Family & Medical Leave
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New Educator Weekend
White Sox vs. Angels
Future Leaders Workshop
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CTA 403(b)
Retirement Savings Plan
2019 - 2020 Calendar
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Declaration of Candidacy
State Council Representative and/or Alternate
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CalSTRS WorkShop
LA Kings
Teacher Appreciation Games
- Each ticket comes with a free reusable water bottle.
- Email or call number at bottom right for more information.
Teachers and the Law Workshop
Free Workshops: Teaching Tolerance
Stress Management Workshop
Exclusively for YOU!!!
What Makes a Work Environment Hostile?
Social Networking and It’s Effects on Your Life!!!
NEA: Welcoming Week
In Unity, we STAND STRONG!
Oppose AB 1220
DON'T BE FOOLED!
Board Meeting: 5/15
“Speaking-up” at tonight’s board meeting, after the students’ release that took place on Friday, May 11!
Meanwhile, all staff were forced to stay at their sites!
Notice of Contract Termination
HEALTHCARE NEWS
ALERT
Please share with employees who are California's Valued Trust (CVT) members with a Blue Shield of California PPO or HMO plan.
Blue Shield of California and Stanford Health (Stanford) have been engaged in discussions to renegotiate the terms of Stanford’s hospital agreement (HMO/PPO) for Stanford Medical Center/Stanford Healthcare-University Healthcare Alliance PPO professional services, Valleycare Medical Center, and Valley Memorial Hospital (LTC) serving Alameda and Santa Clara counties, but were unable to reach an agreement. As a result, Blue Shield’s hospital contract with Stanford Health expired, effective April 30, 2018, at 11:59 p.m.
For specific termination details, including continuity of care instructions, please review
Blue Shield’s News Flash.
Member Notification
PPO members that have used one of the facilities in the last 12 months will receive a letter from CVT alerting them to the contract termination.
HMO members that have used one of the facilities in the last 12 months will receive a letter directly from Blue Shield.
CVT will notify you immediately of any updates to Blue Shield’s contractual status with Stanford.
If you have other questions concerning this matter, please contact the CVT Member Services at 1-800-288-9870.
ALERT
Please share with employees who are California's Valued Trust (CVT) members with a Blue Shield of California PPO or HMO plan.
Blue Shield of California and Stanford Health (Stanford) have been engaged in discussions to renegotiate the terms of Stanford’s hospital agreement (HMO/PPO) for Stanford Medical Center/Stanford Healthcare-University Healthcare Alliance PPO professional services, Valleycare Medical Center, and Valley Memorial Hospital (LTC) serving Alameda and Santa Clara counties, but were unable to reach an agreement. As a result, Blue Shield’s hospital contract with Stanford Health expired, effective April 30, 2018, at 11:59 p.m.
For specific termination details, including continuity of care instructions, please review
Blue Shield’s News Flash.
Member Notification
PPO members that have used one of the facilities in the last 12 months will receive a letter from CVT alerting them to the contract termination.
HMO members that have used one of the facilities in the last 12 months will receive a letter directly from Blue Shield.
CVT will notify you immediately of any updates to Blue Shield’s contractual status with Stanford.
If you have other questions concerning this matter, please contact the CVT Member Services at 1-800-288-9870.
Member Benefits
May 10
CTA Newsletter
3.26.18
Social Media 2.0
The Standard
Limited Time Only!!! Take Advantage of this OPPORTUNITY to Apply or Switch Providers & get your Disability (Income Protection) with the ONLY CTA endorsed carrier, The Standard….
Benefits Include:
* The Only Plan Endorsed by the CTA (California Teachers Association)
* Lower Cost
* More Comprehensive Coverage
* Coverage Includes
Eligible members can also get $50,000 of Life Insurance. If you already have coverage with The Standard, you can increase your existing coverage to the next level (up to $200,000). Either way, you won’t have to answer any health questions.
Apply Now at:
www.standard.com/cta/TAL
Benefits Include:
* The Only Plan Endorsed by the CTA (California Teachers Association)
* Lower Cost
* More Comprehensive Coverage
* Coverage Includes
- Injury & Sickness
- Pregnancy or Child Birth
- On & Off the Job Coverage (Most Plans only cover OFF the Job)
- Replaces up to 75% of your Daily Income
Eligible members can also get $50,000 of Life Insurance. If you already have coverage with The Standard, you can increase your existing coverage to the next level (up to $200,000). Either way, you won’t have to answer any health questions.
Apply Now at:
www.standard.com/cta/TAL
2018 - 2019 Calendar
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| 2018-2019_calendar.pdf |
2017 - 2018 Calendar
| 2017-2018_calendar.pdf |
Tentative Agreement
News from Negotiations:
We have reached a Tentative Agreement with the District!!
General meeting Monday, 4:15-5:15, Endeavour Cafeteria. Don't miss it!
We have reached a Tentative Agreement with the District!!
General meeting Monday, 4:15-5:15, Endeavour Cafeteria. Don't miss it!
| tal_contract_2016-2018_updated_081816.pdf |
Online Training Opportunities
| cta_communications_online_trainings.pdf |
CTA Annual Parade
TAL Annual Holiday Drive
| tal_drive_flyer_11.8.17.pdf |
Member Benefits Fair - 9/13
Welcome Back Social - 9/7
Day of the Teacher 2017
2017 - 2018 Student Calendar
Calendar Pg.
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Date Pg.
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Education Code
TAL wanted to remind all of the Education Code.
48910 & 44014
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Shoebox for Kids - AV
Now Available
Halloween 2016
TAL Teachers @ Their Funniest
CTA Election Announcements
2016
| 2016.10.21.election_announcements.pdf |
Can You Help?
Did you want to help with the campaign but did not want to phone bank? Well we have a way for you to help!
We have approximately 250 postcards to fill out and mail ASAP!
Can you come by the CTA office and help? Anytime Monday, October 24, until 5.
Thank you very much!
We have approximately 250 postcards to fill out and mail ASAP!
Can you come by the CTA office and help? Anytime Monday, October 24, until 5.
Thank you very much!
New Opportunity Within TAL
I am looking for a member or two to commit to focusing on LCAP.
It would be their only responsibility.
This would entails:
* Reading and familiarizing themselves with our LCAP
* Attend Training to learn the rubric
* Inform the membership on updates and changes to our LCAP
* Communicate teacher input for the LCAP
It would be their only responsibility.
This would entails:
* Reading and familiarizing themselves with our LCAP
* Attend Training to learn the rubric
* Inform the membership on updates and changes to our LCAP
* Communicate teacher input for the LCAP
Got PD?
PER DO:
There is no limit on PD days except for Common Core Academy. There have not been enough training this year to even reach 12 hours yet. There will be an 8 hour class in February. All teachers can log on to PD Express and there is a list of Common Core classes and they can view their enrollment history to see their totals.
There is no limit on PD days except for Common Core Academy. There have not been enough training this year to even reach 12 hours yet. There will be an 8 hour class in February. All teachers can log on to PD Express and there is a list of Common Core classes and they can view their enrollment history to see their totals.
Fall Mixer - Update
Fall Social! Hope to see you there :-)
This Thursday, October 6, from 4 – 7
@ High Desert Medical College - Legacy Hall
701 West Ave, Lancaster, 93534
Appetizer and Drinks will be served @ 4:00
* Comedy Show Starts @ 4:30
* Raffle prizes
* Possibly Karaoke
* Music all night
* Refreshments, Drinks, Entertainment, Network, Fun!
Thanks a bunch,
Ghada - Organizing
This Thursday, October 6, from 4 – 7
@ High Desert Medical College - Legacy Hall
701 West Ave, Lancaster, 93534
Appetizer and Drinks will be served @ 4:00
* Comedy Show Starts @ 4:30
* Raffle prizes
* Possibly Karaoke
* Music all night
* Refreshments, Drinks, Entertainment, Network, Fun!
Thanks a bunch,
Ghada - Organizing
Fall Mixer: 10/6
TAL Calendar
TAL Calendar is also up (Under the TAL tab, 16-17:Important Dates)
Professional Development Calendar
I want to make sure that EVERY TAL member has this calendar for reference. This calendar should not be changed for the convenience of admin. If it is, notify your site rep. Print it if you would like and SHARE it with those at your sites. Please don't text me for this information. It is also available on the website at TALnewsonline.org (Under the TAL tab, 16-17:Important Dates)
I'm UNITY!
Gina
I'm UNITY!
Gina
Board Meeting - July 19
FROM GINA:
Here at the board meeting! Hoping to get some answers for our teachers at Jack Northrup!
In Unity!
Gina
Here at the board meeting! Hoping to get some answers for our teachers at Jack Northrup!
In Unity!
Gina
Retro Checks
I want to give a huge THANK YOU to the entire LSD payroll department!!
Retro checks will be available Monday after 2pm in the payroll office. If you cannot make it on Monday, they may be picked up between 8:30 - 4:30 pm daily.
Please be patient if the line is long and be sure to thank them. This was a daunting task for them.
In Unity!
Gina
Retro checks will be available Monday after 2pm in the payroll office. If you cannot make it on Monday, they may be picked up between 8:30 - 4:30 pm daily.
Please be patient if the line is long and be sure to thank them. This was a daunting task for them.
In Unity!
Gina
Tentative Agreement
(please read!)
| tentative_agreement_2016.pdf |
Tentative Agreement
• 5.5% salary increase retroactive to July 1, 2015, for bargaining unit members active on May 13, 2016.
• No change in benefits
• Effective July 1, 2016, an additional 1.5% salary increase will be provided
• 1% one-time, off-schedule bonus to be paid by December 5, 2016
• Effective July 1, 2016, create a new F15 step which will be 2.26% salary increase over thecurrent F14 step
• Eliminate column A from teacher salary schedule
• District to offer teachers 13 years experience to new hires and recent hires
• Agreed to counselor salary schedule – district agreed to accept years of service for current counselors up to 13 years
• Agreed to change extra pay dollar amount from $27.50 to $35.00/hour
• Agreed to change $100/day summer rate to $200/day
• Agreed to change 9.2.1 for speech pathologists from $27.50 and a maximum of $2500 to $35.00 and a maximum of $3185.
• Agreed to a restructuring of extra pay stipends and some new extra pay stipends:
SST chair: $3000
AVID coordinator: $2000
EL chair: $1500
GATE chair: $1000
Assessment chair: $1500
PBIS chair: $1000
PBIS committee members (up to 7) $300 each
Athletic coaches $500 per team
• Agreed to 90 minute of para-educator assistance for all TK/K and Kindergarten/first combination classrooms
• Agreed to add RSP – third additional 3 hour para: 37 students
• Put in contract para support for TK-3 overload– no longer an MOU, now contractual
Congrats to . . .
Teachers of the Year
End-of-the-Year Mixer
Day of the Teacher
2016 State Council Election
| HDSCC State Council Announcement 2016.docx |
HDSCC Term of Office
| 2016 HDSCC State Council.docx |
State Council Representative
And Alternate |
And/Or Alternate |
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CFA on Strike
Lancaster Teachers!
CFA, the California Faculty Association, will be on strike April 13-15 and April 18-19.
As a sister association under CTA, we should respect their picket lines and reschedule any campus visits we have planned for that time.
Thank you.
CFA, the California Faculty Association, will be on strike April 13-15 and April 18-19.
As a sister association under CTA, we should respect their picket lines and reschedule any campus visits we have planned for that time.
Thank you.
You Are Invited. . .
Board Meeting Update
Teachers from ALL Lancaster School sites came out, IN FULL FORCE, packing the district's board room this past Tuesday night, March 1st to speak before the board. On the agenda? Concerns over the SAFETY ISSUES in ALL of the school sites.
We at Teacher's Association of Lancaster, TAL had planned and organized to ensure that we entered in an orderly fashion. As teachers, made sure that the students of New Vista came in and completed their curriculum highlights for the evening first. At which point, the meeting moved on to TAL time, in which Gina mentioned she would yield her time to several teachers, whom would be speaking on behalf of the group, in regards to SAFETY CONCERNS.
Christopher Yaussey, a New Vista Middle School teacher spoke so eloquently about the struggles he and his colleagues face, day in and day out. He shared stories of how his students no longer feel safe coming to school because of a few students, whom continuously hold the classes they are in, and by default, the students and teachers which occupy them, “hostages”! He shared a story of a student, whom after being returned from Crossroads only lasted three (3) days before causing major injury to another student. Mr. Yaussey went as far as outlining the problems that we as a school district face, as a whole. He then articulated a very detailed plan as to how we can start dealing with these SAFETY ISSUES. After Yaussey concluded his heartfelt speech, he was applauded by everyone in that room.
At this point, Dr. Chris Grado, the board president, informed the room and Gina in particular that TAL “has used up their time for the evening.” It was explained that we get 15 min per subject and that was it. Gina explained that as a unit, we have major concerns and that we ALL have come out to voice them. She again asked the board to listen to our concerns because they involved the SAFETY OF THE STUDENTS we serve. To which his reply was basically that some of the things Mr. Yaussey spoke about are already in play for the next school year.
Dr. Grado went on to say that all of the board members care about safety and he’s always vising his son’s class. Gina went on to say, “I have repeatedly invited you to visit our school sites and we don’t see any of you there!” Again, we were told that our time was up.
The bottom line is, we as teachers came out to speak to our BOARD and voice our concerns over the SAFETY of our school sites, which translates to the SAFETY of OUR STUDENTS! Unfortunately, they couldn’t be bothered to listen to those they entrust with the students’ safety! Shame on them!
We at Teacher's Association of Lancaster, TAL had planned and organized to ensure that we entered in an orderly fashion. As teachers, made sure that the students of New Vista came in and completed their curriculum highlights for the evening first. At which point, the meeting moved on to TAL time, in which Gina mentioned she would yield her time to several teachers, whom would be speaking on behalf of the group, in regards to SAFETY CONCERNS.
Christopher Yaussey, a New Vista Middle School teacher spoke so eloquently about the struggles he and his colleagues face, day in and day out. He shared stories of how his students no longer feel safe coming to school because of a few students, whom continuously hold the classes they are in, and by default, the students and teachers which occupy them, “hostages”! He shared a story of a student, whom after being returned from Crossroads only lasted three (3) days before causing major injury to another student. Mr. Yaussey went as far as outlining the problems that we as a school district face, as a whole. He then articulated a very detailed plan as to how we can start dealing with these SAFETY ISSUES. After Yaussey concluded his heartfelt speech, he was applauded by everyone in that room.
At this point, Dr. Chris Grado, the board president, informed the room and Gina in particular that TAL “has used up their time for the evening.” It was explained that we get 15 min per subject and that was it. Gina explained that as a unit, we have major concerns and that we ALL have come out to voice them. She again asked the board to listen to our concerns because they involved the SAFETY OF THE STUDENTS we serve. To which his reply was basically that some of the things Mr. Yaussey spoke about are already in play for the next school year.
Dr. Grado went on to say that all of the board members care about safety and he’s always vising his son’s class. Gina went on to say, “I have repeatedly invited you to visit our school sites and we don’t see any of you there!” Again, we were told that our time was up.
The bottom line is, we as teachers came out to speak to our BOARD and voice our concerns over the SAFETY of our school sites, which translates to the SAFETY of OUR STUDENTS! Unfortunately, they couldn’t be bothered to listen to those they entrust with the students’ safety! Shame on them!
Judge Backtracks on Release of CA Student Records
Responding to overwhelming public protest, a federal judge has backtracked on the potential release of records for 10 million California students -- and decided that they won't be provided to attorneys in a special-education lawsuit.
Instead, Judge Kimberly Mueller ruled that the huge database will remain solely with the California Department of Education, which then will have to assist attorneys seeking evidence in the state's electronic files.
But the judge left in place the potential release to attorneys of other comprehensive information, including six years of statewide STAR test data, plus records of special-education students, who make up about 10 percent of pre-K-12 students statewide. Those databases include mental health and behavior records.
Parents and privacy advocates applauded Mueller's decision but still worried it will allow the release of sensitive details. The huge database on students and teachers includes names, addresses, disciplinary records, grades, test scores, and even details such as pregnancy, addiction and criminal history. Pam Dixon of the World Privacy Forum said the data are "inappropriate in any hands" other than those of education authorities.
"It's a really good thing they are just going to query the database," she said. "This information should never be released."
The lawsuit alleges that the state fails to ensure districts provide a free and appropriate education for special-needs children. The case is being heard in Sacramento in the U.S. District Court for the Eastern District of California.
Dixon and other critics had said that once released, the databases would be a ripe target for sophisticated thieves. The San Francisco law office of Rony Sagy, who is representing the parent plaintiffs, would not be able to safeguard the data, critics warned, no matter what kind of security measures they would take.
Sherry Skelly Griffith, executive director of the California State PTA, said, "Every student and family deserve to have their data and identity protected."On the other side, the parents suing the state also applauded Mueller's decision, issued in writing earlier in the week, arguing they never sought to jeopardize student privacy and that the state had other options for meeting their information request.
"Whatever approach we can get access to current, valid and accurate data is great," said Christine English, vice president of California Concerned Parents, which is suing along with a group that started in Morgan Hill. Until now, she said, the Department of Education has refused to explain how data was communicated across the databases.
Before this week, the judge had indicated that the attorneys could get a copy of the state's comprehensive database on students and teachers, known as CALPADS or the California Longitudinal Pupil Achievement Data System.
Mueller acknowledged the public reaction against the proposed data release.
Following federal privacy rules, Mueller had offered parents the option to protest the release of their children's data. Her court has been so inundated with objection forms -- which had to be mailed to court -- that officials can't even read them. Mueller this week ordered the forms archived in sealed boxes.
She wrote that she "construes the objections as reinforcing the need for the protection of personal identifying information in the CDE's educational records" and the need to modify her protocol for releasing data. She also suggested that in the future, when courts solicit parent objections, that they arrange a way to submit protests online. She also suggested updating the federal student privacy law, enacted in 1974, in the pre-digital era. The law allows parents to protest but not prevent release of their children's data.
Last year, Mueller appointed a special master, San Francisco attorney Winston Krone, to oversee the data release. This week she ordered the parties to confer with Krone on how queries can be run on CALPADS to allow the plaintiffs to obtain the data they seek.
Contact Sharon Noguchi at 408-271-3775. Follow her at Twitter.com/noguchionk12.
Instead, Judge Kimberly Mueller ruled that the huge database will remain solely with the California Department of Education, which then will have to assist attorneys seeking evidence in the state's electronic files.
But the judge left in place the potential release to attorneys of other comprehensive information, including six years of statewide STAR test data, plus records of special-education students, who make up about 10 percent of pre-K-12 students statewide. Those databases include mental health and behavior records.
Parents and privacy advocates applauded Mueller's decision but still worried it will allow the release of sensitive details. The huge database on students and teachers includes names, addresses, disciplinary records, grades, test scores, and even details such as pregnancy, addiction and criminal history. Pam Dixon of the World Privacy Forum said the data are "inappropriate in any hands" other than those of education authorities.
"It's a really good thing they are just going to query the database," she said. "This information should never be released."
The lawsuit alleges that the state fails to ensure districts provide a free and appropriate education for special-needs children. The case is being heard in Sacramento in the U.S. District Court for the Eastern District of California.
Dixon and other critics had said that once released, the databases would be a ripe target for sophisticated thieves. The San Francisco law office of Rony Sagy, who is representing the parent plaintiffs, would not be able to safeguard the data, critics warned, no matter what kind of security measures they would take.
Sherry Skelly Griffith, executive director of the California State PTA, said, "Every student and family deserve to have their data and identity protected."On the other side, the parents suing the state also applauded Mueller's decision, issued in writing earlier in the week, arguing they never sought to jeopardize student privacy and that the state had other options for meeting their information request.
"Whatever approach we can get access to current, valid and accurate data is great," said Christine English, vice president of California Concerned Parents, which is suing along with a group that started in Morgan Hill. Until now, she said, the Department of Education has refused to explain how data was communicated across the databases.
Before this week, the judge had indicated that the attorneys could get a copy of the state's comprehensive database on students and teachers, known as CALPADS or the California Longitudinal Pupil Achievement Data System.
Mueller acknowledged the public reaction against the proposed data release.
Following federal privacy rules, Mueller had offered parents the option to protest the release of their children's data. Her court has been so inundated with objection forms -- which had to be mailed to court -- that officials can't even read them. Mueller this week ordered the forms archived in sealed boxes.
She wrote that she "construes the objections as reinforcing the need for the protection of personal identifying information in the CDE's educational records" and the need to modify her protocol for releasing data. She also suggested that in the future, when courts solicit parent objections, that they arrange a way to submit protests online. She also suggested updating the federal student privacy law, enacted in 1974, in the pre-digital era. The law allows parents to protest but not prevent release of their children's data.
Last year, Mueller appointed a special master, San Francisco attorney Winston Krone, to oversee the data release. This week she ordered the parties to confer with Krone on how queries can be run on CALPADS to allow the plaintiffs to obtain the data they seek.
Contact Sharon Noguchi at 408-271-3775. Follow her at Twitter.com/noguchionk12.
Board Meeting - 3/1
TEACHERS!!
Please make plans to join TAL at the school board meeting on Tuesday, March, 1!
Are you willing to fill out a speaker card and speak? Let Gina Whipple know, so we can coordinate our speakers.
We need articulate, knowledgeable people to speak on behalf of ALL teachers!
Please make plans to join TAL at the school board meeting on Tuesday, March, 1!
Are you willing to fill out a speaker card and speak? Let Gina Whipple know, so we can coordinate our speakers.
We need articulate, knowledgeable people to speak on behalf of ALL teachers!
Superintendent Torlakson Supports Protecting Student's Privacy
BLACK Tuesday - 2/9
El Dorado is united for school safety and discipline!
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Mariposa STANDING strong, for school safety!
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Lincoln united for safety in OUR schools, for ALL!
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Sunnydale: we stand united today for teacher and student safety in all schools!
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Sunnydale showing our support for staff and student safety.
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Joshua kinder representing!
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Election Results
2016-2018
Editorial to "Disproportionality " Article
High Desert Service Center Council EMAC
Reception & Luncheon
EQUITY: Disproportionate Number of Black Pupils Suspended in LSD
Gina spoke to the Board, Tuesday night, on our behalf, in-regards to this article that ran last week in the AV PRESS. Here is a copy!
She shared her outrage and disappointment in the district's lack of respect for teachers, in general. Yet more so in the specific statements made in this article that seem to imply and flat-put say that teachers are racist and/or the reason for the disproportionality issue within the district. Please stay tuned for more info on this topic.
She shared her outrage and disappointment in the district's lack of respect for teachers, in general. Yet more so in the specific statements made in this article that seem to imply and flat-put say that teachers are racist and/or the reason for the disproportionality issue within the district. Please stay tuned for more info on this topic.
AV Press Article:
LANCASTER Lancaster School District will work with an Oakland-based nonprofit organization to ensure all students have equal access to things such as field trips or aren't being unfairly targeted for suspensions or expulsions.
The district's governing board unanimously agreed to a $20,200 contract with National Equity Project to provide educational equity training to improve outcomes for at-risk children.
Representatives met with district administrators in November and will meet again this spring prior to a summer equity leadership development seminar for principals, coaches and other central leaders prior to the start of 2016-17 school year.
"This is one of the springboard pieces that is supposed to help us develop a systemwide, multi-year approach to addressing issues of equity and improving student learning outcomes," Superintendent Michele Bowers said.
Nancy Talbott, the district's Chief Academic Officer of student equity, access and outcomes, said Monday the National Equity Projects works with school districts to look at the system as a whole, including processes, policies and projects and whether they are equitable for all children.
"There's one thing they talk about, which is raising critical questions. A lot of what my job is, is to raise those critical questions," said Talbott, who was named to the newly created post at the end of the 2014-15 school year.
For example, Talbott said if a field trip is offered to students the district has to determine whether it is equally accessible to all students or only those who can afford it.
"Since our district is 83% poor, what are we doing to make sure that we're not offering things to only the 17%?" Talbott said.
Talbott added the nonprofit organization will help her learn how to examine and make adjustments to how the district does business.
The nonprofit will work with LSD principals this summer prior to the start of the 2016-17 school year to help the school site administrators see what sort of things they need to be looking for on their respective campuses. That will then help principals with what they do for staff development.
"It's exciting," Talbott said. "It's a little different than some other companies we worked with that bring trainers in and they provide professional development for teachers. This is more helping me be strategic in the work that I'm doing."
The training also will address student discipline and disproportionality. Last year the district had about 30% African-American students who represented 60% of the district's suspensions.
(Those figures mirror both state and federal statistics, but Talbott said in a separate email they are dedicated to moving the district above that line, eventually eliminating disproportionality altogether.)
"Our disproportionality, we're very aware of that," Talbott said.
The goal, she added, is to remove the predictability of success or failure based on things such as a student's race, language, gender or the family's income status.
"When we can say that our African-American students will be suspended more than our white students, that's a problem. Our goal is to remove that predictability," Talbott said.
Talbott added the district also will look at attendance, because students can't learn if they are not in their seats, and what they can do to help with it.
"And of course the bottom line is, are they achieving?" Talbott said.
Talbott can help teachers become more equitable and more culturally proficient in the classroom, but if the system isn't' set up to support kids then what one teacher does can be diluted.
"I am tasked to do both: to help teachers become more proficient, but also to really make sure the whole system is working to provide those same outcomes for kids," she said.
The district has fewer suspensions overall this year so far, dropping from 75 suspensions to 40 suspensions, but the percentage of African-American students hasn't changed.
"We're making progress with the numbers, but we've still got an issue going on there.
We don't know what exactly is the root cause of all this," she said.
As for field trips, Talbott said the district needs to look at what it can do to help children from low-income families access field trips or things such as outdoor science school through fundraising or scholarships.
"Within the scope of what we can have an effect on my job is to make sure, and National Equity Project will be helping, to look at those critically and say 'Is this providing access for all,' " Talbott said.
To share your opinion on this article or any other article, write a letter to the editor and email it toeditor@avpress.com or mail it to Letters to Editor, PO Box 4050, Palmdale, CA 93590-4050.
jdrake@avpress.com
LANCASTER Lancaster School District will work with an Oakland-based nonprofit organization to ensure all students have equal access to things such as field trips or aren't being unfairly targeted for suspensions or expulsions.
The district's governing board unanimously agreed to a $20,200 contract with National Equity Project to provide educational equity training to improve outcomes for at-risk children.
Representatives met with district administrators in November and will meet again this spring prior to a summer equity leadership development seminar for principals, coaches and other central leaders prior to the start of 2016-17 school year.
"This is one of the springboard pieces that is supposed to help us develop a systemwide, multi-year approach to addressing issues of equity and improving student learning outcomes," Superintendent Michele Bowers said.
Nancy Talbott, the district's Chief Academic Officer of student equity, access and outcomes, said Monday the National Equity Projects works with school districts to look at the system as a whole, including processes, policies and projects and whether they are equitable for all children.
"There's one thing they talk about, which is raising critical questions. A lot of what my job is, is to raise those critical questions," said Talbott, who was named to the newly created post at the end of the 2014-15 school year.
For example, Talbott said if a field trip is offered to students the district has to determine whether it is equally accessible to all students or only those who can afford it.
"Since our district is 83% poor, what are we doing to make sure that we're not offering things to only the 17%?" Talbott said.
Talbott added the nonprofit organization will help her learn how to examine and make adjustments to how the district does business.
The nonprofit will work with LSD principals this summer prior to the start of the 2016-17 school year to help the school site administrators see what sort of things they need to be looking for on their respective campuses. That will then help principals with what they do for staff development.
"It's exciting," Talbott said. "It's a little different than some other companies we worked with that bring trainers in and they provide professional development for teachers. This is more helping me be strategic in the work that I'm doing."
The training also will address student discipline and disproportionality. Last year the district had about 30% African-American students who represented 60% of the district's suspensions.
(Those figures mirror both state and federal statistics, but Talbott said in a separate email they are dedicated to moving the district above that line, eventually eliminating disproportionality altogether.)
"Our disproportionality, we're very aware of that," Talbott said.
The goal, she added, is to remove the predictability of success or failure based on things such as a student's race, language, gender or the family's income status.
"When we can say that our African-American students will be suspended more than our white students, that's a problem. Our goal is to remove that predictability," Talbott said.
Talbott added the district also will look at attendance, because students can't learn if they are not in their seats, and what they can do to help with it.
"And of course the bottom line is, are they achieving?" Talbott said.
Talbott can help teachers become more equitable and more culturally proficient in the classroom, but if the system isn't' set up to support kids then what one teacher does can be diluted.
"I am tasked to do both: to help teachers become more proficient, but also to really make sure the whole system is working to provide those same outcomes for kids," she said.
The district has fewer suspensions overall this year so far, dropping from 75 suspensions to 40 suspensions, but the percentage of African-American students hasn't changed.
"We're making progress with the numbers, but we've still got an issue going on there.
We don't know what exactly is the root cause of all this," she said.
As for field trips, Talbott said the district needs to look at what it can do to help children from low-income families access field trips or things such as outdoor science school through fundraising or scholarships.
"Within the scope of what we can have an effect on my job is to make sure, and National Equity Project will be helping, to look at those critically and say 'Is this providing access for all,' " Talbott said.
To share your opinion on this article or any other article, write a letter to the editor and email it toeditor@avpress.com or mail it to Letters to Editor, PO Box 4050, Palmdale, CA 93590-4050.
jdrake@avpress.com
We Are Under Attack
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Freidrichs V. CTA. (from Gina)
Okay, so I just finished a conference call with NEA and CTA leadership regarding the case being heard by the Supreme Court, Freidrichs V. CTA.
The truth is, we won't know their decision until June, most likely. I would strongly caution that we don't rush to a conclusion about the decision.
While some news outlets are reporting that it appears we will lose, I will remind you that some news outlets are entertainment, and not traditional reporting.
Fox News, for example in an article this afternoon, WRONGLY stated that CTA is asking the court to overrule Abood V. Detroit Board of Education. We are in fact, asking the court to UPHOLD Abood.
I will keep everyone informed as I receive information. I would suggest that you visit NEA.org and CTA.org for more detail about the arguments delivered on both sides today.
No matter the outcome, I hope that it brings our association members closer and it will work to unite all members of labor unions. After all, we have overcome obstacles in the past and are still on the front lines defending those that cannot always defend themselves. Our kids.
We may not have the money to rival the corporations using this lawsuit in an attempt silence us, but we do have the heart and determination to continue to advocate for children in this country, and that will not change.
In Unity,
Gina
The truth is, we won't know their decision until June, most likely. I would strongly caution that we don't rush to a conclusion about the decision.
While some news outlets are reporting that it appears we will lose, I will remind you that some news outlets are entertainment, and not traditional reporting.
Fox News, for example in an article this afternoon, WRONGLY stated that CTA is asking the court to overrule Abood V. Detroit Board of Education. We are in fact, asking the court to UPHOLD Abood.
I will keep everyone informed as I receive information. I would suggest that you visit NEA.org and CTA.org for more detail about the arguments delivered on both sides today.
No matter the outcome, I hope that it brings our association members closer and it will work to unite all members of labor unions. After all, we have overcome obstacles in the past and are still on the front lines defending those that cannot always defend themselves. Our kids.
We may not have the money to rival the corporations using this lawsuit in an attempt silence us, but we do have the heart and determination to continue to advocate for children in this country, and that will not change.
In Unity,
Gina
TAL Negotiation’s Survey
TAL Scholarship Form online
Financial Awareness Series - Workshops
http://resources.calstrs.com/enewsletters/FinancialAwareness_Dec15.html
Attend a CalSTRS Workshop this January
Do you know how much you'll need for your future? A recent study found that only 20 percent of workers have estimated how much money they will need in retirement. Considering the average CalSTRS member is retired for 25 years or more, that's a long time to go without a secure financial plan.
Take action now by signing up for our two newest workshops, Save for Your Future andPlan for Your Future. Each session takes an in-depth look at different areas of financial planning, including:
Stay Connected
Do you know how much you'll need for your future? A recent study found that only 20 percent of workers have estimated how much money they will need in retirement. Considering the average CalSTRS member is retired for 25 years or more, that's a long time to go without a secure financial plan.
Take action now by signing up for our two newest workshops, Save for Your Future andPlan for Your Future. Each session takes an in-depth look at different areas of financial planning, including:
- Managing a budget
- Questions to ask before investing
- Exploring retirement income sources
Stay Connected
Early Retirement Notification
Hello Lancaster School District Family,
Attached is information regarding an Early Retirement Notification program. In our attempt to recruit and retain highly qualified employees, we are providing an opportunity for our employees to receive some money for notifying the district of their decision to retire. An early notification to the district will enable us to be proactive in seeking a replacement early in the recruitment season.
If you are considering retiring at the end of this school year, I strongly encourage you to meet with a STRS/PERS counselor in time to take advantage of the window of opportunity offered through the Early Retirement program.
Feel free to contact me if you have any questions.
Happy Holidays to you and yours!
Lexy
Attached is information regarding an Early Retirement Notification program. In our attempt to recruit and retain highly qualified employees, we are providing an opportunity for our employees to receive some money for notifying the district of their decision to retire. An early notification to the district will enable us to be proactive in seeking a replacement early in the recruitment season.
If you are considering retiring at the end of this school year, I strongly encourage you to meet with a STRS/PERS counselor in time to take advantage of the window of opportunity offered through the Early Retirement program.
Feel free to contact me if you have any questions.
Happy Holidays to you and yours!
Lexy
| early_retirement_notification_10-20-15.pdf |
Executive Board Site Assignments
Looking for who to contact regarding union questions? Look no further!
Keller: Crossroads, El Dorado, Lincoln, Joshua, Sunnydale, Nancy Cory
Rejniak: Jack Northrop, Linde Verde, Monte Vista
W. Clark- Desert View, Piute, Westwind
Young- Miller, Sierra, Mariposa
B. Clark- ACMS, NVMS, LVC
HIckman: Discovery
American Education Week 2015
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It's that time of year! Time to fill out and submit the application for your eligible child to be selected to receive a $500 scholarship from TAL. Click the link on the "Documents and Forms" page to download the form.
STUDENT LOAN FORGIVENESS
TAL Members—CTA High Desert Service Center Chair Simone Zulu is seeking names of teachers with student loans they are currently repaying. If you are a teacher with a student loan, email Simone with your name at szulu350@gmail.com. There may be a student loan forgiveness program in your future! Email her right away! Qualifying factors: must work in a school of need and must NOT have consolidated loans. Dates will be released next week. Non-members are INELIGIBLE for this. Below is a flyer to gain more information about dates and locations for the forgiveness program.
| student_debt--save_the_date.pdf |
Let's fix the GPO-WEP, Social Security Windfall Tax Act by reading here.
LACOE and STRS Increase Information is found here.
CTA Member Benefits
There are so many member benefits, that CTA wants you to be aware of some vacation theme park discounts, insurance and credit incentives and more. To check out these and more click HERE to be taken to the website for more information.
A request from CTA and Dean Vogel
I know many of you are wrapping before summer break. Before you go, I’m asking for your help in getting out a couple of surveys to your members. The first survey asks educators about the new Smarter Balanced assessments administered this year. Take this survey. The second survey is related to the Digital Library of resources and tools that is supposed to be available to all educators through their local districts to help them with the new standards and assessments. We have heard that many teachers still do not have access to the Digital Library. Click here to read how many educators in each district have been registered according to the California Department of Education. Click here to take that survey. Results from the statewide assessments will soon be coming to teachers and parents. View a sample of the Student Report Card. The new report card looks completely different than in the past, as there can be no comparison of the new test results to the old tests. Get more resources from the CDE. And finally, as Congress continues to consider the reauthorization of the Elementary and Secondary Education Act, click here to take action and click here to get a sample resolution to show your support for learning over testing. Finally, below is sample email for you to send to your members regarding the CTA SBAC Survey. Thank you for your help on all these important issues. Sample email from Presidents to Members Before you leave for the year, we have one last survey for you to take. The California Teachers Association wants to know what you thought of the Smarter Balanced Assessment Consortium (SBAC) state administered in California this year. We’re asking you to take a few minutes to complete this quick survey. Thank you for your time. It’s important to make your voice heard on this important issue. Take the Survey California Teachers Association 1705 Murchison Drive, Burlingame, CA 94010
Phone: (650) 697-1400 This newsletter was sent to whipplegina@yahoo.com
Rather not receive it anymore? Click here to manage email preferences. Privacy Policy.
A Call to Action from CTA President: Two important surveys! Contact your legislators!
The first survey asks educators about the new Smarter Balanced assessments administered this year. Take this survey. The second survey is related to the Digital Library of resources and tools that is supposed to be available to all educators through their local districts to help them with the new standards and assessments. We have heard that many teachers still do not have access to the Digital Library. Click here to read how many educators in each district have been registered according to the California Department of Education. Click here to take that survey. Results from the statewide assessments will soon be coming to teachers and parents. View a sample of the Student Report Card. The new report card looks completely different than in the past, as there can be no comparison of the new test results to the old tests. Get more resources from the CDE. And finally, as Congress continues to consider the reauthorization of the Elementary and Secondary Education Act, click here to take action and click here to get a sample resolution to show your support for learning over testing.
Contract UPDATE
On March 17, 2015, the contract was sent to the board for approval. From here the information is sent to the payroll department. (DO NOT CALL THEM) They will transmit the information to the county payroll department who will begin work on issuing the retroactive checks. Remember, we're going on Spring Break and these offices will also be gone. Perhaps not as long as our two weeks, but they will not be working at least a few days. The steps will be to make an adjustment to our current salary schedule with the 3.5% increase. Next, the country will calculate the amount of money each teacher is entitled. Last, the checks will be issued and sent to the district's payroll who will advice and distribute them as they have in the past. Again, please DO NOT CALL PAYROLL.
What happens now that we've voted on the new contract and the salary increases?
Now that the voting is complete there are still a number of steps needed before anyone will see their retroactive pay check. Please do not call payroll asking when you'll receive your check. The school board must approve the contract, then the information is sent to the county who will calculate the amount each teacher will receive, then that information will be transmitted to the district with checks ultimately issued as the final step. This process can take some time to accomplish. You'll get the money, so don't fret. As Spring Break approaches, relax and enjoy the remainder of the school year.
CTA Scholarships Announced. For more information click here.
CalSTRS Funding Plan Key Points
Here is the article about how CalSTRS, the state, the school district, and teachers will fully fund the Defined Benefit Program. To read more about the future of funding go to this link.
CTA President wishes "Happy Day of the Teacher" Read the message here.
Local Dues information from CTA.
CTA Endorses Tom Torlakson for State Superintendent of Instruction
Both the pay raise and retroactive checks will be issued NO LATER than the end of March, 2014. Please do not call payroll and inquire about these issues. For further updates either go to Facebook or this website.
Pension Reform? from Dwight Young-TAL Vice-president; organizing
The new contract, which was voted upon in December, has passed. Gina has signed it and it's on its way to the school board for final approval. However, don't expect the retroactive check to be in the mail just yet. The board approves it first, then payroll is responsible for contacting the county to issue our increases, and lastly the issuance of the retroactive check. As more information is available you'll hear from us on Facebook and this website.
Lancaster Holiday Parade December 7, 2013
