KEEPING YOU INFORMED - Negotiations Update By Ruben Mancillas
The full contingent of our ABCFT negotiating team met with the district on Wednesday, February 7 for a productive bargaining session. We have a tentative agreement regarding compensation for the 2023-2024 school year and a calendar for the 2024-2025 school year.
We are proceeding with the ratification process: we met with the ABCFT executive board last night and they voted to move the tentative agreement to our rep council. We have a special rep council meeting scheduled for the afternoon of Tuesday, February 13. If the rep council votes to authorize the agreement it can be put forward for a full vote of the membership. Once the rep council approves of the tentative agreement it becomes “live” and can be shared via email after the conclusion of the meeting. Assuming the rep council votes to approve the tentative agreement we have an in person general meeting scheduled for Thursday, February 15 at 4:30 p.m. at the Cabrillo Lane multi purpose room for members to ask questions regarding the agreement. Following the general meeting, a window for an electronic ratification vote can then open that evening. If a majority of ABCFT members vote yes we have an approved agreement that then goes back to the ABCUSD school board for approval. Once a majority, or four votes, of the school board vote for our tentative agreement it becomes final and we can expect to see any increase to compensation on subsequent checks.
ABCFT will be working on an annotated tentative agreement for next week’s YOUnion news. Thank you to the negotiating team for bargaining this agreement and to the executive board for voting to approve it.
My movie recommendations often feature programming at a revival or repertory theater and this February is no different but I am aware that streaming from the comfort of home is the preferred method of viewing for many. So if you are unlikely to make it all of the way to the New Beverly Cinema next Tuesday through Thursday night you can still schedule your own Valentine’s Day movie festival with their inspired pairing of Bonnie and Clyde with True Romance. If you are in the mood for a stylish vision of young lovers on the run you can’t do better than to start with Beatty and Dunaway from 1967 ushering in the New Hollywood generation as Depression era gangsters and then follow that up with 1993’s True Romance, with an original script by Tarantino and direction by Tony Scott. True Romance features an incredible ensemble cast with Dennis Hopper, Val Kilmer, Gary Oldman, Christopher Walken, and James Gandolfini all having brief but memorable roles.
Enjoy your Lincoln’s Birthday three day weekend and best of luck to your favorite team in the Super Bowl!
In Unity,
School Facilities Capacities and Declining Enrollment Ad Hoc Committee Update by Ray Gaer
This Wednesday was the first of two ABC District Townhall meetings to discuss the impact of possible school closures. Three hundred or more parents, students, and concerned citizens gathered at Portuguese Hall in Artesia for this town hall event. Also in attendance were four of the seven ABC School Board members and a full roster of the committee appointees. The city of Hawaiian Gardens was able to charter a bus for its citizens to attend this opportunity of input about their community schools.
From 6 pm till 9:30, there was a line of speakers who were able to speak to the committee panel and board members. Not a single speaker was in favor of closing schools. Many of the speakers, both adults and parents, were in tears as they described the devastating impact this is having on their school communities. Many described their schools as a second home where they felt connected and safe. My personal observation is that post pandemic, parents and students have a renewed sense of connection with their local school because it provided such a source of information, support, and consistency during the past four years. Which is a testament to the dedication of ABC teachers, nurses, and support staff. Their heartbreak and anger are well-founded. I felt it was important to take notes highlighting some of the comments that were impactful or often repeated over the course of the evening.
I would encourage all teachers to attend the next town hall on the 15th so that you can hear this information for yourself so you can make your own conclusions about the necessity of closing schools (WEAR YOUR UNION BLUE POLO SHIRTS SO YOU CAN BE SEEN). Thank you to all those teachers encouraging their parent communities to engage with the town hall/committee meeting process.
Here are my notes from that night. Depending on how they were presented, some of these are statements and other comments came in the form of questions for the committee and board members.
Why are Title 1 schools being targeted? What happens to the Title 1 funds when the students go to a new school?
Statistics and research show that students who are sent to new schools have a statistically higher chance of struggling academically in their new school.
Proximity - walking to school, busing, more cars at new schools, parents and grandparents have a harder time walking with students because they can’t drive or school is too distant, foreign neighborhoods.
Separating families and friends.
Triggering mental health issues both now and in the future. Students and parents are dealing with mental health issues already. What are the traumatic long-term effects? Parents are frustrated with the instability this process is creating.
What happens to special programs such as bilingual education and the heavy special education populations? (note - statistically there are students with more academic needs in all of these named schools which will cause program and IEP instability)
What about before and after-school programs for students that parents rely on and have built connections to over the years?
Students will fall through the cracks in larger schools and classrooms, especially those with language or disability, or financial challenges.
Are there ways to avoid the closure, “if it’s about money or help just ask your community to help…we want to help in any way we can”,
Has there been marketing?
What will happen to my kids' program? Why are you turning my family routine upside down? Students are already having panic attacks, not doing homework, and are showing signs of depression and trauma.
Lots of elementary students in tears asking at the mic why we are closing their school.
Previous YOUnionews report from 1.26.2024
Previous YOUnionews report from 1.19.2024
Previous YOUnionews report from 12.15.2023
Criteria used to create the preliminary list of schools to do further research on
Committee member recommendations
ABC Demographic Report from January 2023
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.
“I’m feeling overwhelmed and school closure is like a cloud over everything” - a consistent comment almost every teacher and principal I’ve talked with over the past month has voiced as Tanya and I visit school sites and programs.
This week I worked a couple fourteen hour days and a couple twelve hour days so my brainpower and my time today is a little limited but I’ll share what comes to mind right away. First, there was an ABC School Board meeting on Tuesday which was long and we will share some links next week to some of the events of that evening in the next YOUnionews. I attended the Facilities Committee town hall meeting and I hope you read my report up above. Listening to the community express their emotions about the possible closing of their local school was the most heart-wrenching thing I’ve done in my career. I wish that all of the board members were in attendance of these events because this is a defining moment in ABC's history.
Tanya and I are on a world tour of school sites and we look forward to seeing as many of you as possible over the next month or so. With negotiations, personnel issues, meetings, and organizing a new office it has taken longer to get out to sites then we typically like but it's finally happening. Cerritos High School was told a couple of weeks ago that their principal is retiring so they are going through the process of working with Dr. Lois for staff input on what they need and like in a future principal (we will be on your campus before the interviews).
This week we also had the YOUnion Chat and about fifty members participated in those conversations. I say conversation because it really has become a conversation where members can express their input on ideas that come to the surface each time. Thank you to all those who attend regularly. Your words guide what we do and give me the needed energy to fight hard for ABCFT members in every moment.
We have a three-day weekend to recover from a week's worth of rain and rainy day schedules. I hope you are able to recharge your batteries. If you’re a sports fan let's enjoy the game and if you’re not a sports fan then Sunday is the best day of the year to visit a typically crowded theme park.
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-----
American Bar Association to oppose laws restricting teaching on race and gender
The American Bar Association's policymaking body is set to publicly oppose laws that restrict teaching about race or gender, as well as bans on books covering those subjects. A resolution submitted to the ABA's House of Delegates opposes any laws or policies that limit the inclusion of studies on the experiences and contributions of individuals or groups based on their race, gender identity, sexual orientation, or religion. The resolution also opposes restrictions on books and school resources addressing these topics. The ABA's House of Delegates will vote on the proposal, which aims to protect students' freedom to learn and receive a comprehensive education. The resolution specifically mentions Florida's Stop WOKE Act, which prohibits discussing race in the classroom. Supporters argue that teaching about racism divides students, while the ABA report counters that such laws eliminate any discussion of race. The ABA will also consider a new law school accreditation rule requiring campuses to adopt free speech policies
----- DISTRICT SCANDALS -----
Poway Unified Puts Superintendent on Administrative Leave Amid Investigation
Phelps has been under scrutiny for months following allegations that she harassed members of Del Norte High School’s softball team, of which her daughter is also a member. The harassment was purportedly due to members of the team not clapping for Phelps’ daughter during a softball banquet in May 2023.
One member of the team claimed Phelps had called them late at night and tried to pressure them into admitting they’d bullied her daughter. Students have also claimed the superintendent has threatened their graduation privileges. Phelps has denied the accusations.
The allegations surfaced at a Poway board meeting in November, when a softball coach and parents of students called out the superintendent. In mid-November, the district announced it had hired an outside law firm to investigate the softball program, but did not clarify whether the superintendent herself would be investigated. Parents have argued that the investigation should be centered on Phelps.
Two Orange Unified School Board Members Face March Recall Election
Voters in the Orange Unified School District will decide if they want to remove school board trustees Rick Ledesma and Madison Miner from office in the March 5 primary election.
A group of parents, teachers and community members launched efforts to start a recall election against the two trustees after the board called a special meeting in January 2023 to abruptly fire Superintendent Gunn Marie Hansen and put an assistant superintendent on paid leave.
[Read: Two Orange Unified School Board Members May Face a Recall Election]
Darshan Smaaladen, a member of the recall group, said in a Tuesday emailed statement to that the recall stems from more than Hansen’s firing – she said the trustees are dragging “culture wars” into the classroom and not putting the students first
“Our schools should not be grounds for the culture wars that Miner and Ledesma have incited in an attempt to distract voters from the one true fact: they are not acting in the best interest of students or taxpayers and are wasting millions in taxpayer dollars, often to their personal gain,” Smaaladen wrote.
----- NATIONAL NEWS -----
Most Texas schools have discriminatory dress codes
A report by the American Civil Liberties Union (ACLU) of Texas has found that most public schools in the state still have discriminatory dress codes. The report examined nearly 1,200 public and charter school dress codes in Texas and found that over half of the school districts mandated outdated gender norms. More than 7% of the districts explicitly prohibited hairstyles associated with race, and about 80% had vague and subjective hair standards. The report also revealed that over 80% of the districts prohibited head coverings without clear religious exemptions. Additionally, nearly 80% of the districts prohibited worn, frayed, or mis-sized clothing, disproportionately affecting low-income children. The ACLU of Texas recommended removing discriminatory language from dress codes and redesigning them with a focus on inclusivity and equity. The body also suggested student expression be encouraged "within reasonable limits." The report further recommended community involvement in reviewing dress codes, and collecting data on student demographics and dress code violations.
These State Lawmakers Want All School Districts to Craft AI Policies. Will Others Follow?
By Alyson Klein — January 24, 2024
School districts in Tennessee would have to come up with a policy for using artificial intelligence under a pair of bills recently introduced in the state legislature.
The legislation, which has been submitted in both the House and Senate, would require schools and charters to specify how AI can be used for instruction and assignments by teachers, other staff, and students. But importantly, it doesn’t direct districts on whether to ban AI tools like ChatGPT, encourage their use, or choose an approach in between.
That was deliberate, said State Sen. Joey Hensley, a Republican on the education committee who sponsored the Senate’s version of the bill. Rep. Scott Cepicky, also a Republican, introduced the House version of the legislation.
Significant teacher pay increase proposed in Alabama
Alabama Gov. Kay Ivey is proposing a 7.6% increase in teacher pay, which would make it the highest among neighboring states. The raise would impact all K-12 and community college education employees, with teachers having three or more years of experience receiving a 2% raise. This would be the fourth consecutive year of raises for teachers in Alabama and the seventh out of nine years during Ivey's tenure as governor. The starting salary for teachers was $36,867 in 2017 and would increase to $47,600 if the proposal is approved. The Alabama Education Association Executive Director, Amy Marlowe, expressed cautious optimism about the proposal, noting that other states like Florida are also raising salaries. Marlowe emphasized the importance of increasing teacher pay to retain educators and make a difference in the classroom.
More children moving away from using school transportation
In 2022, youths of almost every age shifted away from using school buses, according to an analysis of the recently revamped National Household Travel Survey. Over half (53%) of U.S. students were dropped off at school or drove themselves in that year. The survey, from the Federal Highway Administration, collects detailed transportation data, including trip logs, from about 17,000 Americans in about 8,000 households. The pandemic amplified the structural issues, like workforce challenges, that schools were already struggling with. Some bus drivers refused to work because of the health threat, while others used their commercial licenses to make more money elsewhere in the booming transportation industry. In recent months, drivers have been some of the most in-demand workers in the entire country, according to data from recruitment firm Indeed. To cover the driver shortfalls, suggests Andrew Van Dam, schools are being pushed to cut bus services, change hours, cancel days, and even pay parents to drive their kids to school. Philadelphia, for example, pays parents $300 a month, or $3,000 a year per household. The program began in 2020 and now includes 16,000 students, not far below the 23,000 students who use yellow buses.
Title IX regulations advance to White House
The U.S. Department of Education has sent its long-awaited Title IX proposed rule to the White House. The department has yet to send the second Title IX rule, relating to transgender students’ athletics participation, to the Office of Management and Budget (OMB). The department has already missed two deadlines it set for the release of both rules, once in May 2023, and again in October 2023 due to what it says was the "overwhelming" feedback on the proposals. While OMB technically has 90 days to go through the Title IX rule currently under review, it can extend that to a total of 120 days. If it exhausts its 120 days, that would push the release of the broader Title IX rules to late spring, which would be almost two years after the proposal’s release.
----- STATE NEWS -----
California launches teacher apprenticeship programs
Apprenticeships are being added to the long list of initiatives California has undertaken to address its enduring teacher shortage. State leaders hope that the free or reduced-priced tuition and steady salary that generally accompany apprenticeships will encourage more people to become teachers. Apprentices complete their bachelor’s degree and a teacher preparation program while working as a member of the support staff at a school. They gain clinical experience at work while taking courses to earn their teaching credentials. California has joined 30 other states that have committed to launching registered teacher apprenticeship programs at the encouragement of the federal government. The road map for teacher apprenticeships in California is expected to be released later this year, providing guidance for school districts, teacher preparation programs, and other partners.
California ordered to spend billions on learning recovery
California is being forced to spend $2bn to help students recover from learning loss due to school shutdowns after a legal settlement. The state will use the remaining COVID-19 relief funds to provide tutoring and other efforts to aid students in recovering from the impact of the pandemic. The settlement aims to address the opportunity gaps exacerbated by the pandemic, and proposes a new law enabling funds to be spent on community organizations with a proven track record of improving student success. California's Department of Education will require local education agencies to report on the success of any program created to help students facing learning loss. The settlement comes after a decline in average reading scores and stalled progress in reading and math for elementary and middle school students. The funding will primarily benefit students from low-income households and minorities. This settlement is regarded as one of the largest education-related settlements in U.S. history.
California district violates education code with parental notification policy
The California Department of Education has ruled that the Rocklin Unified School District violated state education code with its parental notification policy. The policy, which requires informing parents if a student requests to go by a different gender pronoun or name, was deemed to be discriminatory. The district's superintendent has been given a deadline to inform staff and students that the policy will no longer be implemented. Failure to comply may result in the loss of state or federal fiscal support. Proponents argue that the policy helps parents stay informed, while opponents claim it puts transgender or nonbinary students at risk. The policy was criticized by educators and is currently under review by district officials. The Rocklin Teachers Professional Association has filed an unfair labor practice complaint against the district. The next board meeting is scheduled for Wednesday.
----- DISTRICTS -----
Chino teachers union demands fair wage
Multiple members of teachers, special education teachers, speech-language pathologists and others with the Associated Chino Teachers Union (ACT) are demanding a fair wage. Union members have started "working to the contract" and are limiting their work-related duties to only those covered by the collective bargaining agreement. Contract negotiations have been ongoing since May 2023. The union is asking for a cost-of-living increase that is reasonable and recognizes their worth. Speech-language pathologists are also requesting that caseload sizes be limited to 55 students. The district currently has 20 vacancies, with special education teachers and speech-language pathologists being the most needed. The union is committed to negotiating a fair deal and providing stability for teachers, students, and parents.
Los Angeles Schools brave rainstorms
Los Angeles students and school employees faced a challenging day as heavy rain hit the city on Monday. Despite hazardous conditions, about 63% of students and 90% of teachers and staff made it to campuses. Two schools had to close completely due to unsafe hillside and road conditions. However, the decision to keep campuses open was deemed correct by L.A. Schools superintendent Alberto Carvalho. Providing food to children was also highlighted as a benefit of keeping schools open. The attendance rate of school workers was impressive, considering their scattered locations across L.A. County. While L.A. Unified kept schools open, Santa Barbara County closed all public schools due to potential risks from flooding and severe weather. The closed L.A. campuses directed students and teachers to nearby campuses. There are no plans to close campuses today, despite rainy weather. Most Cal State campuses moved to remote learning, while UCLA and USC continued with regular operations.
----- CLASSROOM -----
Access to algebra varies significantly between states
According to a new nationally representative survey, 65% of U.S. principals said their elementary or middle school offered algebra in eighth grade, but only to certain students. Meanwhile, just 20% of principals said their school offered the class in eighth grade, and that any student could take it. The picture differed hugely by state. In California for example, nearly half of principals said their school offered algebra only to certain eighth graders. In Florida meanwhile, more than 80% of principals said the class was restricted. The findings, based on surveys conducted last spring by the RAND Corporation, shed light on the uneven access students have to advanced math classes in middle school, which can have lasting effects on their higher education and job prospects.
Assistive technology can boost outcomes for special ed students
Assistive technology can significantly improve outcomes for students in special education, according to guidance released by the U.S. Department of Education. The guidance clarifies the role of assistive technology in meeting the requirements of the Individuals with Disabilities Education Act. It emphasizes the need for states and districts to take full advantage of assistive technology tools, especially as schools increasingly rely on technology for teaching and learning. The guidance dispels misconceptions about assistive technology and highlights the importance of providing training and support to students and families. It also emphasizes that assistive technology can be used from infancy to elementary school, and encourages schools and districts to seek assistance from local Assistive Technology programs. The release of the guidance, alongside the National Education Technology plan, promotes accessibility and addresses digital divides.
----- LEGAL -----
Christian teachers sue over alleged forced lies about students' gender
Two Christian teachers in California have filed a lawsuit against Gov. Gavin Newsom and Attorney General Rob Bonta, claiming that they were forced to lie to parents about students confused about their gender. The teachers allege that the Escondido Union School District policies violated their First Amendment rights by requiring them to use pronouns and gender-specific names requested by students during school hours, but revert to the students' biological pronouns and legal names when speaking with parents. The lawsuit also states that the policies are based on guidance from the California Department of Education and compliance is required to receive state education funds. The attorney general was added to the lawsuit as the state will sue any school district that fails to adopt these policies.
----- HEALTH & WELLBEING -----
More schools urging mildly sick kids to attend
Some advocates and school systems are now encouraging kids to come to class even when they have the sniffles or other "nuisance illnesses" like lice or pinkeye. The state of California for example, where 25% of students last year missed 10% of the school year, took a new approach to sick-day guidance last fall. Instead of only saying when a child should stay home, the guidance describes circumstances when a child might be slightly unwell but can come to school. California also doesn’t insist on waiting 24 hours after a fever or vomiting before returning to school. Going fever-free or without vomiting overnight is enough. Boston Public Schools took a similar stance in its online recommendations for parents. “Respiratory infections are common. If the child does not have fever, does not appear to have decreased activity or other symptoms, it is not necessary for the child to stay home,” the district guidance reads. "Families need to hear they no longer must keep kids home at any sign of illness," agrees Hedy Chang, executive director of Attendance Works. The national nonprofit has even issued its own guidance, urging parents to send kids to school if they can participate in daily activities. “We have to now re-engage kids and families, and change their thinking about that,” Chang adds. The American Academy of Pediatrics recommends staying home when there’s fever, vomiting or diarrhea, or when students “are not well enough to participate in class.”
----- TECHNOLOGY -----
Santa Ana Unified establishes AI Policy Lab
Santa Ana Unified and EdSAFE AI Alliance have announced the establishment of an AI Policy Lab. The lab aims to promote the safe and ethical use of artificial intelligence (AI) in educational settings. It will provide policy recommendations and educational resources for teachers, students, and parents, with a focus on community engagement. The collaboration between SAUSD and EdSAFE AI Alliance is part of a nationwide network of similar policy initiatives, working towards responsible AI development, deployment, and usage. Jerry Almendarez, Superintendent of SAUSD, expressed excitement about the partnership and emphasized the commitment to safety, equity, ethics, effectiveness, and transparency in integrating AI into the school district. The EdSAFE AI Alliance, consisting of 12 districts across the country, focuses on creating a comprehensive "policy stack" for AI integration in education. This collaborative effort aims to leverage AI effectively and align it with the needs of each district.
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