Tuesday, October 8, 2024

ABCFT YOUnionews for September 27, 2024






HOTLINKS- Contact ABCFT at ABC Federation of Teachers abcft@abcusd.us

 

KEEPING YOU INFORMED - Negotiations Update By Ruben Mancillas


Compensation for those who participated in the August PL is scheduled to be paid on October 4.

I have written in the past about importance of setting boundaries and establishing realistic expectations.  Our teachers and nurses demonstrate their commitment to the students and families of ABCUSD every day with their dedication to student safety and achievement.  Education is such a challenging profession, we are tasked with fulfilling so many roles that it can feel overwhelming.  We can identify the support we need but it can be difficult to access the necessary resources.  


The temptation can be to simply “do more for the sake of the kids.”  We recognize that things aren’t working but we also see that the problem needs to be fixed so we take it upon ourselves to solve it by stretching our already limited resources to the breaking point.  I was in a meeting recently where a teacher explained that she often gave up her lunch to serve the students.  She may technically have the time for lunch built into her day but felt compelled to sacrifice it to perform all of the additional tasks added to her plate.  This is selfless and admirable in so many ways but I can’t emphasize enough:


 Eat Your Lunch


We can provide the best for our students when we are whole ourselves.  Self care isn’t indulgent, it is a necessity to be the best professional that we can be.  Your duty free lunch time is the most basic opportunity to nourish yourself in every sense.  And if a schedule is built upon the need to give up one’s lunch then that system needs to be changed.  Allowing it to continue with our unpaid labor isn’t the answer.  Assumptions will be made about how well things are working if there is not an accurate narrative about how much our teachers and nurses are having to stretch to prop things up.  


We recently passed the September 23 deadline for the balancing of classes.  Again, this is a negotiated protection in our contract.  It is for the benefit of the teachers and the students that classes are brought to the agreed upon sizes.  The pressure on caseloads will likely continue to be an issue.  In special education, for example, the question of “are you willing to go over your maximum for just a little while until we can get a fix?” will be asked yet again.  Supports of various kinds may even be offered as an incentive but I return to the idea that showing where the system isn’t working is a more effective way of getting to a long term solution than papering over the holes with a patchwork of side deals.  If a particular practice isn’t working, let’s fix it rather than ask teachers to break their contract to keep a flawed system afloat. 


Eat your lunch.  It’s yours.  You deserve it.  It has been bargained for you.  You will be a more effective educator and be able to take better care of your students by taking care of yourself.  And by “lunch” I suggest you extend this to your other contractual protections as well.  By shining a light on not having enough time to eat or enough staffing to accommodate our caseloads we can move towards more reasonable and equitable solutions.


Enjoy this last weekend of September!


In Unity,      


ABC HIGHLIGHTED IN LACOE NEWSLETTER FOR INNOVATION PRACTICES

AI in the Classroom: How ABC Unified is Pioneering a New Era of Learning - 

Transparency has been a key focus in ABC Unified School District's approach to implementing AI in education.


ABC Unified School District has embarked on an ambitious journey to integrate artificial intelligence (AI) into both the classroom and its broader educational framework. The district is approaching AI as a work in progress, continually evolving to meet the needs of both students and staff in this rapidly changing technological landscape.

Empowering Students: Using AI for Creativity and Learning


One key figure in this transition is Matt Johnson, a teacher at ABC Unified who has been instrumental in introducing AI into his curriculum. With 14 years of teaching experience, Johnson now teaches both physics and AI to students in grades 10 through 12. His AI class, a pioneering effort in the district, was first proposed in 2016 and launched during the 2018–2019 school year, well before AI technologies like ChatGPT became household names. Today, the class is in its seventh year, with students engaged in exploring generative AI tools, machine learning, and the broader societal implications of artificial intelligence. AI is evolving at an incredibly fast pace, making it challenging even for experts to keep up. Watch as Johnson discuss the rapid evolution of AI and its impact on education, particularly in the realm of computer science.


Read the entire article here


UNDERSTANDING THE MASTER CONTRACT

 

Evaluation Procedures: Frequency of Evaluation


Probationary unit members shall be evaluated at least once every year.  Permanent unit members shall be evaluated at least once every two years.  Those unit members who have been employed by the District at least ten years, are Highly Qualified,  and whose previous evaluation was satisfactory shall be evaluated at least once every three years.  Both the unit member and the evaluator must consent to this schedule.


The unit member or evaluator may withdraw consent for this evaluation cycle at any time.  The determination to extend or withdraw consent by the District shall be at the sole discretion of the evaluator.  The decision to withdraw consent by the evaluator shall be based on specifically identified reasons or concerns with performance of the California Standards for the Teaching Profession (CSTP) that are communicated to the unit member by the evaluator.


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.


 26TH ANNUAL PAL RETREAT: ABCFT SITE REPRESENTATIVES LIFTING YOUR COLLECTIVE VOICES


Last week, ABCFT Site Representatives attended the twenty-sixth annual PAL Retreat. At this conference, ABCFT program/site representatives met with their ABCUSD administrator counterparts to work on site/program issues that impact teachers, nurses, and students. The PAL Retreat helps maintain a culture of collaboration, a focus on educator working conditions, and a combined commitment to seeking solutions that best impact student outcomes. This annual event also allows site/program representatives to work with administrators on ways to communicate best and engage about the challenges we all face as educators.


We talk a lot in this district about the administration and the union of ABC working together in a partnership. However, working collaboratively is not the only form of engagement between the site rep and principal or teachers and their supervisors. Just as there is a bell curve of communication behaviors in a classroom full of students, there is going to be a spectrum of different communication styles and modes of delivery. The partnership's goal is to encourage productive communication among the adults.  


The PAL Retreat tries to set a framework for communication and engagement so that site representatives and their principals/supervisors can find common ground and reasonable solutions to local challenges. However, where theory and expectations meet reality, workplace harmony or collaboration does not always exist. Saying we are in a partnership doesn’t mean we give up our identity as a union, which is founded on employee workplace advocacy. Still, it provides an alternative method of conducting the union's work. 


 I commented in a meeting recently that there is no job training at the universities or when someone gets hired that guides employees on how to engage other adults in navigating the politics of a school or even asking for help when they are overwhelmed. Training adults to work with other adults is the most crucial skill that is learned within the ABC Partnership. 


The function of your site representatives should never be overlooked because their function and position at the point of contact between administration and labor is essential to our district's organizational health. Site Reps lift your voices and bring your concerns to the table, which can be one of the toughest volunteer jobs I’ve ever done. But they do it for a reason: to preserve the mission of why we got into education in the first place, which is to make a difference in the lives of our students.


Here’s a small piece of my note of thanks that I sent this week to the ABCFT Site Reps for their efforts at the PAL Retreat:


Your dedication to your colleagues as representatives is why ABCFT continues to make strides for members regarding working conditions, health benefits, and compensation. Your advocacy at the site/program level drives our union and provides direction so that ABCFT leadership can organize to meet the needs of our members. Thank you.


If you see your site representative next week. Please thank them for their service and their investment of time and effort. I’m sure it will bring a smile to their face. 


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. 

View current issues here

AMERICAN FEDERATION OF TEACHERS

Find the latest AFT news here



Follow AFT President Randi Weingarten: http://twitter.com/rweingarten

----- NEWS STORY HIGHLIGHT-----

 Congress urged to act on school safety

In response to the tragic shooting at Apalachee High School in Winder, Georgia, where four lives were lost, Frank DeAngelis, former principal of Columbine High School, has urged Congress for increased financial and legislative support to combat gun violence in schools. Speaking at a congressional roundtable, he said: “One more death is one too many,” highlighting the need for bipartisan action. DeAngelis, along with other school leaders, called for enhanced funding through Title II and IV and Project SERV grants to support schools affected by violence. They argued that current allocations are insufficient to address the rising incidents of school violence and the long-term mental health needs of students. Patricia Greer, a principal who experienced a school shooting, noted the ongoing trauma in communities and the necessity for more mental health resources. The group advocates for a significant increase in federal funding to ensure student safety and support recovery efforts.

Education Week News


----- FILE UNDER, ARE WE REALLY SAFER-----

Teachers say active shooter drills are ineffective

A Rand Corp. report released last week found that practice drills to increase staff and students’ preparedness to respond to active shooter situations  "may be troubling for school communities." While active shooter drills have been shown to have a negative impact on the school community, their effectiveness is moot. Only 20% of teachers said drills make them feel safer. And half of teachers perceive drills as having no impact on preparedness, according to the Rand report. In research released last year by the U.S. Department of Education’s National Center for Education Statistics, less than a quarter of schools said they were “very prepared” to respond to an active shooter.

K-12 Dive

----- NATIONAL NEWS -----

U.S. public schools banned 10,000 books in most recent academic year

PEN America reports that more than 10,000 books were banned in U.S. public schools from 2023 to 2024. At least 13 titles were banned for the first time, including Alex Haley’s Roots: The Saga of an American Family, which describes the journey of an enslaved person from Africa to America, and James Baldwin’s Go Tell It on the Mountain. “State legislation was also particularly critical in accelerating book bans, making it easier to remove books from schools without due process, or in some cases, without any formal process whatsoever,” PEN America said. Book bans have continued to overwhelmingly target stories focused on LGBTQ+ people and people of color, according to PEN America. “In part due to the targeting of sexual content, the stark increase includes books featuring romance, books about women’s sexual experiences, and books about rape or sexual abuse as well as continued attacks on books with LGBTQ+ characters or themes, or books about race or racism and featuring characters of color,” it said.

The Guardian


Over 1m immigrant students face educational hurdles in the U.S.

Approximately 1m immigrant students in the U.S. face unique challenges in education, with nearly 700,000 being undocumented. According to Madeline Mavrogordato, an associate professor at Michigan State University: “Students who are coming in, who are immigrant students or multilingual English-learner students, they're encountering education policies, systems, and traditions that were just not built with them or their families in mind.” Schools are legally required to provide English-language development services, but often these services are inadequate. Effective strategies include co-teaching models that integrate language and content instruction, as well as fostering a welcoming, multilingual school culture. Educators are encouraged to dispel misconceptions about language learning and support families in valuing their home languages. Collaboration with local organizations can also enhance support for immigrant students.

Education Week News



----- STATE NEWS -----

California's schools embrace vegetarian lunches

According to Friends of the Earth report "Plant-Based Trends in California’s School Lunches," California schools are increasingly offering vegetarian lunch options, though the overall percentage remains low. The report highlights a rise in vegetarian menu options from 7% in 2019 to 11% in 2023 across the state's largest 25 school districts. Notable plant-based items include chana masala bowls and vegan tamales. Additionally, more than half of high schools (56%) now provide daily plant-based options, up from 36% in 2019, while elementary schools saw an increase from 16% to 60%. However, a quarter of districts still lack plant-based entrées, with some only offering nut butter and jelly. Nora Stewart, climate-friendly food senior program manager at Friends of the Earth, remarked: “It’s remarkable to see the progress we’ve made from the days when a peanut butter and jelly sandwich was the only plant-based option.”

EdSource


California bans smartphones in schools

Gov. Gavin Newsom has signed Assembly Bill 3216, known as the Phone-Free School Act, which mandates that all school districts develop policies to limit smartphone use during school hours by July 1, 2026. Newsom stated: “We know that excessive smartphone use increases anxiety, depression and other mental health issues – but we have the power to intervene.” The legislation is part of a growing trend among states to reduce distractions and promote mental well-being among students. Similar laws are already in place in at least five other states, including Florida and Indiana. The act encourages collaboration among teachers, parents, and stakeholders to create these policies, while still allowing phone use in emergencies or as required by medical professionals.

EdSource    Los Angeles Times    Politico


Enrollment drop: Undocumented students in crisis

Recent findings reveal a staggering 50% drop in low-income undocumented students enrolled in the University of California and California State University systems from 2016-17 to 2022-23. The study, conducted by William C. Kidder of the UCLA Civil Rights Project and Kevin R. Johnson of UC Davis School of Law, highlights the impact of the Deferred Action for Childhood Arrivals (DACA) program's challenges. Johnson stated: “The dismantling of DACA... is having an impact that one might expect.” The report indicates that the number of Dream Act awardees has significantly decreased, with a 30% decline at CSU and a 31% drop at UC between 2019-20 and 2022-23. The recent veto of Assembly Bill 2586 by Gov. Gavin Newsom further complicates the situation, as it would have allowed undocumented students to work on campus. The study underscores the urgent need for California's colleges to support undocumented students through scholarships and other financial aid.

EdSource


California schools sue Newsom over budget

The California School Boards Association (CSBA) has filed a lawsuit against the Newsom administration, claiming that the recent state budget deal violates Proposition 98, which mandates funding for schools and community colleges. CSBA argues that the budget's adjustments, which included deferring $2.6bn in funding and creating a $5.5bn debt, undermine the constitutionally protected funding guarantee. Albert Gonzalez, CSBA president, warned: “CSBA’s defense of voter-approved Proposition 98 is non‐negotiable.” Joe Stephenshaw, who represents the Department of Finance, argues that the actions taken were legal and constitutional. The lawsuit focuses on the 2022–23 budget, where revenues fell $8.8bn short of projections, leading to a downward revision of Prop. 98 funding from $106.3bn to $97.5bn. CSBA warns that future governors could exploit similar situations to cut funding drastically.

EdSource     Press Democrat


Newsom vetoes free condom bill for high schools, citing costs

Gov. Gavin Newsom has vetoed a bill for the second consecutive year that would have mandated high schools to provide free condoms to students. Despite strong support from Democratic lawmakers, Newsom cited the ongoing costs as a primary concern, stating: “It is important to remain disciplined when considering bills with significant fiscal implications.” The bill aimed to address rising sexually transmitted infections, particularly among those under 25, but faced opposition from conservative groups. State Sen. Caroline Menjivar, the bill's author, argued that the costs of inaction are greater than the proposed $4m implementation cost. She emphasized: “California spends millions on reactive measures after an individual obtains an STI versus being preventative.”

Politico


California schools to teach Mendez case

Gov. Gavin Newsom has signed a bill mandating the teaching of the landmark case Mendez v. Westminster in public schools. This legislation, known as AB 1805, was introduced by Sen. Tom Umberg and Assemblymember Tri Ta to acknowledge the fight against Latino discrimination. The 1947 case arose when Sylvia Mendez and her brothers were denied enrollment at a local school, leading their parents to file a class-action lawsuit. The U.S. district court ruled that segregating Mexican and Mexican American students was unconstitutional, paving the way for future civil rights advancements. Ta stated: “Today marks a historic moment for California’s educational system and our commitment to justice and equality.” The bill received bipartisan support and is backed by various educational and civic organizations.

The Orange Country Register


Newsom rejects expanded training for bilingual preschools

Gov. Gavin Newsom has vetoed Assembly Bill 1947, which aimed to enhance training for preschool teachers working with dual-language learners. The bill proposed increasing training days from two to six annually for preschools with at least 25% of students speaking a language other than English at home. Newsom acknowledged the importance of training but stated that these requirements should be integrated into a broader rate reform process being developed by the state’s Department of Social Services and Department of Education. He emphasized: “These new requirements are better considered in a holistic manner as a part of the rate reform process.”

EdSource


California cracks down on social media addiction

Gov. Gavin Newsom has enacted groundbreaking legislation aimed at safeguarding children from the detrimental effects of social media. The law, which follows a similar one in New York, prohibits online platforms from providing minors with "addictive feeds" without parental consent. Newsom said: “Every parent knows the harm social media addiction can inflict on their children,” emphasizing the need for protective measures. The law mandates that social media platforms default to "chronological feeds" for child users, ensuring they see posts in the order they were uploaded. Additionally, it restricts notifications to minors during school hours and late at night. The legislation, which Senator Nancy Skinner is the author of, builds on earlier laws like the California Age-Appropriate Design Code Act to address the negative effects of technology on youth. However, the law faces potential legal challenges from tech industry groups.

EdSource    Napa Valley Register



----- DISTRICTS -----

NYC Chancellor resigns amid scrutiny

David Banks, the Chancellor of New York City's school system, is resigning after two years in office amid scrutiny related to a federal investigation. The investigation focuses on his brother, Terence Banks, and his involvement in a potential bribery scheme concerning city contracts. As Banks steps down, he faces increasing pressure due to these ties, which have raised concerns about his leadership. "The probe is centered around the role his consultant brother Terence played," highlighting the serious nature of the allegations against him.

Chalkbeat    Education Week News    Politico


New York coalition calls for overhaul of school funding formula

A coalition of over 100 organizations in New York is advocating for a significant overhaul of the state's nearly two-decade-old school funding formula. The group, which previously raised concerns about the impact of federal pandemic stimulus fund expirations, is now focusing on the Foundation Aid formula. They argue that the formula fails to adequately address current student needs, particularly for those in temporary housing, foster care, and with disabilities. Randi Levine, policy director of Advocates for Children, stated: “The formula was developed more than 15 years ago … and doesn't address the current needs of students and schools.” The Rockefeller Institute is conducting a study to revise the formula, with recommendations due by December 1. However, concerns have been raised about the timeline and the binding nature of the recommendations. The coalition emphasizes the need for a funding model that reflects the realities of today’s educational landscape.

The 74 (Online)


Chicago teachers union fights pension plan

Chicago Public Schools (CPS) has proposed consolidating the Chicago Teachers' Pension Fund with the Illinois Teachers' Retirement System to address a budget deficit. This plan aims to reduce costs and redirect funds to schools, as Chicagoans currently contribute to both pension systems. However, the Chicago Teachers Union and the Chicago Teachers' Pension Fund oppose the consolidation, arguing that teachers prefer to maintain their existing system established in 1895. The Illinois General Assembly would need to approve the consolidation plan, and uncertainty remains about whether lawmakers will support it. CPS projects a $661.6m payment toward teacher pensions this year, highlighting the financial challenges faced by the district amid declining revenues and rising costs. As district officials noted, the state currently covers only 25%-30% of CPS's yearly pension costs, while other districts receive full state support.

Chalkbeat

 ----- TECHNOLOGY -----

Schools struggle with AI harassment

According to a new report from the Center for Democracy & Technology, schools are inadequately addressing the rising threat of artificial intelligence (AI)-enabled sexual harassment. The report reveals that 40% of students and 29% of teachers are aware of deepfakes being shared in schools during the 2023-24 academic year. Kristin Woelfel, a policy counsel for the Center, stated, “The surface area for who can become a victim and who can become a perpetrator is significantly increased when anybody has access to these tools.” The report highlights a lack of awareness and support for victims, with only 19% of students knowing what deepfakes are and how to report them. Woelfel emphasized the need for schools to focus on prevention and victim support rather than solely on punishment. Anjali Verma, National Student Council president, noted the traumatic impact of these incidents, urging for early education on digital safety. The survey included responses from over 3,000 students, teachers, and parents.

Education Week News


Smartwatches in schools: A growing concern

As smartwatches slowly gain popularity among students, schools are increasingly implementing policies to manage their use. A 2021 Pew Research Center study revealed that 95% of adolescents have access to cellphones, while 13% now own smartwatches. According to a survey by the EdWeek Research Center, 11% of school leaders reported a complete ban on smartwatches, while 34% allow them under specific conditions. Terri Daniels, principal of Folsom Middle School, noted: “Some of that [cheating] has been going on, so teachers are forceful about not wanting them to wear smartwatches.” In contrast, Glenwood Middle School principal Melissa Shindel stated that smartwatches have not posed significant distractions. With Florida's recent ban on wireless communication devices in schools, the debate over smartwatch policies continues to evolve.

Education Week News

 ----- WORKFORCE ----

Budgets and politics top sources of superintendent stress

According to the latest RAND American School District Panel Survey, district budgets are the primary source of stress for superintendents in small school districts. In contrast, superintendents of larger districts cite political issues as their biggest concern. The survey, which included 190 superintendents, revealed that small district leaders struggle with budgets and facility maintenance, while their larger counterparts spend most of their time on communications. Notably, the percentage of superintendents reporting stress from political issues decreased from 88% in 2023 to 60% this year. Despite the challenges, about 60% of superintendents believe that the stress of their roles is worthwhile.


Budgets and politics top sources of superintendent stress

District budgets are the No. 1 source of stress for superintendents of small school districts, while superintendents of larger districts said the intrusion of political issues and opinions into education is their biggest problem, according to the latest Rand American School District Panel survey.

Rand researchers surveyed 190 school district superintendents this spring. The annual survey is part of the research company’s State of the Superintendent Series.

Small districts have fewer than 3,000 students, and large districts more than 10,000 for the purposes of the study.

Key findings:

  • Superintendents of large districts said that external and internal communications take up most of their time, while superintendents at small districts said budgets, school facility maintenance and operations are the most time consuming.

  •  The percentage of superintendents reporting that political issues and opinions are causing them stress declined from 88% in 2023 to 60% this year.

  • About 6 out of 10 superintendents reported that the stress of their job is worth it.

EdSource

----- CLASSROOM -----

Teachers turn to crowdfunding as inflation strains budgets

As inflation and tight budgets strain school resources, crowdfunding platforms like GoFundMe and AdoptAClassroom.org have become vital for teachers to fund classroom supplies. A survey by AdoptAClassroom.org found that 93% of teachers said their $200 classroom budgets were insufficient, leading to increased out-of-pocket spending averaging $860 per teacher. Teachers like Jennifer Edwards and Hana Syed Khan are using crowdfunding to fill the gap, with donations helping to provide basic supplies, classroom materials, and incentives. Donations for the 2024-2025 school year have surged, highlighting the growing reliance on external funding sources as communities and parents recognize teachers' financial challenges. GoFundMe has raised over $12m for K-12 education this year alone.

The 74 (Online)


Cell phone bans boost engagement, say teachers

According to a recent survey by Study.com, 76% of teachers in schools with strict cell phone policies believe that these bans enhance student engagement. The survey highlights growing concerns among educators about the distractions caused by mobile devices, prompting states like Virginia, Florida, and South Carolina to adopt stricter regulations. Virginia has implemented a statewide ban, reflecting a trend aimed at reducing digital distractions to improve focus and safety in schools. Dr. Rebecca Blankenship, an associate professor at Florida A&M University, emphasizes the challenge teachers face, stating: "When teachers are in the classroom, they are competing against the mobile device in a child's hand... Too much reliance on mobile phones can also promote lazy learning." This ongoing debate underscores the need for effective classroom management strategies.

Missoulian


Teachers ditch textbooks for online sources

According to a survey reported by the New York Times, many social studies teachers are increasingly relying on online sources for lesson plans rather than traditional textbooks, raising concerns about potential bias. The report highlights that while most curriculum providers maintain neutrality, some left-leaning school districts present lessons that may lead students to perceive American history as a series of injustices, while others adopt a more conservative perspective. Nicholas Kryczka, a research coordinator at the American Historical Association and co-author of the report, stated: “You can be an enthusiastic progressive, ardent conservative or resolute centrist and still be a good history teacher.” Additionally, research indicates that children learn more effectively from printed materials than from screens, as online reading often results in skimming rather than deep comprehension.

EdSource


Back-to-school spending hits record high

This year, families are facing unprecedented back-to-school expenses, with the National Retail Federation estimating an average spending of $875 per family on clothing, supplies, and electronics. Martika Simon, a New York City mother, shared her experience, stating, “I literally spent over $500 on a three-year-old to start school.” The rising costs are attributed to inflation and supply chain issues, which have made it increasingly difficult for low-income families to afford necessary items. Becky Pringle, president of the National Education Association, emphasized the broader impact, saying: “The impact is not only on the child; it’s on the classroom, it’s on the school, it’s on the parents, and it’s on the community.” As schools require more technology and supplies, many families are turning to crowdfunding to meet these demands.

The Sacramento Observer

----- SCHOOL SYSTEMS AND CULTURE -----

GAO: Black girls face harsh school punishments

The Government Accountability Office's new report reveals that Black girls in public schools face disproportionately severe punishments, receiving nearly half of all expulsions despite making up only 15% of the female student population. The report, requested by Massachusetts Rep. Ayanna Pressley and others, highlights that during the 2017-18 school year, Black girls accounted for 45% of out-of-school suspensions and 43% of expulsions, often for behaviors like "defiance, disrespect, and disruption." Pressley stated, "This new report, it's damning," emphasizing the need for trauma-informed policies to address the crisis of criminalization in schools. The report also identifies factors contributing to these disparities, including school poverty levels and biases such as adultification. DeLauro urged policymakers to reconsider exclusionary discipline practices that harm Black girls.

NPR / National Public Radio

-----CHARTER SCHOOLS -----

California takes action to prevent future charter school fraud

Following a significant fraud scandal involving A3 Education, California has taken decisive steps to reform the auditing and oversight of charter schools to prevent future misconduct. The scandal, which saw the indictment of founders Sean McManus and Jason Schrock in 2019, exposed deep flaws in the system that allowed the network of 19 schools to misappropriate millions in public funds. A court-commissioned task force led by State Controller Malia Cohen has released a 50-page report that outlines 20 recommendations aimed at enhancing the training, selection, oversight, and discipline of school auditors and expanding their responsibilities to include not just charter schools but also district and county education offices. The recommendations come in the wake of revelations that A3 Education fraudulently enrolled participants from summer athletic programs to claim state funding, even though these students received no educational services. In response to these findings, the task force, which included diverse stakeholders such as the California Charter Schools Association and the California School Boards Association, emphasized the need for legislative action and additional funding to implement these changes.

EdSource



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