The Council of Local Presidents met on Saturday. Most of the discussion was updates on negotiations throughout the state. There are some associations close to settling. Some districts should have steps, lanes, COLAs, and/or a bonus. One district is finally getting a step after two years of being frozen. Another district is getting a half step, just as they did last year, which is essentially a step every other year.
Two districts will be implementing new salary schedules. They are both different from Jordan's traditional salary schedule and different from each other.
Changes to evaluations is at the forefront of UEA's work currently. This will be a focus of UEA's Summer Leadership Academy.
I was elected CLP Vice President for 2013-14. I hope I can represent my fellow local presidents well.
Showing posts with label CLP. Show all posts
Showing posts with label CLP. Show all posts
Wednesday, May 22, 2013
Monday, March 4, 2013
Council of Local Presidents
Judy Park from the Utah State Office of Education spoke about Computer Adaptive Testing. The test will adapt from the lowest level of content within a grade and/or subject to the highest level of content. There are some informational meetings scheduled to share information about the new testing system. I encourage you to attend on of the meeings in our area:
NEA has an anti-bullying program called "Bully Free, It Starts with Me." UEA has a goal to reduce and eventually eradicate bullying and arrassment, in all their forms, among students and adults.
Sara Jones and I presented information about the Evaluation Organizing Project. Our first step is to inform all members about the Public Education Employment Reform Act of 2012 (SB64). We will be showing a video to all licensed educators over the next two months. You can view the presentation on the myUEA.org website now.
Sue Dickey and Ryan Anderson, NEA Directors, shared their report. "Raise Your Hand" campaign is about leading the profession of public education. They work to build relationships with members of Congress to influence policy at the national level.
- Tuesday, March 19 at Elk Ridge Middle from 4 - 6 p.m.
- Wednesday, March 20 at Granite District Office (2500 S. State) from 4 - 6 p.m.
- Thursday, March 21 at Salt Lake District Office (440 E. 100 S.) from 4 - 6 p.m.
NEA has an anti-bullying program called "Bully Free, It Starts with Me." UEA has a goal to reduce and eventually eradicate bullying and arrassment, in all their forms, among students and adults.
Sara Jones and I presented information about the Evaluation Organizing Project. Our first step is to inform all members about the Public Education Employment Reform Act of 2012 (SB64). We will be showing a video to all licensed educators over the next two months. You can view the presentation on the myUEA.org website now.
Sue Dickey and Ryan Anderson, NEA Directors, shared their report. "Raise Your Hand" campaign is about leading the profession of public education. They work to build relationships with members of Congress to influence policy at the national level.
Saturday, November 17, 2012
Council of Local Presidents
We had a presentation on UEN and the services they provide. You can follow them in several places. UEN website, UEN Channel on YouTube, UEN Professional Development on Twitter, UEN Professional Development Facebook Page, and through twice weekly (Monday and Thursday) text updates by texting UEN to 91011 to subscribe.
New UEA Membership cards are being mailed to your homes on Monday, November 19. Please watch for your card within the next week. When you login at myUEA.org to activate your card, you will be asked to create a password for your account. The new Access discounts website will be easier to search. You will be able to purchase some items from that website and have them sent directly to you.
UEA is looking for additional minorities to run for NEA-RA Delegate-At-Large and NEA-RA Successor Delegate-At-Large. Both are three year terms where you attend the NEA Representative Assembly for three years from approximately June 28 to July 6. The next 3 NEA-RA's will be held in Atlanta (2013), Denver (2014) and Miami Beach (2015). All expenses are paid for you to attend and represent Utah at the annual business meeting to direct NEA. Please let me know if you are minority and interested in running, and I will assist you with filing a declaration of candidacy. The deadline is Thursday, January 10, 2013.
Senate Bill 64 evaluation pilot is happening this year in a handful of schools. The initial version of the bill outlined in this post ended in the much improved SB 64, which was supported and collaborated on by UEA.
Only 30% of subjects/grades in Utah are tested. Difficult to measure student growth for evaluation purpose. Student Learning Objectives (SLO) are going to be used to look at growth in non-tested subjects/grades, and possibly some that are tested would be optional. Looking at teachers setting goals/learning objectives with administrators that shows learning outcomes by students. Many teachers do this in an informal way already. You would do this for a limited number of students (2-4). Tested subjects/grades are going to use Student Growth Percentiles (SGP) in relationship to their academic peers. SGP's would look at what we expect a student to do when compared to other students like them. Even in tested subjects, teachers may want to use SLO's, because it gives an additional line of evidence in a teacher evaluation. This is scheduled to be implemented in the 2014-2015 year.
In 2008, 47 members voted by mail. In 2012, 2214 members voted by mail. This is a great success! It helps people who often haven't voted regularly in the past. Please be prepared this coming legislative session to contact your representatives to tell your stories. Public education is not a partisan issue. We build relationships with those who were elected no matter the party to do what is best for public education. Statewide, we were able to move the majority of elected officials more to the center.
New UEA Membership cards are being mailed to your homes on Monday, November 19. Please watch for your card within the next week. When you login at myUEA.org to activate your card, you will be asked to create a password for your account. The new Access discounts website will be easier to search. You will be able to purchase some items from that website and have them sent directly to you.
UEA is looking for additional minorities to run for NEA-RA Delegate-At-Large and NEA-RA Successor Delegate-At-Large. Both are three year terms where you attend the NEA Representative Assembly for three years from approximately June 28 to July 6. The next 3 NEA-RA's will be held in Atlanta (2013), Denver (2014) and Miami Beach (2015). All expenses are paid for you to attend and represent Utah at the annual business meeting to direct NEA. Please let me know if you are minority and interested in running, and I will assist you with filing a declaration of candidacy. The deadline is Thursday, January 10, 2013.
Senate Bill 64 evaluation pilot is happening this year in a handful of schools. The initial version of the bill outlined in this post ended in the much improved SB 64, which was supported and collaborated on by UEA.
Only 30% of subjects/grades in Utah are tested. Difficult to measure student growth for evaluation purpose. Student Learning Objectives (SLO) are going to be used to look at growth in non-tested subjects/grades, and possibly some that are tested would be optional. Looking at teachers setting goals/learning objectives with administrators that shows learning outcomes by students. Many teachers do this in an informal way already. You would do this for a limited number of students (2-4). Tested subjects/grades are going to use Student Growth Percentiles (SGP) in relationship to their academic peers. SGP's would look at what we expect a student to do when compared to other students like them. Even in tested subjects, teachers may want to use SLO's, because it gives an additional line of evidence in a teacher evaluation. This is scheduled to be implemented in the 2014-2015 year.
In 2008, 47 members voted by mail. In 2012, 2214 members voted by mail. This is a great success! It helps people who often haven't voted regularly in the past. Please be prepared this coming legislative session to contact your representatives to tell your stories. Public education is not a partisan issue. We build relationships with those who were elected no matter the party to do what is best for public education. Statewide, we were able to move the majority of elected officials more to the center.
Saturday, November 5, 2011
Council of Local Presidents
Linda Alder of the State Office of Education came to speak on the Educator Effectiveness Project. The standards are on a continuum of professional teaching practice and are tied to the Common Core. The Project is now working on aligning Teacher Preparation Programs and preparing an evaluation system for university preparation programs. This will not be a full-on accreditation program, but it will require a yearly report. This would look at the part of the program that recommends teachers for licensure. Another committee will develop support tools for teachers. See Educator Effectiveness Project website for more information. See UEN for professional standards.
The Joint Educator Evaluation Committee needs to review JPAS and communicate with stakeholders. Districts should "recognize" great teaching and have "consequences" for poor teaching. Concern about districts only using a summative evaluation (JPAS observation) and not following through with the formative evaluation (JPAS interim) to help support teachers who need help. There must also be an annual rating (federal requirement) of Highly Effective, Effective, or Ineffective. Linda hopes an interview part can be added. Research shows that having a third party evaluator can provide a more valid evaluation.
Three pieces in annual rating include measures of instructional quality (i.e. JPAS), evidence of student growth (i.e. benchmark tests), and parent and student input (i.e. unknown survey). Districts can define other factors to add to the annual rating. There is also an administrator version. The State Board requires all licensed professionals receive a rating, except for superintendents. The next couple of years are going to be hard as we make this transition.
Educator Day on the Hill will be held on Fridays throughout the Legislative Session.
In the upcoming legislative battles, we will need all members to do ONE thing they have never done before. See this video on the difference one degree can make. You can make the difference. Key issues in education include:
E-Z pay dues transition from payroll deduction to electronic fund transfer (EFT) for payment of dues. AR's will be trained on how to "flip" to E-Z pay at the meeting on November 16. Another option will be to pay by credit card. E-Z pay will come out of your account on the third of the month starting in October 2012. This program will force JEA to go from 12 payment to 10 payments, causing an increase in the monthly amount from October to July with no dues withdrawl in August or September.
The Joint Educator Evaluation Committee needs to review JPAS and communicate with stakeholders. Districts should "recognize" great teaching and have "consequences" for poor teaching. Concern about districts only using a summative evaluation (JPAS observation) and not following through with the formative evaluation (JPAS interim) to help support teachers who need help. There must also be an annual rating (federal requirement) of Highly Effective, Effective, or Ineffective. Linda hopes an interview part can be added. Research shows that having a third party evaluator can provide a more valid evaluation.
Three pieces in annual rating include measures of instructional quality (i.e. JPAS), evidence of student growth (i.e. benchmark tests), and parent and student input (i.e. unknown survey). Districts can define other factors to add to the annual rating. There is also an administrator version. The State Board requires all licensed professionals receive a rating, except for superintendents. The next couple of years are going to be hard as we make this transition.
Educator Day on the Hill will be held on Fridays throughout the Legislative Session.
In the upcoming legislative battles, we will need all members to do ONE thing they have never done before. See this video on the difference one degree can make. You can make the difference. Key issues in education include:
- attacks on collective bargaining
- eliminate payroll deduction for association dues
- public education employment reform
- orderly termination
- TABOR (taxpayer bill of rights)
- tuition tax credits (vouchers)
- merit pay
- tenure
- evaluation
- school board governance
- public education funding
- parent trigger (majority of parents could vote to change school into a charter)
E-Z pay dues transition from payroll deduction to electronic fund transfer (EFT) for payment of dues. AR's will be trained on how to "flip" to E-Z pay at the meeting on November 16. Another option will be to pay by credit card. E-Z pay will come out of your account on the third of the month starting in October 2012. This program will force JEA to go from 12 payment to 10 payments, causing an increase in the monthly amount from October to July with no dues withdrawl in August or September.
Saturday, September 10, 2011
Council of Local Presidents
Today's Council of Local Presidents discussed the State School Board meeting from yesterday, the State Office of Education Educator Evaluation recommendations, legislative issues, the "How UEA is Perceived" poll data, and EFT transfer (E-Z Pay Dues).
We were also encouraged to attend the UEA Convention on October 20-21. You will be receiving the program in the mail. I also have New Educator Workshop flyers. Let me know if you need those to give to student teachers or educators in their first three years of teaching. See the UEA website for more information.
We were also encouraged to attend the UEA Convention on October 20-21. You will be receiving the program in the mail. I also have New Educator Workshop flyers. Let me know if you need those to give to student teachers or educators in their first three years of teaching. See the UEA website for more information.
Saturday, July 30, 2011
Council of Local Presidents
There was an emergency Council of Local Presidents meeting today. We heard about the history and current situation in Ogden. We also discussed the items Senator Howard Stephenson and Representative Bill Wright brought before the Education Interim Committee: no more collective bargaining, no more payroll deduction for dues collection, and tuition tax credits or vouchers. These are study items for now, but study items often lead to bills put before the legislature.
Saturday, May 21, 2011
School Visits and CLP
I had two good school visits on Friday at West Hills and Herriman Elementary. I enjoy meeting with members, hearing concerns, and learning more about what each of you do and how your schools run.
This morning was Council of Local Presidents. We heard from the State Office about the Common Core. There was good information with some handouts. I am going to try to find those resources online so all of you can have access.
We also heard from Sara Jones, UEA Director of Educational Excellence and Community Outreach, about the new standards for effective teaching and effective leadership. She has been serving on a USOE committee to develop these standards on which district evaluation systems are to be based. See Utah Effective Teaching Standards and Utah Educational Leadership Standards for more information.
This morning was Council of Local Presidents. We heard from the State Office about the Common Core. There was good information with some handouts. I am going to try to find those resources online so all of you can have access.
We also heard from Sara Jones, UEA Director of Educational Excellence and Community Outreach, about the new standards for effective teaching and effective leadership. She has been serving on a USOE committee to develop these standards on which district evaluation systems are to be based. See Utah Effective Teaching Standards and Utah Educational Leadership Standards for more information.
Saturday, February 26, 2011
Council of Local Presidents
I attended the Council of Local Presidents meeting this morning. We discussed what has been happening at the legislature. Yesterday at Educator Day on the Hill, Speaker of the House Becky Lockhart came and told the teachers that the 11% cut proposed by the Joint Public Education Appropriations Committee is unnecessary. That is good news to hear.
We need to help parents understand how what is happening at the legislature will impact their children. As you have Parent Teacher Conferences and parents ask questions, encourage them to contact their legislators and ask them to support the governor's budget, which funds 85% of new student growth as well as some other programs.
Teachers are seen as the best source of information on education issues. You can also refer parents to the UEA Under the Dome site for more information on specific bills.
We need to help parents understand how what is happening at the legislature will impact their children. As you have Parent Teacher Conferences and parents ask questions, encourage them to contact their legislators and ask them to support the governor's budget, which funds 85% of new student growth as well as some other programs.
Teachers are seen as the best source of information on education issues. You can also refer parents to the UEA Under the Dome site for more information on specific bills.
Saturday, February 5, 2011
January Council of Local Presidents
The Council of Local Presidents met this morning. Most of the meeting was focused on the legislature. The Joint Public Education Appropriations Committee has proposed a base budget that is 11% or about $93 million less than funding this year. The committee then wants each line item to present why it should be reinstated. Cutting the "below the line" flexible allocation that was intended to be used by districts to fund retirement and social security is, in essence, about a $300 decrease in the WPU.
Visit UEA Under the Dome and see what has happened this week. From that page you can also find the Legislative Tracking Sheet of bills UEA is following, the official position on each bill, and the bills' current status.
Reminder that Great Public Schools grant applications are due by Friday. See myUEA.org for more information.
Visit UEA Under the Dome and see what has happened this week. From that page you can also find the Legislative Tracking Sheet of bills UEA is following, the official position on each bill, and the bills' current status.
Reminder that Great Public Schools grant applications are due by Friday. See myUEA.org for more information.
Saturday, January 8, 2011
Council of Local Presidents
Judy Park from the State Office of Education did a presentation on SMARTER Balanced Assessment which will assess the Common Core and will be implemented in the 2014-2015 school year.
Kory Holdaway, UEA Government Relations Director, discussed the upcoming Legislative Sesison. You can see a preview of hot issues at the link. There are several issues that educators will need to monitor and respond to. As members, you may receive e-mails throughout the session from UEA President Sharon Gallagher-Fishbaugh. Please read them so you know what is happening on the hill and so you can act if necessary.
Sara Jones, UEA Director of Educational Excellence, shared the results of a survey on alternative pay structures.
There was a lot of information presented at this meeting. I believe these three items of the most interest and relevance to you right now.
Kory Holdaway, UEA Government Relations Director, discussed the upcoming Legislative Sesison. You can see a preview of hot issues at the link. There are several issues that educators will need to monitor and respond to. As members, you may receive e-mails throughout the session from UEA President Sharon Gallagher-Fishbaugh. Please read them so you know what is happening on the hill and so you can act if necessary.
Sara Jones, UEA Director of Educational Excellence, shared the results of a survey on alternative pay structures.
There was a lot of information presented at this meeting. I believe these three items of the most interest and relevance to you right now.
Saturday, November 6, 2010
November Council of Local Presidents
This morning was the Council of Local Presidents, where all the local association presidents meet to discuss statewide issues. Your membership card should arrive in the mail by Thanksgiving. Please watch for it and do not throw it away.
Legislative issues that are being discussed already include merit pay, property tax equalization, grading schools, retirement, funding student growth, funding charter schools, orderly termination, full-day Kindergarten, non-partisan school board races, trimester schedules, and ESEA.
Educator Day on the Hill is being planned again. They will most likely fall on Wednesdays and Fridays. I will keep you posted on when those days are being held. It is an interesting experience to spend a day talking with legislators and seeing how the process works.
UEA will have some of the sessions from Convention available for you to watch to earn relicensure points from your own home. When that technology is ready, I will let you know.
Legislative issues that are being discussed already include merit pay, property tax equalization, grading schools, retirement, funding student growth, funding charter schools, orderly termination, full-day Kindergarten, non-partisan school board races, trimester schedules, and ESEA.
Educator Day on the Hill is being planned again. They will most likely fall on Wednesdays and Fridays. I will keep you posted on when those days are being held. It is an interesting experience to spend a day talking with legislators and seeing how the process works.
UEA will have some of the sessions from Convention available for you to watch to earn relicensure points from your own home. When that technology is ready, I will let you know.
Saturday, September 18, 2010
Council of Local Presidents Meeting
I hope the Walk for Candidates was successful today. I was unable to walk, because I had a Council of Local Presidents meeting. We were shown and given a copy of a DVD about the UEA TEF/EDX message. The DVD was well done and featured Jordan's own, Karen Gorringe. I will be working on a distribution plan.
We discussed the Education Jobs Fund money. I will be sending a link out so you can contact your state representatives to request that the money be accepted and be flowing to the individual districts sooner rather than later.
I was able to report that we have reached a tentative settlement. Some districts still haven't settled and are just now going to mediation.
We discussed the Education Jobs Fund money. I will be sending a link out so you can contact your state representatives to request that the money be accepted and be flowing to the individual districts sooner rather than later.
I was able to report that we have reached a tentative settlement. Some districts still haven't settled and are just now going to mediation.
Saturday, August 28, 2010
Council of Local Presidents
Several times a year, all the local presidents and UniServ presidents from around the state gather to share ideas. Today was one of those meetings. We discussed recruiting new members, the Education Jobs Fund, alternative pay (which it is believed will be presented in the coming legislative session), the UEA Convention, and NEA Member Benefits.
The program for the UEA Convention will be mailed to you. I encourage you to look through it. There are a lot of great break out sessions and general sessions planned, including a political lunch on Thursday to meet Gary Herbert and Peter Coroon, who are running for governor. You can also visit UEA Convention Program to see the details. If you know a teacher in their first 2-3 years, Friday is the New Educators' Workshop focusing on the needs of new teachers, though veterans are welcome to attend as well. UEA is celebrating 100 years of conventions, so lots of great celebrations are planned.
The program for the UEA Convention will be mailed to you. I encourage you to look through it. There are a lot of great break out sessions and general sessions planned, including a political lunch on Thursday to meet Gary Herbert and Peter Coroon, who are running for governor. You can also visit UEA Convention Program to see the details. If you know a teacher in their first 2-3 years, Friday is the New Educators' Workshop focusing on the needs of new teachers, though veterans are welcome to attend as well. UEA is celebrating 100 years of conventions, so lots of great celebrations are planned.
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