ABCFT - Week in Review - March 22, 2019
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In case you’ve missed previous Weeks in Review, you can find all of them here: ABCTeachernews To find previous editions, just click on “Blog Archive” which is the menu on the right and click on the specific week.
(ABC Federation of Teachers)
In Unity
ABC Federation of Teachers
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Keeping Our Schools and Community Safe
This past week there was another human tragedy in the mosques of New Zealand where yet another example of how division and persecution have created an environment of fear and hatred. In an age of mass fear, outrageous behavior and social chaos it becomes ever important for teachers, principals, and support staff to create a safe learning environment for ALL students. Take a look at this AFT resource that will help you address safety in your schools and classrooms.
How Schools Can Create a Safe Environment for Muslim Students
How can schools create an environment where Muslim students feel safe and respected? How can schools prevent and address anti-Muslim bullying, rhetoric, and activity, both in the classroom and in the school community? And how can schools offer students support after traumatic events such as the attacks at a mosque in New Zealand? Here is a collection of resources on the topic and ideas on how to use books and author interviews to foster empathy and spark dialogue; we'll add new resources as they become available. For more of this article click the link below
School of Choice Update Part 3 by Ray Gaer
Each week I will be describing the process and progress of the District School of Choice Ad Hoc Committee. I am the ABCFT representative on this committee along with representatives from AFSCME, CSEA, Administrators, as well as community members that have been appointed by the ABC Board Trustees. There are fifteen members in total for this committee. To see the first part of this article go to the school of choice article in Part 1 Review for March 8, 2019, Part 2 Review for March 15, 2019.
In the past couple of reports, I’ve covered the topics of the process for school of choice selection, the language directing why and how school of choice is administered, the number of interdistrict transfers (out of district transfers), demographic and academic data on interdistrict transfer students, and some information on the timeline for issues of permits for interdistrict transfers after intradistrict transfer placements (ABC residents).
Over the last two meetings in February and March for the SOC Committee there have been more discussions about the fiscal importance of inter district transfer students and how the monies collected from these students are critical for the support of many student support programs throughout ABCUSD.
Next week, we will make an analysis of some the major ideas and trends that are apparent by looking at the data and notes that we’ve shared. If you have specific questions or you see something that jumps out at you when you look at the documents email me abcft@abcusd.us
Solution Driven ABCFT Members Attend the Annual C.U.E Conference by Susie Gomez
Teachers from various schools in ABCUSD attended the CUE 19 conference last week and gathered some amazing resources. Together they have generated a list of all the resources they saw through the three days of the conference to share with teachers across the district. Some teachers are still adding the links to the sessions they attended, so check back in a day or two for the complete list. So far there are resources for over 30 sessions! You can sort them by title. Below is the link to the spreadsheet with resources gathered by multiple teachers and also notes taken by ABCUSD teachers. Schools in attendance included Willow E.S., Fedde Academy, Ross M.S., Carmenita M.S., Tracy H.S., and Cerritos H.S. 
Susie Gomez
English Teacher | Honors Program Coordinator
MEET A MEMBER
The ABCFT YOUnion is made up of 1,100 great teachers and medical professionals and each one of us has a story to tell. Each week we will highlight a member of ABCFT.
Meet Erika Cook a 6th grade teacher at Cerritos Elementary and ABCFT Teacher Leader
If you could give ”first year teacher you” advice what would it be?
Work hard, invest time in your students and families (and yourself), volunteer for new things, collaborate with teachers, ask questions, listen and enjoy the ride!
How did you get involved with the union?
By enrolling in the ABCFT Teacher Leader Program, I hoped to gain a better insight into the Union's role, grow as a professional and continue my learning in the field of education and leadership.
Describe a day in the life of being a Rep at your site.
Although I am not a union rep, I appreciate the new and unique experiences to learn about policy, legislation, and advocacy surrounding education through the TLP. In February, our ABCFT flew up to Sacramento to participate in CFT's Lobby Day. This was a fantastic opportunity to be a part of the collective voice and advocate for public school students and teachers. Through this union-sponsored program, I've also had the honor of connecting with and learning from teachers around the district.
What is your favorite movie/show, song, or book?
I love too many books to pick a favorite, but my favorite movies are the Harry Potter movies.
Instagram, Facebook, Snapchat, Twitter...MySpace?
Instagram
What do you do for fun?
Surf, backpack, read, hike, enjoy the outdoors and spend time with family and friends.
Do you have a bucket list?
I want to keep traveling the world.
If you could have a superpower what would it be?
Teleportation.
Thank you Erika for sharing your story with the ABCFT community.
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This concert will benefit the ABCFTR scholarship fund.
There are a limited number of $25 tickets available.
Please include your name and the number of tickets you are requesting.
Make checks payable to ABCFTR
Please mail your payment to:
ABCFTR
19444 Norwalk Blvd., Cerritos, CA 90703
See the attached flyer for more information about the concert and electronic payment options.
(Your tickets are not guaranteed until we receive your payment)
Hope to see you at the concert.
ABCFT-R
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MARCH ABCFT ACADEMIC SERVICES UPDATE
Each month Connie Nam and Rich Saldana work with Beth Bray and Carol Castro to provide teacher input about professional development, curriculum changes and testing changes. ABCFT believes that the biggest working condition impacting teachers are the key curriculum and the professional development being churned out of academic services. Many times the district is implementing changes that are coming from the State of California but rarely do unions get involved in those changes. ABCFT believes that teacher voice helps to provide the district office with classroom advice and input that helps to deliver better comprehensive changes. Each month at the ABCFT Representative Council Rich and Connie give reports and take questions on all things related to academic services. Here is the report for the month of March.
Free AFT Resources For Educators and Nurses
2019 VIRTUAL CONFERENCE HIGHLIGHT- ON DEMAND
You'll discover sessions filled with "use right now" strategies and tools for teachers, paraprofessionals and school related personnel, parents and community members. With 30+ FREE sessions, you're sure to find sessions on topics of interest.
Share My Lesson is known for our expansive library of science, math, social studies, English language arts and health-related resources; and this free professional learning webinar series will provide the professional support you're looking for in your instructional practice and resources to support for students and steps for implementing schoolwide programs. We also have many sessions that school staff, administrators and parents will find of interest. So, make some time for these worthwhile sessions filled with new content from education experts from across the country.
Note: If you can't make a session time, register anyway, and we'll send you a link to view it on-demand after it has aired live.
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PRESIDENT’S REPORT - Ray Gaer
Each week I work with unit members in representations, contract resolutions, email/text/phone call questions, site concerns, site visits, presentations, state/national representations and mediations. Here are some of the highlights of interest.
I’m pressed for time this week due to the Annual California Federation of Teachers Convention where we are celebrating 100 years of unionism and learning about our union founders. We will have a full report on the events and trainings the forty ABCFT delegates who are attending this convention this weekend. I would like to thank them for taking the time to agitate, activate, and represent ABCFT at the convention.
Have a good weekend!
In Unity,
Ray Gaer
President, ABCFT
CALIFORNIA FEDERATION OF TEACHERS
Check out the new website at the California Federation of Teachers for education news and how the State organization is supporting members interests. Click the Union Strong logo to go to the convention webpage for details on the CFT 100th year Convention.
CFT provides members important information about professional issues and workplace rights through numerous newsletters and publications. You can find a summary of each publication below and download the current issue of each newsletter. Click on the links to read some stories online, to get more information or contact the editor, and to access the archives.
The latest CFT articles and news stories can be found here on the PreK12 news feed on the CFT.org website.
AMERICAN FEDERATION OF TEACHERS
American Federation of Teachers President Randi Weingarten on President Donald Trump's Executive Order on Free Speech
WASHINGTON—AFT President Randi Weingarten issued the following statement after President Trump signed an executive order on free speech on college and university campuses:
“President Trump’s concept of free speech is speech that he agrees with, which is, in fact, the antithesis of what the First Amendment seeks to protect. He has repeatedly indicated his interest in ‘shutting down’ journalists and media outlets that criticize him, and he uses hateful and many times insightful words on a daily and public basis. With a track record like this, there is no reason to believe that the speech he wants to ‘protect’ on college campuses won’t both suppress speech and enable incitement. If the framers of the Constitution were alive today, they would tell President Trump: ‘No, no, no, sir. You can’t use executive orders to suppress the speech of those with whom you disagree.’
“As educators, we are staunch supporters of a free exchange of ideas, the free expression that is crucial to intellectual discourse, and the responsibility that all speech must be coupled with an ability to reject that which will incite hatred or violence. Free and unfettered speech is supposed to be exactly that—free and unfettered—not subject to executive branch policing and interference.
“This order also sets a dangerous precedent that makes public activities at our nation’s colleges and universities susceptible to punitive action if they don’t meet a predetermined, purposefully ambiguous benchmark set by a White House with a very obvious political agenda. When schools are committed to civilized discussion and debate, we should be investing in more research to defend those democratic ideals, not denying them resources.”
03/20/2019
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03/20/2019
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03/18/2019
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----- NATIONAL NEWS -----
Federal funds to arm teachers faces Democrat block
Legislation has been introduced by Democrats in the House and Senate that is intended to clarify that the Department of Education cannot allow school districts to use federal funds to arm teachers. Sen. Chris Murphy, a Democrat from Connecticut, said: “The last thing our classrooms need is for schools to be loaded up with weapons. That terrifies children who are already living in fear of being the next victim." The bill is a direct rebuke to Secretary of Education Betsy DeVos, who last year considered whether to allow states to use a program in the federal K-12 law to pay for firearms and training for school staff.
Government outlines higher education overhaul
The government has outlined its priorities for overhauling the federal higher education law in a five-page memo. Much of the blame for current deficiencies is placed on colleges and universities, recommending that the higher education industry focuses on changing workforce needs. The document reads: "The rising cost of college education and the accompanying growth in student loan balances erodes the wage premium associated with a college degree… Unfortunately, many colleges and universities have been unable or unwilling to provide the necessary types of education in a cost-effective manner." The White House wants to see colleges and universities offer programs more in line with employment needs and is seeking, among other measures, to allow federal student aid, scholarships and grants to cover apprenticeships, certifications and other types of workforce training programs. New limits on federal stud ent loans taken out by parents and graduate students are also proposed as part of a broader plan to reduce college costs.
----- STATE NEWS -----
New training for preschool teachers helps bilingual kids prepare for kindergarten
Hundreds of preschool teachers and supervisors across California are getting trained this year on how to support children whose families speak a language other than English at home. For the first time this year, the California Department of Education awarded $5m through the Dual Language Learners Professional Development Grant to six organizations to train preschool teachers who work with dual-language learners. The six grantees range from a project that trains child care providers who serve infants and toddlers to online courses for college students preparing to become preschool teachers.
----- DISTRICTS -----
Strike authorized against Sacramento City USD
The Sacramento City Teachers Association announced Friday that its members have voted to authorize a strike, with turnout at 70% of its 2,500 members. The union said 92% voted in favor. Sacramento City USD is facing a number of challenges, and is under threat of state takeover as it struggles with a $35m budget gap. The district stated: “A strike would put the district on the fast track to state takeover which would only hurt our students, families and employees… We instead continue to encourage SCTA leaders to come to the table to start negotiations with a neutral facilitator.”
Dublin teachers union authorizes strike
After three days of voting last week, Dublin USD teachers agreed to go on strike, if needed, as negotiations over a contract with the district continue. Ninety-eight per cent of the 620 Dublin Teacher Association who participated in the ballot voted to authorize a strike. Teachers are asking for a 3% raise for the current school year, on top of the 1.5% hike they received a year ago for a total of 4.5%, a 3% raise for the 2019-20 school year and a one-time bonus of 3.5%. Also on the bargaining table are health care concerns, smaller class sizes, better special education support in the classroom, and the school calendar. The district’s last known offer was a straight 2% raise for 2018-19, plus a 3% one-time bonus.
----- HEALTH & WELLBEING -----
Mental health issues increased amongst young people
A new study has found that over the last ten years, rates of depression, psychological distress, and suicidal thoughts and actions have risen significantly among people age 26 and younger, with some of the highest increases among women and those at higher income levels. The report, published in the American Psychological Association’s Journal of Abnormal Psychology, looked at survey data from more than 600,000 adolescents and adults. It found that in the past 10 to 12 years, the number of people reporting symptoms indicative of major depression increased 52% among 12- to 17-year-olds and 63% among 18- to 25-year-olds; the rate for both groups is now 13.2%. Serious psychological distress and suicide-related thoughts or actions also rose by 70% in young adults, from 7.7% to 13.1%.
-----CHARTER SCHOOLS -----
Charter school task force holds first meeting
A new task force that will examine the financial impact of charter schools and report back to Gov. Gavin Newsom by July 1st met for the first time on Thursday. Superintendent of Public Instruction Tony Thurmond led the meeting, at Newsom’s request, and will chair the 11-member Charter Task Force. They include four individuals representing the state’s 1,300-plus charter schools, four public employee union representatives and three school district and county office of education representatives. In a statement, Mr Thurmond said, “We plan to research data and facts, and will review the fiscal impact and authorization process of charter schools. But more importantly, we are going to do this with thoughtful intention and through the lens of identifying what is truly best for kids.”
----- SOCIAL & COMMUNITY -----
New guide aims to equip schools to fight white supremacism
Educators have created a document titled “Confronting White Nationalism in Schools: A Toolkit” in a bid to help schools recognize signs that a student is being recruited by white supremacists, and how best to deal with these situations. This comes as a report by the Anti-Defamation League says white-supremacy propaganda in the United States increased 182% last year from the year before, with efforts to recruit young people taking place on and off school campuses. Nora Flanagan, a Chicago high school English teacher, Lindsay Schubiner, a program director at nonprofit organization the Western States Center, and Jessica Acee, an educator and community organizer in Portland, Oregon authored the report. Identity Evropa was believed to be responsible for more than 40% (503 of 1,187) of far-right propaganda distributions in 2018.
Newport-Mesa board to create anti-bigotry task force
The Newport-Mesa USD in Orange County is to create an anti-bigotry task force in the wake of recent incidents of “hate and anti-semitism”, according to reports. This follows images circulated on social media of Orange County students at an off-campus party giving the Nazi salute, while Nazi propaganda posters were pasted around Newport Harbor High School.
----- HIGHER EDUCATION -----
Repeat but just to make sure you see it.
Government outlines higher education overhaul
The government has outlined its priorities for overhauling the federal higher education law in a five-page memo. Much of the blame for current deficiencies is placed on colleges and universities, recommending that the higher education industry focuses on changing workforce needs. The document reads: "The rising cost of college education and the accompanying growth in student loan balances erodes the wage premium associated with a college degree… Unfortunately, many colleges and universities have been unable or unwilling to provide the necessary types of education in a cost-effective manner." The White House wants to see colleges and universities offer programs more in line with employment needs and is seeking, among other measures, to allow federal student aid, scholarships and grants to cover apprenticeships, certifications and other types of workforce training programs. New limits on federal stud ent loans taken out by parents and graduate students are also proposed as part of a broader plan to reduce college costs.
----- OTHER -----
Champion of Title IX federal law passes away
Sen. Birch Bayh, who was responsible for the landmark 1972 federal law banning discrimination against women in college admissions and athletics, has died aged 91. He said of the Title IX law he pushed through the Senate: “If you give a person an education, whether it’s a boy or girl, young woman or young man, they will have the tools necessary to make a life for families and themselves.”
NTA Life Insurance - An ABCFT Sponsor
About three years ago ABCFT stated a working relationship with National Teachers Associates Life Insurance Company. Throughout our partnership, NTA has been supportive of ABCFT activities by sponsorship and prizes for our various events. This organization specializes in providing insurance for educators across the nation. We have been provided both data and member testimonials about how pleased they have been with the NTA products and the opportunity to look at alternatives to the district insurance choice.
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