Sent on behalf of Phil Apruzzese, President
The latest news indicates we have given new meaning to the term, “collective action.” The speed, scope, and effectiveness of the reform bill adopted by the State Senate last night reflects the voices of teachers. As the reform bill heads to the House of Representatives for action, we want to thank you for your efforts, just as you should thank your legislators in the days ahead for standing up for students and teachers.
Whether you made phone calls, sent e-mails, sent postcards, or met with legislators back home or at the State Capitol, you made the difference. Our rallies in April, where 2,000 of you showed your spirit and your character, were spectacular events. The challenge for our Association has always been to transform a collection of people with a common interest to a movement of people with a common purpose. That’s what happened this winter and spring in this “Year of Education.”
At his news conference last night, Governor Malloy noted that he heard the “passionate” voices of teachers and other stakeholders. He added, “We will not fix what’s broken overnight – we can’t. But we will begin to.”
As noted above, the reform bill still must be voted on by the House. You can click here to read the entire bill and here to read the Office of Legislative Research bill analysis. The following is a very general, brief overview of the reform package.
New educational opportunities for children
The bill adds 1,000 pre-K seats and puts a new focus on primary grade literacy. It expands wrap-around services with social, health and family support for the disadvantaged.
The bill adds 1,000 pre-K seats and puts a new focus on primary grade literacy. It expands wrap-around services with social, health and family support for the disadvantaged.
Maintenance of collective bargaining
Teachers will have a strong voice in the Commissioner’s Network Schools, which will be characterized by an effective system of checks and balances. The new section on Network Schools reads, “Nothing in this bill shall alter collective bargaining agreements.” Also an expedited arbitration process is spelled out to settle disputes.
Teachers will have a strong voice in the Commissioner’s Network Schools, which will be characterized by an effective system of checks and balances. The new section on Network Schools reads, “Nothing in this bill shall alter collective bargaining agreements.” Also an expedited arbitration process is spelled out to settle disputes.
Fair teacher evaluation, tenure and certification
Teachers will need to be graded as effective to earn tenure. There is no link among certification, pay, and evaluations. PEAC continues its work with a pilot of the yet to be developed teacher evaluation guidelines piloted during the next school year. The evaluations will include multiple indicators of student academic growth and development, control facts that may influence teacher performance ratings, training for teachers being evaluated and administrators conducting performance reviews, professional development, and a procedure to validate the evaluation process. Claims of failure to follow evaluation procedures shall be subject to the grievance procedure. The bill requires termination hearings to address whether the teacher’s performance ratings were (a) determined in good faith according to the required evaluation procedures and (b) reasonable in light of the evidence presented. It also delays effective date for tenure and termination changes from July 1, 2012 to July 1, 2014.
Teachers will need to be graded as effective to earn tenure. There is no link among certification, pay, and evaluations. PEAC continues its work with a pilot of the yet to be developed teacher evaluation guidelines piloted during the next school year. The evaluations will include multiple indicators of student academic growth and development, control facts that may influence teacher performance ratings, training for teachers being evaluated and administrators conducting performance reviews, professional development, and a procedure to validate the evaluation process. Claims of failure to follow evaluation procedures shall be subject to the grievance procedure. The bill requires termination hearings to address whether the teacher’s performance ratings were (a) determined in good faith according to the required evaluation procedures and (b) reasonable in light of the evidence presented. It also delays effective date for tenure and termination changes from July 1, 2012 to July 1, 2014.
Shutting out for-profit companies
Third-parties will play a small role in school reform, but they will be colleges, RESCs, and others who can help capacity for systematic reform. They also will have to comply with reporting requirements that ensure transparency.
Third-parties will play a small role in school reform, but they will be colleges, RESCs, and others who can help capacity for systematic reform. They also will have to comply with reporting requirements that ensure transparency.
In closing, we again want to note that our collective efforts showed the power of US—CEA members, leaders, and staff working to achieve common goals. We did this with persistence, perseverance, and professionalism. Thank you to you and your members.
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