KEEPING YOU INFORMED - Negotiations Update By Ruben Mancillas
Human Resources has confirmed that members who participated in the August PL days can expect to receive payment on October 4.
ABCFT met with Dr. Fraser yesterday to outline potential timelines for negotiations and discuss progress on some issues. As noted last week, we bargain for salary and benefits every year and this year we will have additional negotiations for master contract language. At the board meeting on Tuesday, we “sunshined” or agreed to open the articles in the contract regarding salary, benefits, and calendar. We can then address the rest of the contract by opening other articles as we move through the year.
The COLA for 2024-2025 remains 1.07%, which is the amount provided by the state for all ongoing district expenses. We are understandably focused on the implications of what this means for our current negotiations but we also track the state, national, and even international indicators as to what could impact future projections. The COLA for 2025-2026 is currently projected to be 2.93%, but this number will vary according to the news leading up to the next budget. The jobs report that comes out today, how this will impact the amount of the Federal Reserve rate cut in the following weeks, and the outcome of the 2024 presidential election are just some of the economic factors we will be taking into account to effectively negotiate for our members.
Thank you to the site reps who participated in yesterday’s September rep council meeting. We called an audible and switched to a virtual meeting in deference to the extreme heat. It’s difficult enough to be in a classroom all day long in these types of conditions and then be asked to volunteer more time to go to another site and listen to union business, no matter how compelling the speakers and the information! One of the messages we heard was the need to strike a balance between professional learning meetings and giving new students a sense of continuity as we start the school year. Too many days out of the classroom, with accompanying sub lesson plans, as you are trying to establish routines and class procedures, is a lot to juggle. Add in triple digit weather, and it is even more challenging. We are communicating these concerns to the district.
For our members who are football fans, good luck to your teams-both real and fantasy-this weekend. If you are in the mood for a movie, here’s a recommendation: Purple Noon. This film is an adaptation of Patrica Highsmith’s novel, The Talented Mr. Ripley, and features the recently departed French star, Alain Delon. The chameleon-like Ripley character has been featured in other films and a recent Netflix series, but Purple Noon is notable for its vivid Mediterranean cinematography and the amoral charm of Delon’s performance. Watching it may feel like a mini Italian vacation and a break from the heat.
In Unity,
MEMBER-ONLY RESOURCES
Dear AFT Member,
We are excited to announce a new lineup of AFT eLearning courses designed to support your professional growth and enhance your classroom practice. Whether you’re looking to deepen your understanding of learner variability, sharpen your reading comprehension instruction techniques, or enhance your differentiation strategies, your union has you covered. Check out these valuable opportunities to earn professional development hours while gaining practical tools and strategies to benefit your students. Remember to create your account on AFT eLearning here: https://aftelearning.org/user/register
How to Design for Learner Variability
Register by: Sept. 6
Launch date: Sept. 17
This 12-hour AFT eLearning module is designed to help K-12 teachers understand and address the diverse learning needs of their students. The course delves into the concept of learner variability, offering insights into how factors such as cognitive skills, social emotional development, and background experiences impact student learning. Through interactive videos, case studies and reflective activities, participants will explore practical strategies for creating inclusive and adaptable learning environments that support all students. Upon successful completion, teachers will earn a certificate for 12 contact hours. Learn more: https://aftelearning.org/learner-variability
Best Practices in Reading Comprehension Instruction
Register by: Sept. 19
Launch date: Oct. 3
This 10-hour AFT eLearning module is designed to equip K-12 teachers with effective strategies for enhancing students' reading comprehension. Drawing from AFT's comprehensive research on reading instruction, the course delves into best practices for teaching narrative and expository texts while emphasizing vocabulary development. Participants will engage with the material through interactive videos, journaling, research activities and knowledge checks. Upon successful completion, teachers will earn a certificate for 10 contact hours. Learn more: https://aftelearning.org/reading
Differentiating Instruction
Register by: Oct. 3
Launch date: Oct. 17
This 15-hour AFT eLearning module is tailored to help K-12 teachers master the art of differentiation in the classroom. The course explores various strategies to meet the diverse learning needs of students, ensuring that all learners can succeed regardless of their starting point. Through engaging videos, practical activities and reflective journaling, participants will learn how to create adaptable lesson plans, assess student progress, and implement differentiated instruction effectively. Upon successful completion, teachers will earn a certificate for 15 contact hours. Learn more: https://aftelearning.org/differentation
Bookmark it! The AFT Professional Development calendar is up to date with all upcoming AFT and Share My Lesson events in one convenient location: www.aftpd.org/calendar.
UNDERSTANDING THE MASTER CONTRACT
Some ABCFT Contract Language Reminders:
Time for State Mandatory Trainings (Keenan videos)
“Unit members will be given the appropriate amount of time during their duty day to complete annual state mandatory training.”
Elementary Planning Time
“Each elementary and site-assigned special education class teacher shall be provided at least 40 minutes of individual planning time per week, exclusive of time passing to or from a grade level, collaboration, or parent meeting.”
“Any additional preparation time provided by the site administration shall be used for class preparation, staff collaboration, grade level planning, parent conferences, and other instructional-related activities or to meet site goals as deemed appropriate by the school administrator in consultation with each unit member”
Class Maximums/Class Balancing
“School administration will have 30 school days from the first day of instruction to reduce each class roll to its appropriate maximum.”
The 2024 deadline by which classes should be balanced is Monday, September 23.
COPE POLITICAL UPDATE
In compliance with legal guidelines, ABCFT does not use the ABCUSD server to host information concerning political actions. This is an informational item to inform our members where they can find political materials not hosted on the district servers. Reminder - Never use district technology or school sites to distribute, print, or campaign for political purposes.
Click here for all political information on ABCFT’s COPE Committee Webpage.
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 we make the YOUnion.
"Do not judge me by my success; judge me by how many times I fell down and got back up again." – Nelson Mandela
Ruben, myself, and other contributors have been working hard over the past month to bring you information about negotiations, contract language, board elections, teacher sentiment data, and many other topics. Thanks to all those contributing, and a more enormous thanks to those who read our newsletter regularly. Our newsletter may take some stamina to read in an era of limited characters, short summaries, and talking points. I’ll admit that even to open the district’s Monday message, I know that I have to be in the right frame of mind and that devotion to time is our most important asset. Again, thanks for reading.
I’ll keep this short, but I want to acknowledge all of you who may be struggling in your personal life. Outside work, we all have complicated lives intertwined with family and friends, and life is full of ups and downs. We all have one or more challenges that weigh on us, and sometimes, work is a break from those stressors, but those worries never leave your side. You may have aging parents, personal or family illness, the passing of family or friends, friends that are going through tough times, a spouse or partner who is having a tough time, an aging pet, and if you have kids, the constant worry about their safety and health (and the endless doubting of our parenting skills along the way). Life's complications are too many to list.
Those things are real and sometimes earth-shatteringly painful. I’m honored to have helped, consoled, and provided a shoulder in those moments to countless members who are in those kinds of situations. This week’s message is just to tell you that you are all connected and that our human support and empathy bonds can never be forgotten in the workplace.
If you are struggling or juggling a maze of difficult personal situations, please know that resources are available at your fingertips. Moreover, just know that every person you know at work and at home is also feeling similar challenges. You are never alone in your experiences. It is the human condition, so I hope we all rally to support and treat each other with empathy and dignity. Getting up from falling down is our most extraordinary passage.
In YOUnity,
Ray Gaer
President, ABCFT
CALIFORNIA FEDERATION OF TEACHERS
Too often California’s public schools and community colleges only offer part-time employment to classified staff. This means classified staff must hold multiple jobs to provide for themselves and their families, and that they often go without healthcare. And it means our schools can’t recruit and retain for these critical positions because of the lack of hours and benefits. Workers lose and students lose.
CFT-sponsored AB 2088 would fix this issue by guaranteeing that existing classified employees have the right of first refusal to more hours of work to become full-time employees.
We’ve worked hard to get this critical bill on the Governor’s desk. Now we need your help.
Can you take a moment and join us in urging Governor Newsom to sign AB 2088?
All classified school workers deserve access to enough hours to provide for their families and to be there for the long term for their students.
In Unity,
Jeff M. Freitas
CFT President
The latest CFT articles and news stories can be found here on the PreK12 news feed on the CFT.org website.
LOS ANGELES COUNTY FEDERATION
Teamsters Local 630 members are speaking out against the heartless corporate giant behind Smart & Final.
Teamsters in Commerce and Riverside, Calif., have worked tirelessly to make Smart & Final a profitable grocery chain. But the Chedraui family shows no regard for long-term workers and their families. Now, Local 630 members are fighting for their working lives to win a fair first contract and stop the company from forcing them to re-apply for jobs at a new consolidated, nonunion warehouse in Rancho Cucamonga, Calif.
This move isn’t smart and it isn’t final. It’s not too late to make the company do the right thing. The Teamsters are demanding that workers’ jobs be guaranteed under a strong union contract.
Stand with Local 630 members! Boycott Smart & Final and all Chedraui-owned stores!
To sign the petition, click the button below:
AMERICAN FEDERATION OF TEACHERS
Randi Weingarten, President of the American Federation of Teachers, has criticized Senator JD Vance's recent comments regarding her lack of children, stating he "must really be disconnected from life." Weingarten's remarks came during an appearance on MSNBC's “Inside with Jen Psaki,” where she described Vance's comments as "gross" and "sad and insulting to millions of modern families." Vance had previously claimed that leaders without children, like Weingarten, were attempting to "brainwash" children in schools. Weingarten emphasized the importance of creating safe environments for the 50m children in the U.S., stating, "this is that moment that parents and teachers and kids are all bonding together." Vance's spokesperson defended his comments, asserting that they were aimed at Weingarten's actions rather than teachers in general.
Follow AFT President Randi Weingarten: http://twitter.com/rweingarten
----- NEWS STORY HIGHLIGHT-----
School threat assessments under scrutiny after Georgia shooting
The recent shooting at Apalachee High School in Winder, Georgia, where a 14-year-old student killed two classmates and two teachers, has raised urgent questions about school threat assessments. The FBI had received several anonymous tips in May 2023 regarding online threats of a school shooting, but the Jackson County Sheriff's Office could not definitively link these to the suspect at the time. Dewey Cornell, a professor at the University of Virginia, emphasized the need for caution, stating: “We’ve got to not jump to conclusions about this particular case.” Experts stress the importance of comprehensive threat assessment strategies in schools, as 85% of public schools reported having a behavioral threat assessment team. However, challenges remain due to varying practices and a lack of resources. As Pauline Moore from the RAND Corporation noted: “There is such a volume of threats these days on social media against schools,” complicating the identification of real threats.
----- NATIONAL NEWS -----
Defending public schools: A must for the nation, says Cardona
In a passionate defense of public education, Miguel Cardona, Secretary of the U.S. Department of Education, emphasizes the urgent need to protect public school funding amid rising privatization efforts. He highlights that "public school funding should never be allowed to atrophy while a separate, less accountable, and less transparent system thrives." Cardona warns that underfunded public schools, which serve many disadvantaged students, struggle to meet basic needs, risking the future of education for all. He calls for a united stand to ensure that every student has access to quality education, stating that the future of public education is at stake and urging communities to recognize public schools as vital to democracy.
Kamala Harris’s teacher salary plan: Examining the economic argument behind raising wages
Kamala Harris's 2020 proposal to raise teacher salaries by $13,500 aimed to address the teacher wage gap, which the Economic Policy Institute estimated at 26% compared to similarly educated workers. However, recent findings suggest the economic case for raising teacher salaries may be more complex. For example, Arkansas raised minimum teacher salaries from $36,000 to $50,000 in 2023, but a preliminary analysis showed mixed results in reducing teacher attrition and addressing shortages in underserved areas. While salary increases can attract educators, research indicates that many teachers leave the profession for reasons beyond pay, such as retirement or career changes, and those who exit teaching often earn less in their new roles. Other factors, like professional growth opportunities and improved working conditions, may be equally important in retaining educators.
----- STATE NEWS -----
California schools face funding cuts
Two weeks ago, a parent expressed concern over the California Assembly's plan to cut funding for the California Schools Healthy Air, Plumbing, and Efficiency Program (CalSHAPE), which is vital for improving air quality and safety in schools. The program aims to protect children from extreme heat, indoor air pollution, and viruses like COVID. Opponents, including the Natural Resources Defense Council, argue that the proposed Assembly Bill 3121 would only provide a minimal one-time credit of just over $20 to electric customers, sacrificing student health for political gain. Assemblywoman Cottie Petrie-Norris has been criticized for supporting the bill, which could eliminate $250m in funding for schools. Leah C. Stokes, an associate professor at UC Santa Barbara, warns that the proposed cuts are a "political stunt" that will harm students and teachers. Legislators must prioritize innovative solutions to address California's utility affordability crisis rather than jeopardizing school funding.
----- DISTRICTS -----
Principal resigns after dance controversy
Robert Nunes, principal of Buhach Colony High School, has resigned following a controversial dance at a back-to-school rally. The Merced UHSD accepted his resignation, and he will take on the role of associate principal starting September 5. Nunes was placed on administrative leave after a video surfaced showing him dancing with the school mascot, Thor, and making a remark: “What happens at Buhach, stays at Buhach.” District spokesperson Viviana Fuentes commented: “This decision comes as part of our commitment to maintaining a safe and respectful environment.” Nunes, who was in his first year as principal, previously served as an associate principal in the district. MUHSD Executive Director Torrin Johnson is serving as interim principal until further notice. The district plans to open the principal position in spring 2025
Guns found in backpacks at LA schools
Two Los Angeles USD students have been found with guns in their backpacks this week, increasing the total number of firearms discovered in L.A. schools to four since the academic year began on August 12. A recent shooting outside Granada Hills Charter High School left a 17-year-old injured, while a stabbing incident occurred at another campus. Chief of School Operations, Andres Chait, emphasized, “The safety and security of our students and campuses is our top priority.” The incidents have sparked discussions about campus safety and the role of school police, who have limited presence on campuses. The Los Angeles Schools Anonymous Reporting app (LASAR) has been highlighted as a tool for reporting safety concerns. The most recent gun discovery involved an unloaded semiautomatic pistol found in a ninth-grader's backpack at John C. Fremont High School, following a tip from a community member.
Los Angeles Times
Ocean View district eyes property sales
The Ocean View School District's 7-11 Committee has recommended selling two properties, including the Crest View site housing Walmart, to address financial challenges. Keeley Pratt, a committee member, stated, “The choice isn't between selling and not selling, it's between having the funds to maintain and improve our schools or allowing them to deteriorate.” The committee's decision comes amid declining enrollment and the need for funds to support educational quality. The properties represent about 7% of the district's land, and the Board of Trustees will review the recommendations in a future meeting. The district has historically resisted selling land, but the committee argues that these properties are not performing as assets.
L.A. schools need urgent upgrades
Students and teachers in Los Angeles' older schools are in urgent need of better facilities. Los Angeles USD is considering a $9bn bond measure to address infrastructure issues, including inadequate air conditioning and green spaces. However, the school board placed this measure on the November ballot with minimal notice, raising concerns about transparency and stakeholder involvement. Michael Hamner, chairman of the bond oversight committee, expressed that the rushed process "prevents us from providing any meaningful comment." While Superintendent Alberto Carvalho acknowledged the need for stakeholder consultation, critics like Dan Chang argue that the district has sufficient funds from previous bonds and should have taken more time for public input. Voters face a challenging decision, wanting to support schools while ensuring transparency in funding.
Salinas USD superintendent search heats up
Salinas Union High School District is progressing in its search for a new superintendent after selecting finalists during a special board meeting on August 27. The candidates will face formal interviews on September 7. Community involvement was significant, with 40 participants attending public sessions and 982 respondents completing an online survey. Jacki Horejs and Blanca G. Cavazos, co-directors of Leadership Associates, emphasized that “the community input is an integral part of the superintendent search process.” The district seeks a candidate with extensive educational experience, focusing on school climate and equity initiatives. The salary range for the position is set between $255,000 and $295,000. Current Superintendent Dan Burns, who has served since 2017, announced his resignation due to health reasons but will remain until a successor is appointed.
----- TECHNOLOGY -----
AI-generated nudes: A wake-up call for schools
The emergence of artificial intelligence (AI)-generated nude images of students at Beverly Hills Middle School has sparked outrage among parents and officials. A report by Thorn, a tech company focused on combating child sexual abuse material, reveals that 11% of surveyed students aged nine to 17 are aware of peers using AI to create non-consensual nude images. Stefan Turkheimer, vice president of public policy for the Rape, Abuse & Incest National Network, noted that “the numbers are certainly up, and up significantly,” indicating a rise in reports of deepfake abuse. While the survey found that 24% of youths aged 13 to 17 had been shown nude images without consent, this figure has decreased from previous years. The study highlights a concerning trend in digital abuse, with 6% of students reporting experiences of sextortion. Thorn's findings emphasize the urgent need for awareness and preventive measures in schools.
----- WORKFORCE ----
Teachers authorize strike amid contract talks
Members of the Valley of the Moon Teachers Association (VMTA) voted unanimously to authorize a strike if necessary, as negotiations with Sonoma Valley USD continue. Co-president Dennis Housman stated: “Students deserve more resources today — smaller class sizes, school counselors, nurses and librarians — not less.” The district is facing budget deficits, with a projected $3.6m deficit for 2024-25 and $1.8m for 2025-26. The board is considering cuts, including pay reductions and furlough days, which have prompted the union to take a stand. VMTA's bargaining chair, Drue Jacobs, emphasized the need for improved working conditions to attract and retain quality educators, stating, “Our working conditions are students' learning conditions.” The union hopes the strike authorization will lead to a fair offer from the board.
Teachers union votes for strike action
The Valley of the Moon Teachers Association, which represents educators in Sonoma Valley USD, California, has voted to authorize a strike if necessary, as reported by The Press Democrat. The union is advocating for smaller class sizes and fair compensation for increased workloads. Laura Hoban, a representative of the teachers union, emphasized: “We refuse to accept that our students’ educational experience will be defined by cuts.” The school district is currently in mediation over contract negotiations, facing multimillion-dollar deficits and proposing significant budget cuts, including a 1% pay cut for all employees and the elimination of positions. The union's stance reflects a commitment to ensuring that students receive adequate resources, including counselors and librarians.
----- CLASSROOM -----
CIF implements heat illness guidelines
In response to recent state legislation, the California Interscholastic Federation (CIF) has introduced new guidelines for dealing with heat illness. These changes are essential as the ongoing heat wave in Southern California compels schools to adopt stricter safety measures during football practices. The CIF's guidelines aim to ensure the well-being of student-athletes, emphasizing the need for precautions in extreme temperatures. They reflect a growing awareness of the risks associated with heat-related illnesses in sports.
Survey reveals reading struggles persist
According to a recent survey by the RAND Corporation, nearly half of teachers in grades 3-8 report that their students struggle with reading. The survey, which included 1,483 teachers, found that 44% of students face significant reading challenges. Anna Shapiro, an associate policy researcher at RAND, said: “K-3 is when we expect that most students learn these skills,” highlighting the ongoing difficulties faced by older students. Many teachers feel unprepared to address these foundational reading issues, with 48% of middle school teachers expressing a need for reading specialists. The survey indicates a pressing need for more training and resources for educators to effectively support older students in developing essential reading skills, as many states have focused primarily on early literacy initiatives. Christina Cover, a special education teacher, noted: “We know that shift to reading to learn—that doesn't happen for kids who are still struggling.”
Teachers call for more support from administrators
Recent findings from the third annual Merrimack College Teacher Survey reveal that teachers are increasingly dissatisfied with their work environment. Nearly 1,500 public and 131 private school teachers participated, highlighting a need for greater support from school administrators. One respondent emphasized: “Teachers need to know that administrators have their back.” Key issues include the desire for autonomy in the classroom, more collaboration time, and better management of student misbehavior. Teachers expressed that “the more you put on the teachers' plates without removing items off of it, the worse the mental well-being of the teachers.” The survey indicates that addressing these concerns is crucial for improving teacher morale and mental health.
----- TRENDS -----
Chronic absenteeism: A stubborn challenge
According to a recent analysis by Rand Corporation and the Center on Reinventing Public Education, nearly 23% of school districts reported that their strategies to combat chronic absenteeism have been ineffective. Interviews with district leaders suggest that a cultural shift during school closures led families to view attendance as less important. While 93% of districts implemented at least one strategy, such as early warning systems and home visits, the effectiveness varied. The report states that “the low proportion of districts that identified one of their own approaches as the most effective at reducing absences indicates that absences are a stubborn problem that is not easily solved by any one intervention alone.” This highlights the ongoing challenge schools face in addressing absenteeism.
----- HEALTH & WELLBEING -----
U.S. high schoolers’ e-cigarette use down over past five years
U.S. teenagers’ e-cigarette use dropped by two-thirds over the past five years as health regulators cracked down on illegal sales and distribution of the addictive products. The National Youth Tobacco Survey of middle and high school students, conducted by the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) and the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, found that about 1.6m school children currently use the devices, a third of the 5m peak seen in 2019. Nearly half a million middle and high school students used nicotine pouches in 2024, about the same number as a year earlier, and more than one in five used them daily, the survey found. Brian King, director of the FDA’s Center for Tobacco Products, said: "Our guard is up. We’re closely monitoring the evolving tobacco product landscapes for threats to public health, particularly when it comes to kids".
Vaping risk doubles for depressed teens
According to a recent study published in the Australian & New Zealand Journal of Psychiatry, adolescents experiencing depressive symptoms are at double the risk of taking up vaping. "In the short term, nicotine may reduce feelings of anxiety and stress," noted Emily Stockings, an associate professor at the University of Sydney's Matilda Center. The research tracked over 5,000 Year 7 and 8 students across 40 schools in Australia, revealing that 8.3% had used e-cigarettes. Those with moderate stress levels were 74% more likely to vape, while those with high stress levels were 64% more likely. Dr. Lauren Gardner emphasized the need for "prevention and early intervention approaches" to support young people's health, highlighting the urgent need to address mental health alongside vaping prevention.
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