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| Greetings! Good morning. Top on the agenda is the announcement that an Ed Reform bill (H4423) passed the House last Thursday. A written bill was released on Friday PM; its analysis by the AFTMA is below. (The AFTMA, the American Federation of Teachers-Massachusetts, is our parent state affiliate, and is responsible for all of our lobbying on Beacon Hill.) The AFTMA informs us that the written bill may have errors. Below, in the next section, you will find the AFTMA's report and analysis. Within each segment, you will find the legislation from the originally-released version that came out of the House Ways and Means Committee in mid-December. That language is in black. The language approved by the full House this past Thursday is in red. There have now been three iterations of this legislation--from the Senate, the House Ways and Means Committee, and now the full House. Individual components of each version are better or worse, depending on the version. The latest version, that passed by the full House, has some bad provisions and some provisions that are slightly better than the related component found in one of the earlier versions. A fourth version will soon be released as early as this Tuesday by the House/Senate Conference Committee, which will reconcile differences between the final Senate version and the final House version. The vote may come as early as this Tuesday or Wednesday. We have made many thousands of phone calls in support of our issues. We thank all who participated very much. And we thank the AFT-MA for its lobbying efforts on our behalf. Those in the legislature know exactly what our issues are. They know what is important to us. If you want to make one more additional phone call, the message should be simple: We would hope for and expect a bill that is good for children, fair to teachers and other staff, and protective of our collective-bargaining rights. All of this is on a fast track and is slated to be voted on shortly. If we need to get a quick message out to all, we will do a Robo call. Thank you for all your efforts. Protect Your Staffing and Assignment Rights Deadline Looming Having an additional program area in a subject area is better, and offers more protection, than merely having an active state certificate in that subject area. Call or email Caren or Michael for a full explanation of the reasons why. If you do have a state certificate--but have yet to activate it as an additional program area--you can activate it by meeting one of the three criteria found on HRS-HS07-1 found here. Simply, to get full staffing and seniority protections, you are urged, if eligible, to apply for an additional program area in an eligible subject area. |
| AFT- MA Analysis of ED Reform Legislation |
Black type: House Ways and Means language in mid-December Red Type: language adopted by full House last week (analysis performed by AFT-MA, 1/8/10) *************************************************************** Underperforming and Chronically Underperforming Schools 1. Based on MCAS scores up to approximately 55 schools can be designated as underperforming or chronically underperforming at any given time. The Commissioner of Elementary and Secondary Education must require the creation of a turnaround plan. THIS REMAINS THE SAME IN THE FULL HOUSE VERSION. 2. The Commissioner of Elementary and Secondary Education can approve a turnaround plan which voids some or all parts of a collective-bargaining agreement. No negotiations are required. IF THE COMMISSIONER APPROVES A PLAN THAT WANTS TO REOPEN THE CONTRACT, THERE MUST BE NEGOTIATIONS. IF NO AGREEMENT IS REACHED, THEN IT GOES TO A JOINT RESOLUTION PROCESS, SIMILAR TO ARBITRATION. IF THE HEARING OFFICERS DO NOT ISSUE A DECISION WITHIN TEN DAYS AFTER THE CLOSE OF THE HEARING, THE COMMISSIONER CAN VOID SOME OR ALL PARTS OF A COLLECTIVE-BARGAINING AGREEMENT. 3. The Superintendent can require all staff, not just teaching staff, to reapply for their positions in the school. The superintendent can dismiss a teacher for good cause. THIS REMAINS THE SAME IN THE FULL HOUSE VERSION. 4. If not selected, the bill states that all staff retains all rights provided under law or any applicable collective-bargaining agreement, except that teachers do not have the right to displace any teachers in any other school. THIS REMAINS THE SAME IN THE FULL HOUSE VERSION. Chronically Underperforming Districts 1. Up to 2.5 percent of school districts at any given time, approximately nine, can be declared chronically underperforming districts. The Board of Elementary and Secondary Education will designate a receiver who will have all the powers of the school committee and the superintendent. The Commissioner of Elementary and Secondary Education and the receiver shall develop a turnaround plan. THIS REMAINS THE SAME IN THE FULL HOUSE VERSION. 2. The Commissioner of Elementary and Secondary Education and the receiver can develop a turnaround plan which voids some or all parts of a collective bargaining agreement. No negotiations are required. IF THE COMMISSIONER APPROVES A PLAN THAT WANTS TO REOPEN THE CONTRACT, THERE MUST BE NEGOTIATIONS. IF NO AGREEMENT IS REACHED, THEN IT GOES TO A JOINT RESOLUTION PROCESS, SIMILAR TO ARBITRATION. IF THE HEARING OFFICERS DO NOT ISSUE A DECISION WITHIN TEN DAYS AFTER THE CLOSE OF THE HEARING, THE COMMISSIONER CAN VOID SOME OR ALL PARTS OF A COLLECTIVE-BARGAINING AGREEMENT. 3. The receiver can require all staff, not just teaching staff, to reapply for their positions in the district. The superintendent can dismiss a teacher for good cause, the standard currently in the law. THIS REMAINS THE SAME IN THE FULL HOUSE VERSION. 4. If not selected, the bill states that all staff retains all rights provided under law or any applicable collective-bargaining agreement, except that teachers do not have the right to displace any teachers in any other school. THIS REMAINS THE SAME IN THE FULL HOUSE VERSION. Horace Mann Charter Schools Currently the creation of a Horace Mann charter school is a collaborative process between the union and the school committee. This bill proposes its retention. THIS REMAINS THE SAME IN THE FULL HOUSE VERSION. Innovation Schools 1. The bill establishes these schools, formerly called readiness schools. It states that these schools are established "for the purpose of improving school performance and student achievement through increased performance and autonomy." A planning committee will develop the innovation plan. 2. In existing schools where a conversion is proposed, the collective-bargaining agreements are in effect, except in those areas where the planning committee recommends waivers. Conversion of an existing school to an innovation school requires a two-thirds vote of the faculty. 3. In the case of a new innovation school, requested waivers are to be negotiated, but if no agreement is reached, then final and binding arbitration occurs. THESE REMAIN THE SAME IN THE FULL HOUSE VERSION , BUT IN BOSTON THE SCHOOL COMMITTEE CAN UNILATERALLY CREATE FOUR INNOVATION SCHOOLS. Commonwealth Charter Schools Over a period of seven years, the cap on charter school spending can rise from 9 percent of net school spending to 18 percent in the lowest scoring ten percent of districts. THIS REMAINS THE SAME IN THE FULL HOUSE VERSION. You can view the forty-one page bill here first or go here and then go to the last item on the list, which is ht 04423. |
| Pathway Program for ESL and Mod SPED Licensure and Professional Practice |
Human Resources will be conducting the winter/spring cohort of the ESL Pathway Program beginning in February. This program prepares participants for ESL licensure and teaching. Interested BPS staff are encouraged to participate in one of the following informational sessions for complete details. Tuesday January 19 2:30-3:30 or 4:00-5:00 Thursday January 28 2:30-3:30 or 4:00-5:00 Wednesday February 3 2:30-3:30 or 4:00-5:00 All sessions will be held at the Center for Leadership Development on the Madison Park Campus. Applications will be distributed at informational sessions. The program brochure is posted online at MyBPS->Central Admin->HR - Licensure. Reservations for the informational sessions are required and can be made by email . Please specify date and time of preferred session. Human Resources will be conducting the winter/spring cohort of the Moderate Disabilities Pathway Program beginning in February. This program prepares participants for Moderate Disabilities licensure and teaching. Interested BPS staff are encouraged to participate in one of the following informational sessions for complete details. Thursday January 21 2:30-3:30 or 4:00-5:00 Tuesday January 26 2:30-3:30 or 4:00-5:00 Tuesday February 2 2:30-3:30 or 4:00-5:00 The program particularly invites the participation of teachers in inclusion schools seeking to become dually licensed; teachers who plan to transition into Special Education; and accomplished teachers who want to expand their repertoire of professional knowledge, skills, and dispositions relative to students with special needs. All sessions will be held at the Center for Leadership Development on the Madison Park Campus. Applications will be distributed at informational sessions. The program brochure is posted online at MyBPS->Central Admin->HR - Licensure. Reservations for the informational sessions are required and can be made by email .Please specify date and time of preferred. |
| MTEL PREP |
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The catalogue of upcoming preparation workshops for the upcoming MTELs is available on MyBPS (Central AdminàHR-Licensure ---Catalogue of Preparation Workshops for MTEL . The catalogue also includes helpful information about the MTELs including online resources for self preparation. Applications for workshops need to be made online using the zoomerang link included in the catalogue. |
| ML King Celebration |
The Museum of African American History, The Boston Youth Symphony Orchestra, and The City of Boston present A Day of Celebration Honoring Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr.
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| United Farm Workers Protest Possible Plans to Remove Names of Hispanic-Americans from Texas School History Books |
The United Farm Workers Union is protesting the plans of the Texas Board of Education to remove any references to Cesar Chavez and other important Hispanic-Americans from Texas school history books. See here. The UFW needs your help to stop the Texas state Board of Education from erasing Cesar Chavez and all Hispanic historical figures from public school text books. Since Texas is such a major textbook purchaser, such a move could have a nationwide impact. This Wednesday, Jan. 13, the state board will take a preliminary vote to adopt new standards for social studies texts. These new standards would eliminate all Hispanics since the conquest of Mexico in the early 16th Century.Cesar Chavez, arguably the most important Hispanic civil rights leader of the 20th Century, is among the historical figures to be eliminated. One of Lowe's so called "experts" said that Chavez "lacks the stature...and contributions" and should not be "held up to our children as someone worthy of emulation." To read the entire story and then take action go here. |
| Tutoring Center Coordinator - Job Description |
The Tutoring Center Coordinator at the Boston Teachers Union School will be responsible for directing the activities of a new after school Tutoring Center. The Tutoring Center is designed to accelerate the academic development of students in grades 1, 2 and 6 who are struggling with grade level material. The Center will be open Mon, Tues and Wed from 3-5:15 starting in mid January. Specific responsibilities include:
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| SSC Training |
School Site Council training workshops are being held @ the BTU from 4-6 for all elected SSC members (BTU members, parents, principals). School Site Council 101 (an overview + tools to run an effective SSC) January 11 + Jan. 14. SSC Shared Decision Making (how to facilitate true consensus) Jan. 25 + Jan. 28. Please RSVP to Caren Carew . Comprehensive SSC manuals will be distributed to participants. Each workshop is run twice. Refreshments available. |
| Boston Children's Museum Teaching Kits |
Boston Children's Museum invites you to participate in the Genzyme sponsored Free Kits for Teachers Program. Boston Children's Museum Teaching Kits bring hands-on, object-based learning straight to your classroom -free shipping both ways included. Packed with artifacts, supplies, videos, photos, models, maps and lesson plans, Kits are multimedia, interdisciplinary teaching units linked to the MA state learning standards, These one to four-week curriculum units are guaranteed to engage students in social studies, art, math, language arts, health and science. Check out the Museum's website for a description of kits and to find out how to order or call (617) 426-6500 ext. 231 for more information. |
Sincerely,
Richard Stutman
BTU President
rstutman@btu.org (work)
617-288-2000
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| In This Issue | |||||||||||||||||
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| Q ks |
| 2009 -10 School Year | |
| #01 | 08/31/09 |
| #02 | 09/08/09 |
| #03 | 09/14/09 |
| #04 | 09/21/09 |
| #05 | 09/28/09 |
| #06 | 10/05/09 |
| #07 | 10/13/09 |
| #08 | 10/18/09 |
| #09 | 10/26/09 |
| #10 | 11/02/09 |
| #11 | 11/09/09 |
| #11A | 11/11/09 |
| #12 | 11/16/09 |
| #13 | 11/18/09 |
| #14 | 11/23/09 |
| #15 | 11/30/09 |
| #16 | 12/05/09 |
| #17 | 12/14/09 |
| #18 | 12/21/09 |
| #18A | 12/21/09 |
| #19 | 01/04/10 |