL SCHOOL
5 WAYS TO GET COMMON CORE RIGHT
The Common Core Standards have the potential to offer every student, no matter where they live; the same high academic standards that will help them all graduate with the required level of knowledge and skills for college and career. However, proper implementation and the creation of fair, appropriate assessments are critical to success.
PLEASE JOIN US!
Saturday, February 1, 2014 from 8:00 a.m. to 4:00 p.m. Seven Hills School 975 North San Carlos Dr., Walnut Creek NEA encourages parents and community leaders to collaborate with us and be informed advocates so all kids can benefit from the opportunity presented by the Common Core State Standards. Join us by calling on your elected officials and policymakers to commit to the following five actions: 1. Develop implementation plans to transition to common core state standards and better assessments. These plans must be fair to students and understandable to families. 2. Implementation Advisory Committees must include the voices of students, parents, and educators. 3. States and districts must provide flexibility during the two-year transition until CCSS aligned
LEARN HOW TO MAKE SCHOOLS SAFER AND MORE PEACEFUL
Registration is $45. Registration information: www.creatingpeacefulschools.weebly.com or contact Margli Auclair at: [email protected] or (925) 933-7850
5
assessments become available so students can focus on learning and educators can focus on real teaching rather than focusing on the high-stakes consequences of current tests that may not be aligned to the standards. 4. States should modify their accountability systems to include multiple, appropriate and valid measures of student learning rather than solely focusing on high-stakes standardized tests. 5. All educators must have the time and tools they need to strengthen their instruction. (from NEA.org) ************************************
What is the FAIR Education Act?
The Fair, Accurate, Inclusive, and Respectful Education Act (FAIR - SB 48) requires schools in California to integrate age-appropriate, factual information about social movements, current events and the history of people with disabilities and lesbian, gay, bisexual and transgender (LGBT) people into existing social studies lessons that include contributions of both men and women, people of color, diverse ethnic communities and other historically underrepresented groups. The FAIR Education Act was signed into law on July 14, 2011 and goes into effect January 1, 2012.
KNOW YOUR RIGHTS and WRONGS!
Maintain Boundaries with students: at all times, you are the “adult,” not a friend.
• Text and/or email sparingly, if at all. Do not initiate or reply to emails or texts after a reasonable hour at night (i.e. 8:00 p.m. or so), and make sure the subject matter relates only to school. Do not interact with students “on their level” about topics such as sex, drugs, or parties. Avoid physical contact with students, including their outer clothing. Do not grab cell phones, notebooks, backpacks, etc., even if a student refuses to hand over the item when directed to do so. Never kiss a student, even innocently on the top of the head. With young children, try to develop ways other than hugging to show you care about them. With older students, even a pat on the shoulder or back given as a sign of encouragement can be misconstrued as being sexual or aggressive. Do not slap a hand, however gently or in jest. A “High Five” probably is okay. Give no appearance of intimacy or “favoritism.” Driving kids home or taking them out for a meal can be misinterpreted. Do not get into the student’s “personal space” when reviewing work, assisting with a lab assignment, demonstrating PE skills, etc. Try not to be alone with a student. If you have to give a make-up test to one student, tell the teacher next door and keep classroom and office doors open. Maintain appropriate boundaries with colleagues, administrators, and other adults at school to avoid even the appearance of “unwanted” sexual advances or a hostile work environment. If you feel you are the victim of sexual harassment, contact the Union and report it to the District.
Who decides what students will learn?
Lessons required under the FAIR Education Act must be age-appropriate and will be developed at the local level, where school districts will decide what’s appropriate for each classroom based on parent and teacher input.
Does the FAIR Education Act require teachers to use specific language about sexual orientation or gender identity?
The FAIR Education Act does not require teachers to say any specific words related to sexual orientation or gender identity in the classroom. The FAIR Education Act requires a factual, inclusive, age-appropriate teaching of history and social studies. Nothing more.
• •
Resources: Straight-laced: How Gender’s Got Us All Tied Up.
The first feature-length documentary to explore how gender roles and expectations restrict the lives and growth of young people. http://groundspark.org/our-films-andcampaigns/straightlaced
•
Unheard Voices. An oral history and curriculum project
that will help educators integrate LGBT history, people and issues into their instructional programs. www.adl.org/education/curriculum_connections/unheardvoices For a more complete list of teaching resources visit: gsanetwork.org/FAIR/lessons The above information is from gsanetwork.org
•
6
Diversity Toolkit
Check out NEA's Diversity Toolkit and All Its Chapters at http://www.nea.org/tools/diversitytoolkit.html
This online toolkit provides an introduction to the multiple facets of diversity. It offers basic information, a short list of strategies and tools, and suggestions for how to find out more. For more in-depth information, please visit the Web links listed under each topic. • • • • • • • • Introduction Class and Income Cultural Competence for Educators English Language Learners (ELLs) Gender Race and Ethnicity Sexual Orientation and Gender Identity Social Justice
Governor Brown’s Proposed Budget Helps California Schools Heal After Years of Devastating Cuts
Governor Jerry Brown unveiled his proposed state budget Thursday including $10 billion in new funding for K-12 schools and community colleges. This includes $6 billion to eliminate all deferral payments to local school districts and colleges, as well $244 million for CSU and UC systems of higher education. Additionally, the governor committed to working with all parties to stabilize the teachers’ retirement system. CTA President Dean E. Vogel released the following statement: “California teachers appreciate the governor’s continued commitment to public education and to repaying the billions of dollars that had been cut from students, schools and colleges. The governor’s proposed budget will help our public schools and colleges continue to heal after years of devastating cuts. As we heal our schools, we heal our communities. This budget will allow local school districts to continue to restore critical programs and provide the resources that educators need to help students learn. CTA continues to review the details of the governor’s budget plan, including the rainy day fund proposal and the impact it will have on school funding. We look forward to working with the governor and the Legislature on this state budget, as well as a plan to address the CalSTRS shortfall. Making sure educators have a secure retirement is critical to attracting and keeping quality educators in the profession. The state must ensure the retirement commitments made to our hard-working teachers.” The governor’s budget plan was released on the same day that Education Week released its annual Quality Counts Report, which reflects the devastating cuts to public education. According to the report released today, California fell from 49th to 50th in per-student funding in the 2011-12 school year. According to the report, California spends $3,500 less per student than the national average and $11,000 less per child than the top-ranked state of Wyoming.
(from CTA.org)
************************************
Teaching Despite the Test
Don't let standardized tests drain the life out of your teaching. Check out tips for getting the creativity back in the classroom in an article by Mary Ellen Flannery at http://www.nea.org/tools/54782.htm
ARTICLE SECTIONS: • • • • Make it fun Liven up the material with real life Integrate the arts where you can Stay strong and be bold! Minimize the stress
•
7
PEA
Calendar
JANUARY 2014
1 New Year’s Day 8 PEA Executive Board – PEA Office – 159 East 4th St. – 3:45 PM 20 Holiday – Martin Luther King, Jr. Day 17-19 Issues Conference – Rio All-Suite Hotel, Las Vegas, NV 22 PEA Rep Council – PEA Office – 159 East 4th St. – 3:45 PM 23 PUSD School Board Meeting – 2000 Railroad Ave. – 7:00 PM 30 PEA Leadership Retreat – PEA Office – 159 East 4th St. – 3:45 PM 31 Professional Development Day
FEBRUARY 2014
2 5 12 12 14 14 17 19 22 26 Groundhog Day PEA Executive Board – PEA Office – 159 East 4th St. – 3:45 PM Lincoln’s Birthday PUSD School Board Meeting – 2000 Railroad Ave. – 7:00 PM Valentine’s Day No School – Lincoln’s Birthday Observed Holiday – President’s Day PEA Rep Council – PEA Office – 159 East 4th St. – 3:45 PM Washington’s Birthday PUSD School Board Meeting – 2000 Railroad Ave. – 7:00 PM
Next Deadline for Articles is Monday, February10, 2014
STAY INFORMED @
peateachers.org
cta.org & nea.org
THE BACK PAGE
8
focus
on educators
California Teachers Association
Statement of Mission
with the District regarding Common Core Implementation. There will be a joint committee made up of teachers and district administrators and PEA will be selecting teachers to represent K-2, 3-5, 6-8, and 9-12. The committee will address what teachers need to implement the CCSS effectively. Please send a message to [email protected] if you are interested in serving on the joint committee. Furthermore, the agreement approves additional paid, teacherdriven collaboration time. Members are eligible to receive 2 days per diem this year and 2 days per diem next year (equivalent to approx. 1% of your salary each year). The details of the Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) can be found under the Bargaining Update at peateachers.org. PEA believes this is a positive agreement that puts teachers at the forefront of implementation. You have the knowledge and expertise to know what your students will need in order to meet the rigorous standards and we encourage you to make your voices heard. While there is still some controversy around the Common Core State Standards amongst educators and the public, our union (NEA/CTA) is supporting their implementation, with the caveat that high-stakes testing should not be part of their realization. Now is the time for educators to come together to ensure that parents, the community, and our legislators know that we cannot measure students’ or teachers’ success with a single test score. Assessments are meant to inform, not to judge and we must make certain that the Smarter Balanced Assessments are used appropriately. For more information about CTA’s view of the CCSS, see “Where We Stand” in this issue of the Focus. Again, I wish you a healthy and happy 2014! In Solidarity, Dawn Cova
focus on educators is an award winning publication of the Pittsburg Education Association/CTA/NEA www.peateachers.org
The California Teachers Association exists to protect and promote the well-being of its members; to improve the conditions of teaching and learning; to advance the cause of free, universal, and quality public education; to ensure that the human dignity and civil rights of all children and youth are protected; and to secure a more just, equitable, and democratic society.
JANUARY 2014
Volume XXII, Number 5
In this Issue - Sock Drive Photos - PEA’s Facebook/Twitter Info. - Conference Info./Scholarships - CTA/NEA News on Common Core - Know Your Rights & Wrongs - What is the FAIR Act?
President’s Message
!
Dear colleagues, Happy New Year! I hope 2014 will be a great year and bring you health and happiness. Our Association is excited to start off the New Year by announcing that we have reached an agreement
PEA Leadership 2013-2014
President Dawn Cova Rancho Medanos/PEA Office Elementary Vice President Tammy Carr Highlands Elementary Secondary Vice President Shelly Bascomb Rancho Medanos Secretary Chris Coan Willow Cove Elementary Treasurer Gale Higgins Stoneman Elementary Committee Chairs: Grievance Committee John Kleinjans – Pittsburg High Negotiations Team Mark Maselli - Chair Political Action Committee Iris Contreras - Chair Elections Chair Ruth Foster Human Rights Committee Tasharie Ameral Women’s Issues Committee Allison Azevedo - Chair O-Team Chair Shelly Bascomb CTA State Council Representatives Iris Contreras – PEA Sara Savacool, Robert Strickler - AEA Alternate Pandora Bethea - AEA CTA Director District C Terri Jackson NEA Director for California, District 3 Greg Bonaccorsi Technical Editor Susan Harrison – PEA Site Secretary
Rep. Council Meeting Calendar
January 22 February 19 March 19 April 16 May 21 June 4 ***********************************
School Board Meeting Calendar
January 23 February 12 February 26 March 12 March 26 April 16 May 7 May 21 June 4 June 25 ***********************************
Are you getting your PEA information?
Having our Site Reps collect your input, attend the monthly Rep meeting and then report back to you is vital in the communication chain of our Association. Roll call at December 18th Rep Council Meeting: Foothill – present Heights – absent Highlands – present Los Medanos – present Marina Vista – present Parkside – present Stoneman – absent Willow Cove – present MLK Jr. – present Hillview - present Rancho Medanos –present PHS - present Black Diamond – absent Adult Ed. – present
************************************
Focus on Educators is a publication of the Pittsburg Education Association CTA/NEA 159 East 4th Street Pittsburg, CA 94565 Phone: (925) 432-0199 fax: (925) 432-4854 email: [email protected] website: www.peateachers.org
Please give your personal email address to your Site Rep in order to stay connected! 2
The 3rd Annual Sock Drive
was a great success. We delivered 3 heaping bins of new socks to the Boys and Girls Club of Pittsburg just in time for their holiday celebration with the youngsters. Thank you for your generous contributions!
UPCOMING 2013-2014 CTA CONFERENCES/EVENTS School Board Breakfast February 8, 2014 Registration: 8:30 a.m. Doubletree Inn Pleasanton, CA Women’s History Month Reception February 20, 2014 Location: TBD Equity and Human Rights Conference February 28-March 2, 2014 Marriott Hotel Irvine, CA ALCOSTA Lobby Day April 22, 2014 Ann Katsburg – Sacramento WHO Awards Luncheon April 26, 2014 11:30 a.m. – 1:30 p.m. Scott’s Restaurant Jack London Square, Oakland
Pictured above are Tyiest Mayo of the Boys and Girls Club and Tammy Carr – PEA VP Elementary (Highlands).
Volunteers Needed for Affordable Care Act Sign-ups at PHS
When? Sunday, January 26 & Monday, January 27 Contact Jim Vaughan: [email protected] We have an opportunity to volunteer with SEIU and Covered CA to help with Affordable Care Act sign-ups in Pittsburg. In addition to volunteers, we need to get the word out to Pittsburg families that there are healthcare options for them. (Although we are not eligible for Covered CA subsidies ourselves, as our employer provides what is considered “adequate” coverage, it’s important that we help our families and community access this critical information.)
3
Announcing…
CTA SCHOLARSHIPS
CTA is supporting the Martin Luther
PEA is now on Facebook & Twitter!
Go to facebook.com/pea.teachers to friend us and go to twitter.com/PittsburgEA or search for @PittsburgEA to follow us! We will post association updates periodically and both can be used to converse around important topics affecting your classroom. We’d love to see them as a place to collaborate and share ideas as well. We request that the comments be appropriate and as a gesture of solidarity, let’s disagree in private and be united in public. It’s easy & free to set up Facebook and Twitter accounts and you can get updates sent right to your phone if you connect your accounts with your phone number. Members who friend us and post a teaching tip or comment on facebook.com/pea.teachers or follow us and post a teaching tip or comment @PittsburgEA by February 15th will be entered into a raffle for $10 gift cards! Need more instructions on Twitter, Facebook or Pinterest? Are you interested in becoming tech savvy but need some assistance? PEA is considering offering a technology class please send an email to [email protected] so we can see if there is enough interest to offer a class!
King Jr. Memorial Scholarship Fund Drive. This memorial fund is
designed to assist ethnic minority CTA members and their dependent children pursue degrees or credentials for teachingrelated careers in public education. Applications must be submitted online or postmarked by February 21, 2014. More information about contributions and applications can be found at: www.cta.org/ /Scholarships
********
Applications are now being accepted for the following 2014 Online CTA Scholarships: • • • • Dependent Children Del A. Weber for Dependent Children Attending Continuation High School/Alternative Education Members L. Gordon Bittle Memorial Scholarship for Student CTA
Applications must be submitted online or postmarked by February 7, 2014. To learn about the individual scholarships, please go to: www.cta.org/ /Scholarships ************************************
We need your home email address!
Your Site Rep will be collecting/verifying your personal email address over the next few weeks and we will use this as one of the primary modes of communication going forward. Only the PEA President and your Site Rep will have access to your email address. We promise not to bombard you with messages; however, this is one of the most efficient methods of getting important updates to all of our members quickly. Members who provide their personal email address by February 15th will be entered into a raffle for $10 gift cards!
************************************
Read Across Pittsburg is March 6!
Save the date! We will be seeking volunteers to read at a variety of locations. Sign-ups will occur in February.
4
PEA is Seeking a Local Delegate for NEA Representative Assembly!
PEA members will be electing a Local Delegate to the NEA Representative Assembly (RA). The 2014 NEA RA will be held in Denver, CO. Delegates will arrive on Monday, June 30 and depart on Monday, July 7. PEA has allocated $2,500 for our elected delegate. Are you interested? You must attend PEA Rep Council in June & September and commit to going to all of the relevant caucus meetings and stay for the duration of the RA. Declaration of Candidacy Forms will be available January 22-February 3. The election will occur February 19-March 5. ************************************
NEWS …
WHERE WE STAND ON THE COMMON CORE STATE STANDARDS
We will be spending much of this year dealing with the implementation of Common Core Standards. They put teachers back in control of crafting and tailoring the education of their students. Critical thinking skills can now be part of our students’ educational foundation, and we can decide how to best teach that. And while we support the Standards, we do not support the high-stakes testing that some want to bring along with them. CTA supported AB 484 which allows schools flexibility in testing while students and teachers become more familiar with the new Standards and become technologically ready to take the new state assessments. It is our belief that we cannot test simply for the sake of testing. Student assessments must be thoughtful in their purpose and must include both formative and summative pieces so that learning is assessed throughout the year. This includes educators creating authentic, classroom-based curriculum and assessments along with high quality professional development that is directed by educators. (from CTA.org)
Mount Diablo Peace & Justice Center
Presents the Third Annual Conference CREATING A PEACEFUL SCHOOL
5 WAYS TO GET COMMON CORE RIGHT
The Common Core Standards have the potential to offer every student, no matter where they live; the same high academic standards that will help them all graduate with the required level of knowledge and skills for college and career. However, proper implementation and the creation of fair, appropriate assessments are critical to success.
PLEASE JOIN US!
Saturday, February 1, 2014 from 8:00 a.m. to 4:00 p.m. Seven Hills School 975 North San Carlos Dr., Walnut Creek NEA encourages parents and community leaders to collaborate with us and be informed advocates so all kids can benefit from the opportunity presented by the Common Core State Standards. Join us by calling on your elected officials and policymakers to commit to the following five actions: 1. Develop implementation plans to transition to common core state standards and better assessments. These plans must be fair to students and understandable to families. 2. Implementation Advisory Committees must include the voices of students, parents, and educators. 3. States and districts must provide flexibility during the two-year transition until CCSS aligned
LEARN HOW TO MAKE SCHOOLS SAFER AND MORE PEACEFUL
Registration is $45. Registration information: www.creatingpeacefulschools.weebly.com or contact Margli Auclair at: [email protected] or (925) 933-7850
5
assessments become available so students can focus on learning and educators can focus on real teaching rather than focusing on the high-stakes consequences of current tests that may not be aligned to the standards. 4. States should modify their accountability systems to include multiple, appropriate and valid measures of student learning rather than solely focusing on high-stakes standardized tests. 5. All educators must have the time and tools they need to strengthen their instruction. (from NEA.org) ************************************
What is the FAIR Education Act?
The Fair, Accurate, Inclusive, and Respectful Education Act (FAIR - SB 48) requires schools in California to integrate age-appropriate, factual information about social movements, current events and the history of people with disabilities and lesbian, gay, bisexual and transgender (LGBT) people into existing social studies lessons that include contributions of both men and women, people of color, diverse ethnic communities and other historically underrepresented groups. The FAIR Education Act was signed into law on July 14, 2011 and goes into effect January 1, 2012.
KNOW YOUR RIGHTS and WRONGS!
Maintain Boundaries with students: at all times, you are the “adult,” not a friend.
• Text and/or email sparingly, if at all. Do not initiate or reply to emails or texts after a reasonable hour at night (i.e. 8:00 p.m. or so), and make sure the subject matter relates only to school. Do not interact with students “on their level” about topics such as sex, drugs, or parties. Avoid physical contact with students, including their outer clothing. Do not grab cell phones, notebooks, backpacks, etc., even if a student refuses to hand over the item when directed to do so. Never kiss a student, even innocently on the top of the head. With young children, try to develop ways other than hugging to show you care about them. With older students, even a pat on the shoulder or back given as a sign of encouragement can be misconstrued as being sexual or aggressive. Do not slap a hand, however gently or in jest. A “High Five” probably is okay. Give no appearance of intimacy or “favoritism.” Driving kids home or taking them out for a meal can be misinterpreted. Do not get into the student’s “personal space” when reviewing work, assisting with a lab assignment, demonstrating PE skills, etc. Try not to be alone with a student. If you have to give a make-up test to one student, tell the teacher next door and keep classroom and office doors open. Maintain appropriate boundaries with colleagues, administrators, and other adults at school to avoid even the appearance of “unwanted” sexual advances or a hostile work environment. If you feel you are the victim of sexual harassment, contact the Union and report it to the District.
Who decides what students will learn?
Lessons required under the FAIR Education Act must be age-appropriate and will be developed at the local level, where school districts will decide what’s appropriate for each classroom based on parent and teacher input.
Does the FAIR Education Act require teachers to use specific language about sexual orientation or gender identity?
The FAIR Education Act does not require teachers to say any specific words related to sexual orientation or gender identity in the classroom. The FAIR Education Act requires a factual, inclusive, age-appropriate teaching of history and social studies. Nothing more.
• •
Resources: Straight-laced: How Gender’s Got Us All Tied Up.
The first feature-length documentary to explore how gender roles and expectations restrict the lives and growth of young people. http://groundspark.org/our-films-andcampaigns/straightlaced
•
Unheard Voices. An oral history and curriculum project
that will help educators integrate LGBT history, people and issues into their instructional programs. www.adl.org/education/curriculum_connections/unheardvoices For a more complete list of teaching resources visit: gsanetwork.org/FAIR/lessons The above information is from gsanetwork.org
•
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Diversity Toolkit
Check out NEA's Diversity Toolkit and All Its Chapters at http://www.nea.org/tools/diversitytoolkit.html
This online toolkit provides an introduction to the multiple facets of diversity. It offers basic information, a short list of strategies and tools, and suggestions for how to find out more. For more in-depth information, please visit the Web links listed under each topic. • • • • • • • • Introduction Class and Income Cultural Competence for Educators English Language Learners (ELLs) Gender Race and Ethnicity Sexual Orientation and Gender Identity Social Justice
Governor Brown’s Proposed Budget Helps California Schools Heal After Years of Devastating Cuts
Governor Jerry Brown unveiled his proposed state budget Thursday including $10 billion in new funding for K-12 schools and community colleges. This includes $6 billion to eliminate all deferral payments to local school districts and colleges, as well $244 million for CSU and UC systems of higher education. Additionally, the governor committed to working with all parties to stabilize the teachers’ retirement system. CTA President Dean E. Vogel released the following statement: “California teachers appreciate the governor’s continued commitment to public education and to repaying the billions of dollars that had been cut from students, schools and colleges. The governor’s proposed budget will help our public schools and colleges continue to heal after years of devastating cuts. As we heal our schools, we heal our communities. This budget will allow local school districts to continue to restore critical programs and provide the resources that educators need to help students learn. CTA continues to review the details of the governor’s budget plan, including the rainy day fund proposal and the impact it will have on school funding. We look forward to working with the governor and the Legislature on this state budget, as well as a plan to address the CalSTRS shortfall. Making sure educators have a secure retirement is critical to attracting and keeping quality educators in the profession. The state must ensure the retirement commitments made to our hard-working teachers.” The governor’s budget plan was released on the same day that Education Week released its annual Quality Counts Report, which reflects the devastating cuts to public education. According to the report released today, California fell from 49th to 50th in per-student funding in the 2011-12 school year. According to the report, California spends $3,500 less per student than the national average and $11,000 less per child than the top-ranked state of Wyoming.
(from CTA.org)
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Teaching Despite the Test
Don't let standardized tests drain the life out of your teaching. Check out tips for getting the creativity back in the classroom in an article by Mary Ellen Flannery at http://www.nea.org/tools/54782.htm
ARTICLE SECTIONS: • • • • Make it fun Liven up the material with real life Integrate the arts where you can Stay strong and be bold! Minimize the stress
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PEA
Calendar
JANUARY 2014
1 New Year’s Day 8 PEA Executive Board – PEA Office – 159 East 4th St. – 3:45 PM 20 Holiday – Martin Luther King, Jr. Day 17-19 Issues Conference – Rio All-Suite Hotel, Las Vegas, NV 22 PEA Rep Council – PEA Office – 159 East 4th St. – 3:45 PM 23 PUSD School Board Meeting – 2000 Railroad Ave. – 7:00 PM 30 PEA Leadership Retreat – PEA Office – 159 East 4th St. – 3:45 PM 31 Professional Development Day
FEBRUARY 2014
2 5 12 12 14 14 17 19 22 26 Groundhog Day PEA Executive Board – PEA Office – 159 East 4th St. – 3:45 PM Lincoln’s Birthday PUSD School Board Meeting – 2000 Railroad Ave. – 7:00 PM Valentine’s Day No School – Lincoln’s Birthday Observed Holiday – President’s Day PEA Rep Council – PEA Office – 159 East 4th St. – 3:45 PM Washington’s Birthday PUSD School Board Meeting – 2000 Railroad Ave. – 7:00 PM
Next Deadline for Articles is Monday, February10, 2014
STAY INFORMED @
peateachers.org
cta.org & nea.org
THE BACK PAGE
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