KEEPING YOU INFORMED - Negotiations Update By Ruben Mancillas
We will be meeting to negotiate with the district on Tuesday, September 12.
Deputy Superintendent/Chief Financial Officer Nguyen will be presenting an overview of the budget and be available for questions and clarifications regarding these numbers.
Updates during the negotiations process will provide information but also maintain the confidentiality of the bargaining table. I have written previously about the precedent we have for not sharing the details of respective proposals during negotiations in order to achieve the best possible outcome for our members. I am aware that other districts do things differently and that some members have asked why we don’t announce exactly what our “ask” is and what precisely is the district response. My response would be that confidentiality allows the ABCFT team to get a better deal. If both sides knew that whatever was said at the table would be published it could narrow the scope and thus the effectiveness of bargaining.
For example, we could publicly ask for 20% as an initial proposal because many of our members would expect to see such an aspirational number as a sign that their union was aggressively bargaining for them. But what if there was nowhere near enough ongoing dollars to justify such a proposal? The district may feel that we were being unreasonable and counter with a lowball offer of 1% despite more funds being available. We then publish their counteroffer to predictable outrage and both sides have been painted into a corner with a segment of their constituents. Each side would have difficulty moving off of these extreme positions and limited, if any, progress could be the result.
The ABCFT team will continue to fight to get the most available compensation for our members. Our goal is always to increase the numbers on our salary schedule. But we are alert to other possibilities as well; with our recent voluntary professional learning days being just one example of creative ways we have negotiated to get more money to our members. We bargain for salary and benefits every year. The “and benefits” component is crucial but oftentimes receives less attention than the headline overall percentage of a raise. I will write more next week about some specifics regarding benefits and how they factor into negotiations. The other part of the contract that we agreed to “sunshine” for this round of bargaining is our calendar. Ideally, we will be able to agree on our calendar not only for 2024-2025 but for what we refer to as the next or “out” year as well. This ability to plan ahead with definite dates is helpful not only to our members and the district but to our students and the community as a whole.
In Unity,
ABC TEACHERS RANKED AMONG THE BESTBy Tanya Golden
ABC Teachers and support staff continue to place ABC USD as a nationally recognized high-ranking public school district. With results as described in the article, it is clear, ABC public school teachers and support staff are outstanding professionals. This professionalism is demonstrated in the work teachers do each day such as; thoughtful and engaging lesson plans, creating safe and supportive classroom environments so all students can thrive, and being a caring adult for students who may need the extra attention.
Thank you to each ABC teachers and nurses who make a difference in the lives of students every day. For many of us, making a difference in students’ lives is the main reason for choosing this career. For others, the positive and profound effects public education had on your life is the reason. Whatever the reason you chose to be a public school teacher I think we can all agree that public schools are the foundations of a democracy and it’s vital teachers are given the respect and room to lift all students. The education of future generations depend on it as does our democracy.
MEMBER-ONLY RESOURCES
What are you teaching this month? Check out some September highlights.
Sept. 11 / Patriot Day
So how do you reflect on the tragedy of 9/11 in your classroom? All of our students in preK-12 classrooms today were born after the attack. What ideas come to mind when they discuss what happened that day? Share My Lesson has an entire collection of resources from partners like the 9/11 Memorial & Museum that cover the events of that day, how we can build compassion and tolerance for others, and understanding the importance of historical memory. You can also learn about related days of service with our partner 9/11 Day.
Hispanic Heritage Month
Teaching about Hispanic Heritage Month is essential in promoting cultural awareness and fostering a more inclusive and empathetic society. The celebration, observed annually from Sept. 15 to Oct. 15, honors the contributions, history and cultural richness of Hispanic and Latino Americans. During this time, students can engage with the different traditions, foods, music, dance, stories and vibrancy of Hispanic culture. Highlighting these unique
contributions to society encourages a more comprehensive and compassionate worldview and helps us break down stereotypes and prejudices.
Welcoming Week
How are you making all your students feel welcomed and included during the back-to-school season? Welcoming Week (September 8-17, 2023) is an annual celebration of communities becoming more welcoming to immigrants, and we have resources to provide ideas on how you can institute this celebration in your classroom. A diverse and inclusive classroom is a better classroom for everyone, and when students feel like they belong, they are more likely to thrive. Find resources in Share My Lesson's English language learners collection, like this welcoming activity and this webinar on serving immigrant-origin students.
Constitution Day
The resources in this collection are designed to empower educators in shaping a new generation of informed and engaged participants in our democratic society by using resources and lesson plans curated to underscore the significance of the Constitution; the need for active citizenship; and the importance of diversity, equity and inclusion.
National Voter Registration Day
Each year, millions of Americans discover they’re unable to vote because of a missed deadline, or aren’t sure how to register to vote at all. So why should you talk about this with your students?
1. Voting is a fundamental right and responsibility that belongs to all citizens.
2. Young people’s voices are often underrepresented in government.
3. Students can appreciate being civically engaged and becoming active citizens.
National Voter Registration Day (September 19, 2023) is a great opportunity for students to learn about the importance of voting and how to register to vote. Share My Lesson has resources not only for high school students, but also for younger students to understand the importance of voting in every election.
U.N. Climate Council Events
This September, there are several dates you can take advantage of to highlight the importance of climate education and sustainability. Whether you’re looking to teach about clean air and blue skies, the preservation of the ozone layer, sustainable development goals (SDGs), or explain the importance of the Climate Ambition Summit, Share My Lesson has a rich collection of resources to support you.
Click here to access these ShareMy Lesson Resources
ACADEMIC SERVICES UPDATE
This month’s academic service update is vital for all teachers. We hope you will take a moment to look at this monthly report which discusses changes in academic services. This document provides the union with a means of giving the District feedback on the many programs or changes they are proposing at any time. Without your feedback or questions on these changes, it is harder for ABCFT to slow down and modify the district’s neverending rollout of new projects. Please submit your comments and questions to the appropriate ABCFT liaison.
For Elementary curricular issues, please email Megan at Megan.Mitchell@abcusd.us
For Secondary curricular issues, please email Catherine at Catherine.Pascual@abcusd.us
Click Here For This Month’s Full Report
ABCFT PRESIDENT’S REPORT - Ray Gaer
Consistent and regular communication is a union’s most important tool for advocating for its members at the bargaining table. Every conversation with members is focused on the end result of negotiating for the future prosperity and well-being of ALL ABCFT members. This weekly report informs members about issues impacting their working/learning conditions and mental well-being. Our work as a Union is a larger conversation and united we make the YOUnion.
“Either homeschool or alternative education, you can choose,” ABCUSD School Board member Soo Yoo in her board report on Tuesday as she railed against the California public education system.
ABC School Board Clips: Soo Yoo board report, Dr. Olga Rios reaction, ABCFT’s response.
Take a look at this summary of the board meeting by Los Cerritos Community News.
I’m not going to go down a long rabbit hole about the confusing statements from Ms. Yoo concerning public education. Still, it feels like a conflict of values when someone is a voted representative for the community as a public school trustee and then advocating for the continued exiting of our student population. I think it is important that we meet the community and students where they are so that we can let solutions guide changes in public education. Public education dialogue should be centered on finding common-ground solutions that meet the needs of all educational partners.
In order for us to find solutions as a district, or as a nation we need continued dialogue to look for innovative solutions to meet the needs of all. Is it impossible to find the perfect solution, absolutely, but we can raise the bar and increase our success rate if we engage together. There is always going to be progress with any discussion or project, even if on the outside, it looks like it hasn’t succeeded. Every effort brings some fruit even if it tastes rotten. ABC has had a motto that has gone viral both nationally and internationally, which states, “We won’t let each other fail.” Telling parents to homeschool their students is about opting out of the public school system, and by opting out of the system, those important voices for discussion are not in the room. As the president of ABCFT, I refuse to let my parent partners struggle alone.
As a district and community, we have always kept our eye on the big prize, and outstanding education for our students. This is a proud public education community with a deep investment in the values of fairness, collaboration, dignity, and equity. This has been the common sense ingredient for success in the ABC School District. I hope that we will continue to have constructive dialogue with community parents, students, and ABC educators as we all strive to adapt and change to make public education the great ladder for American ingenuity and success.
It is a glimpse of the work we are doing here to help educators in ABC and all over the county. The ABC community is a great place for families and for employees. We need to all set our sights on keeping our eye on the main thing, our students.
In YOUnity,
Ray Gaer
President, ABCFT
CALIFORNIA FEDERATION OF TEACHERS
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
Follow AFT President Randi Weingarten: http://twitter.com/rweingarten
----- NEWS STORY HIGHLIGHT-----
Judge blocks Chino USD's gender-notification policy
A San Bernardino Superior Court judge has ruled that Chino Valley USD must temporarily suspend its policy requiring the notification of parents if a student is gender-nonconforming or transgender. The ruling comes as part of an ongoing dispute between state leaders and conservative-leaning school districts in California over LGBTQ+ issues. The Chino Valley policy, which requires district staff to inform parents in writing within three days if they become aware of a student using names, pronouns, or facilities that do not match their biological sex, has influenced other school boards across the state. The policy was inspired by a failed bill that would have required all school districts in the state to inform parents of gender-nonconforming or transgender children. The ruling is a victory for those who argue that the policy breaks down trust between parents, teachers, and students and exposes vulnerable students. A hearing is scheduled for October 13th to further discuss the issue.
The Hill San Luis Obispo Tribune
----- NATIONAL NEWS -----
Judge temporarily blocks Texas' new teacher evaluation system
A judge has granted a plea by a teachers union in Texas' largest school district to temporarily halt the implementation of a new system for evaluating instructors that was put in place following a state takeover. The order comes just days after the Houston school district started its first school year following a contentious takeover that saw the district's superintendent and board of trustees ousted. It also follows Texas Education Commissioner Mike Morath's rare public comments on the takeover since it was revealed in March. New Superintendent Mike Miles is implementing a new teacher assessment system that would pay educators mostly based on standardized test scores and classroom performance. The Houston Federation of Teachers filed a complaint in state district court on Wednesday, alleging that the new system was established without involvement from teachers or school committees, a violation of state law. According to the union, the new grading method will push instructors against one another rather than encourage an environment of collaboration and growth. Following a court hearing Thursday, state district judge Fredericka Phillips issued a temporary restraining order, ruling that the new evaluation system was not designed in accordance with state law
Pandemic pre-K enrollment diversity mapped
An analysis from the U.S. Census Bureau released this week illuminates how the pandemic's impact varied by state, student race and socioeconomic background. The bureau’s analysis of preschool enrollment between 2019 and 2021 indicates that there was a drop of 9.3 percentage points in the number of three to six-year-olds enrolled in preschool between 2019 and 2021, from 51.1% to 41.8%. Meanwhile 42 states and the District of Columbia experienced statistically significant declines in preschool enrollment. Eight states (Alabama, Nebraska, South Dakota, North Dakota, Wyoming, Montana, Idaho and Alaska) did not experience significant changes, while five states (California, New Jersey, Maryland, Oregon and Washington) experienced declines exceeding 13 percentage points. The steepest decline (18.6 percentage points) in preschool enrollment was recorded among Asian children, the racial group with the highest pre-pandemic preschool enrollment rates, falling from 56.7% in 2019 to 38.1% in 2021. The smallest decline (7.2 percentage points) in preschool enrollment came among White non-Hispanic children, dropping from 53.2% to 46%. Some 50% of children enrolled in preschool in 2021 were living with two working parents, while 30% of children enrolled in preschool in 2021 were living with one non-working parent.
Schools short of 100,000 mental health workers
The student mental health crisis is unfolding as the nation’s schools face a shortage of counselors, psychologists, social workers and therapists, with each problem amplified by the other and all of them worsening since the pandemic began. It would take 77,000 more school counselors, 63,000 more school psychologists and tens of thousands of school social workers to reach levels recommended by professional groups before the pandemic hit. Typically, the jobs require a master’s degree, meaning six or seven years of higher education, so the pipeline does not flow quickly. Some universities are expanding counseling programs, hoping to produce more graduates. Schools are hiring interns and trainees. Some states, including California, are offering scholarships to lure students into mental health professions, while researchers are going back to the basics, rethinking what it means to be a mental-health-care provider. “Not only do we have shortages, but we have attrition from the mental health field,” says Sharon Hoover, a professor of child and adolescent psychiatry and co-director of the National Center for School Mental Health at the University of Maryland’s School of Medicine. “So as demand is going up, supply is going down.”
----- STATE NEWS -----
California school district sued over ban on critical race theory
A small group of teachers, students, and parents, along with the local teachers' union, are suing California's Temecula Valley USD and the school board over a resolution that bans critical race theory. The resolution, passed in December 2022, eliminates concepts that conflict with the board's ideological viewpoints, according to the lawsuit. The plaintiffs argue that the resolution censors teachers and restricts students' fundamental rights. The lawsuit claims that the resolution violates California's state standards and disproportionately impacts teachers and students of color, as well as LGBTQ+ staff and students. The resolution has caused confusion among teachers, who are unsure how to teach California standards without violating its terms. The lawsuit calls for the resolution to be declared unconstitutional under state law. This lawsuit is part of a larger national movement against critical race theory, with 18 states passing laws restricting its teaching in schools. However, California has taken steps to expand education on racism and the contributions of racial and ethnic groups to U.S. history.
U.S. teachers lag global peers in teaching sustainability
Teachers in the United States are facing challenges in teaching sustainability, according to a report by the Smithsonian Science Education Center and Gallup. The report reveals that U.S. teachers feel ill-equipped to incorporate topics on sustainable development into their curriculum, unlike their counterparts in Brazil, Canada, France, and India. While 81% of U.S. teachers believe teaching about sustainability is important, they lack the necessary time, instructional materials, expertise, and professional development to do so. The report highlights that U.S. administrators are more likely than teachers to believe there is enough support for teaching about sustainable development. The lack of support is attributed to factors such as a lack of appropriate training, a perception that sustainability topics are not suitable for certain grade levels, and a lack of time. The report emphasizes the need for curriculum supports, such as field trips and hands-on materials, to help teachers incorporate sustainability into their lessons.
Hundreds of California schools audited over low vaccination rates
More than 500 California public schools are being audited by the state due to low vaccination rates among kindergarten and seventh-grade students. Schools that allow students to attend without all their vaccinations risk losing funding. The audit list includes 450 schools serving kindergarteners and 176 schools serving seventh graders with low vaccination rates. Another 39 schools failed to file a vaccination report. California law requires schools to report vaccination rates and check up on those catching up on vaccinations. Oakland Unified has over 30 schools on the audit list. The state's vaccination rate dropped during the pandemic, and vaccine hesitancy remains a challenge
California lawmakers approve new tax on firearms and ammo sales
California lawmakers have approved Assembly Bill 28, which imposes an 11% tax on firearms and ammunition sales. The legislation aims to generate approximately $160m annually for violence-prevention, school safety programs, and victim-support services. It allocates $75m for city- and community-based gun violence prevention programs, $50m for school safety, and additional funding for law enforcement to remove firearms from individuals convicted of domestic violence. The legislation also sets aside funds for counseling and trauma services for victims of mass shootings and gun violence. If signed into law by Governor Gavin Newsom, the tax will go into effect on July 1st, 2024. Critics argue that the tax will be ineffective in curbing gun violence and will burden licensed gun owners. However, supporters emphasize the need to address the leading cause of death for children in the U.S.
----- DISTRICTS -----
San Francisco USD is projecting general fund deficits
San Francisco USD is projecting general fund deficits ranging from $25.3m to $37.6m over the next three years due to a significant decline in enrollment. The district is also facing staffing shortages in various departments. The report highlights that additional investments, including salary increases, are not feasible within the district's financial means. The increase in vacant positions in classrooms is primarily due to the compensation schedule and insufficient incentives for long-term teacher retention. The district's current average starting salary for a teacher is $64,000, increasing to $90,000 in mid-career. Enrollment has fallen by over 4,000 students in the past decade, and the district expects an additional loss of 4,600 students by 2032. The financial challenges and enrollment decline pose a crisis for the San Francisco Unified School District.
Schools cutting recovery programs as relief 'dries up'
The unprecedented infusion of aid money the U.S. federal government provided to schools during the pandemic is beginning to dwindle, leaving many districts to wind down expanded summer school and after-school tutoring. Some teachers and support staff brought on to help kids through the crisis are also being let go as a result. States too may soon face their own budget challenges as they received temporary federal aid that is running out. Some researchers have questioned whether the money was sufficient or sustained enough to address the deep declines in learning, but with a recent deal limiting federal spending increases in education, more money from Congress will not be forthcoming. Districts have through September 2024 to earmark the last of the money provided by Congress in three COVID relief packages. In a June survey of hundreds of school system leaders, half said they would need to decrease staffing of specialists, such as tutors and reading coaches, for the new school year. Half also said they were cutting summer-learning programs. Meanwhile, the latest national data shows large swaths of American students remain behind academically compared with where they would have been if not for the pandemic.
----- WORKFORCE ----
Teachers struggle: Easing pressure and raising pay
Teachers are struggling with an ever-increasing range of responsibilities, leading to burnout and a decline in the number of prospective educators. The pandemic has magnified these challenges, but they are not new and won't disappear with a return to normal. The 2023 Voices from the Classroom teacher survey reveals that 87% of teachers feel they have too many responsibilities to be effective educators. To address this, schools need to ease the pressure on teachers, increase support staff, and provide professional learning opportunities for collaboration. Additionally, teachers deserve better compensation that reflects their workload and impact on student achievement. Supporting teachers' mental health is also crucial, with explicit recognition of their struggles and the inclusion of mentorship and decision-making opportunities.
Workforce challenges remain in schools nationwide
Local governments are experiencing an employment shortage as students head back to class this fall, according to the Bureau of Labor Statistics, with challenges most acute among teachers and other school staff. Data from Kansas State University professor Tuan Nguyen show that the teacher vacancy issue may also be worsening, suggesting the pandemic is not necessarily to blame. In the 2021-2022 school year, Nguyen and his colleagues found over 36,500 teacher vacancies in 37 states and the District of Columbia. However, updated data published late last month show over 55,200 vacancies. The West is home to some of the lowest teacher-to-student ratios in the country, with many states having about 55 teachers per 1,000 students. Nevada has the lowest ratio of just under 44 teachers per 1,000 students, while California has just under 46 teachers. Some states, including Oregon, have started accepting teachers with out-of-state licenses to fill positions. On the East coast, Rhode Island's largest school district, Providence, is returning to class this week with more than 100 vacancies, causing some students to begin the school year with a substitute teacher. This year alone, 217 teachers left the Providence teachers union, and only 55 departures were retirements.
----- LEGAL -----
Rights vs. Restrictions: Lawsuit challenges California school board's resolution
A small group of teachers, students, and parents, along with the local teachers' union, are suing a California school board and district over a resolution that bans critical race theory. The resolution, passed in December 2022, eliminates concepts that conflict with the board's ideological viewpoints, according to the lawsuit. The plaintiffs argue that the resolution censors teachers and restricts students' fundamental rights. The lawsuit claims that the resolution violates California's state standards and disproportionately impacts teachers and students of color, as well as LGBTQ+ staff and students. The resolution has caused confusion among teachers, who are unsure how to teach California standards without violating its terms. The lawsuit calls for the resolution to be declared unconstitutional under state law. This lawsuit is part of a larger national movement against critical race theory, with 18 states passing laws restricting its teaching in schools. However, California has taken steps to expand education on racism and the contributions of racial and ethnic groups to U.S. history.
----- HEALTH & WELLBEING -----
Most Americans support free breakfast and lunch in schools
Most Americans think that public schools should provide free breakfast and lunch to all students regardless of their family income, according to a new nationally representative poll by YouGov found. Some 60% of U.S. adults favor providing all students with free lunch at school, and a similar share, 57%, think all students should have access to free breakfast. Most other respondents said that free school meals should only be available to children from low-income families, which is similar to the current federal policy. The results come as several states are adopting universal school meal programs, after Congress declined to maintain a pandemic-era policy that provided breakfast and lunch to all students nationally. The apparent popularity of the idea may help bolster the case of state lawmakers and child nutrition advocates lobbying for free school meals for all. “The pandemic really ushered in a normalization of this policy,” said Danielle Deiseroth, executive director of the Data for Progress think tank, which that also found widespread support for universal free school meals among likely U.S. voters in a 2021 poll. “This is a policy that has very strong bipartisan support.”
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