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focus
focus on educators is an award winning publication of the
Pittsburg Education Association/CTA/NEA www.peateachers.org
California Teachers Association
Statement of Mission
The California Teachers Association exists to protect and
promote the well-being of its members; to improve the conditions
of
teaching and learning; to advance the cause of free, universal,
and quality public education; to ensure that the human dignity
and civil rights of all children and youth are protected; and to
secure a more just, equitable, and democratic society.
FEBRUARY 2015
Volume XXIII, Number 6
In this Issue
- Conferences/Scholarships
- Presentation Workshop Pictures
- CTA News
- Grievance Update
Dear Colleagues,
By the time you receive this
newsletter, Im hoping that well
have a mediated settlement
agreement! If not, well be in
mediation for another day, Tuesday,
February 24. We will send out a
message to your personal email as
soon as we have a tentative
agreement, so stay tuned!
February is African-American
History Month. Although this month
is a time we can give special
attention to the underrepresented
stories, culture, and history of
African-Americans, I believe its
important to incorporate the history
and celebrate the culture of ALL
people in our lessons throughout the
year. Be sure to check out the
classroom resources included in this
newsletter and others that can be
found at cta.org.
Another item Ive been receiving a
lot of questions and feedback about
is Restorative Justice. PUSD has
indicated we are implementing
Restorative Justice, but that we are
in the beginning stages. Most
teachers have only been introduced,
but not nearly fully-trained, on what
it is and how to use it. Both CTA
and NEA have recognized how
Zero-Tolerance policies have
encouraged pushing kids out of the
classroom and eventually into the
juvenile justice system (the School
to Prison Pipeline). Our union is in
support of using alternatives to
suspension when they are
appropriate and help change
behavior. Positive Behavior Support
and Restorative Justice are two
examples of such interventions. Its
important to remember, however,
that teachers should not just be told,
Stop suspending. Sometimes its
necessary for teachers to remove
students who are interrupting the
learning environment for the rest of
the children in the classroom. For
that reason, teachers maintain their
right to suspend for the classroom
for the day of and the next day,
including for willful defiance or
disruption.
Check out the article about the
Social Justice workshop and
Restorative Justice if you want more
information. I encourage you to
keep an open mind as we explore
Restorative Justice and wait until we
have a clearer picture of how it will
work in PUSD before you conclude
that it doesnt work.
In solidarity,
Dawn Cova
on educators
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PEA Leadership 2014-2015
President
Dawn Cova
Rancho Medanos/PEA Office
Elementary Vice President
Tammy Carr
Highlands Elementary
Secondary Vice President
Shelly Bascomb
BTSA
Secretary
Chris Coan
Willow Cove Elementary
Treasurer
Gale Higgins
Willow Cove Elementary
Committee Chairs:
Grievance Committee
John Kleinjans Pittsburg High
Chris Coan Willow Cove Elementary
Negotiations Team
Mark Maselli - Chair
Political Action Committee
Jim Vaughan - Chair
Elections Chair
Ruth Foster
Human Rights & Womens Issues Chairs
Yvonne Burton
Michell Redfoot
O-Team Chairs
Shelly Bascomb
Bertha Ramos
CTA State Council Representatives
Mark Maselli PEA
CTA Director District C
Terri Jackson
NEA Director for California, District 3
Greg Bonaccorsi
Technical Editor
Susan Harrison PEA Site Secretary
Focus on Educators
is a publication of the
Pittsburg Education Association CTA/NEA
159 East 4th Street
Pittsburg, CA 94565
Phone: (925) 432-0199
fax: (925) 432-4854
email: [email protected]
website: www.peateachers.org
Rep. Council Meeting Calendar
February 23
March 23
April 20
May 18
June 1
***********************************
School Board Meeting Calendar
February 11 & 25
March 11 & 25
April 22
May 6 & 20
June 3 & 24
***********************************
Are You Getting Your PEA Information?
Having our Site Reps collect your input, attend the monthly
Rep
meeting and then report back to you is vital in the
communication chain of our Association.
Roll call at last January 26th Rep Council Meeting:
Adult Ed. present Stoneman present
Foothill present Willow Cove present
Heights absent MLK Jr. present
Highlands present Hillview - present
Los Medanos present Rancho Medanos present
Marina Vista present PHS - present
Parkside present Black Diamond present
***********************************
If we teach todays students as we taught yesterdays, we rob them
of tomorrow.
-John Dewey
mailto:[email protected]://www.peateachers.org/
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IMPORTANT ANNOUNCEMENTS
Upcoming CTA Conferences 2014-2015
Equity and Human Rights Conference March 6-8, 2015
Hyatt Regency, San Francisco Airport Burlingame, CA
PEA Scholarships are available to first-time participants! Teams
of
teachers can use QEIA funds to attend as well. Email
[email protected] if youre interested!
ALCOSTA Events
WHO Awards Luncheon
April 18, 2015
Scotts, Jack London Square, Oakland
2015 Political Academy
April 23-26
Fairmont, San Jose
PEA Scholarships
PEA Scholarship Applications will be available for graduating
high school seniors who will be attending an institution of higher
learning in the fall of 2015. Applicants must be the son or
daughter of a parent who is a current member of the PEA/CTA/NEA.
You may request a scholarship application form from your site rep
or by calling 432-0199 or emailing [email protected].
Scholarship forms must be returned to the PEA Office
(159 East 4th Street) no later than Monday, April 13, 2015 at 4
p.m.
Help a Talented Student with a Disability
Win $2,500 for College
The Standard is once again partnering with Incight, a nonprofit
dedicated to reducing barriers between high school and college for
students with disabilities, to offer one-time scholarships in the
amount of $2,500 each to eight students
nominated by California Teachers Association (CTA) members. The
deadline to nominate your students is March 15, 2015, and student
applications must be completed by April 1, 2015. To learn more and
to submit your student nominations, visit:
www.standard.com/cta/scholarship
***************************************
Read Across Pittsburg
is March 5! We are seeking PEA volunteers to read at various
preschool and Head Start locations around Pittsburg! Slots are
available between 3:00-4:00.
If youre interested in reading to our future students, please
email Tammy Carr at [email protected]
by Friday, February 27.
***************************************
Weve Reduced Our Rates for
California Educators
California Casualty, a CTA endorsed vendor, is now offering
LOWER RATES and BIGGER DISCOUNTS on bundled Auto and Home Insurance
policies for all CTA members. You are eligible to take advantage of
these unprecedented, members-only savingseven if youve quoted with
us before. With our new lower rates, exclusive benefits and
superior service, we are able to provide a value and peace of mind
that are second to none.
For a free, no-obligation quote,
CALL 1-877-654-9316 or visit www.calcas.com/arajczyk
http://www.mmsend58.com/link.cfm?r=1348412117&sid=67537585&m=9142501&u=CTA_&j=25990829&s=http://www.standard.com/cta/scholarship
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NEA Representative Assembly Election
Alcosta Service Center Council is running the election for state
delegates. An email will be sent March 2. Voting is March 2-13.
Paper ballots will be available for those without personal email
addresses on file.
Thank you for making our organization stronger by voting!
PHS Evening School
On February 11th the school board approved a Memorandum of
Understanding (MOU) that PEA and PUSD were in the middle of
negotiating and did not finish! How could the Board approve an MOU
that did not exist??? Although PEA and PUSD were able to settle on
purpose, compensation, prep time, and some other areas, we did not
settle on selection. PUSD suggested that principals would choose
all the teachers; PEA suggested a compromise that included some
members selected by seniority along with some selected by
principals. Unfortunately, we only met twice and then the MOU went
to the board. Although the PEA President explained to the board
members there was NO negotiated agreement yet, they approved the
district managements proposal. Unfortunately, seniority is
sometimes construed as a negative way to select members, but if
there are 3 equally qualified candidates, it is the only objective
way to select. We also suggested the positions would be rotated
among eligible members so the same people wouldnt always get the
assignment. If we only leave it up to principals, they are human
and likely to select their favored employees, which is not a fair
way to select members. We want an agreement that ensures the best
candidates are selected and that it is fair process. PEA is the
exclusive representative and has the right to negotiate issues that
affect our members, so we are now determining whether to file an
unfair labor practice.
OUR UNION SUPPORTS OUR PROFESSIONAL PRACTICE
Social Justice Issues: Black and Latino Males Workshop
AEA & PEA joined together to host a Social Justice Issues:
Black and Latino Males Workshop for members on January 29, 2015.
The facilitators engaged participants in a reflective process
regarding current practices, and the paradigm shift that needs to
take place in order to help support Black and Latino males in the
classroom. The workshop was enlightening as it stressed the meaning
of social justice and the work that needs to take place in order to
eradicate structural and institutional forms of oppression
including racism, sexism, classism linguicism, ableism,
heterosexism, gender bias, religious bias, xenophobia as well as
other isms and biases. As the conversations evolved, it was evident
that restoration of justice entails more than simply reducing the
number of times our students are suspended. It involves a
commitment of providing equity, as well as opportunities for all of
our students to access resources. A good place to start is by
identifying our unconscious cultural biases, and realizing that we
all are biased in some capacity. Awareness has the potential to
lead to acceptance, and eventually progress to an appreciation of
diversity and cultural competence. From there a community can
develop where we can engage in healthy discourse and nurture
positive relationships between families and schools. In addition to
providing a wealth of other information, participants received a
tip sheet that listed 100 ways to make schools more family
friendly. CTAs Strategic Plan regarding social justice promotes
environments that are inclusive, informative and supportive of
healthy relationships, and will ultimately restore justice and lead
to greater student success. I look forward teachers embracing
Restorative Justice (RJ), as it is a tool that if used correctly,
can assist us in achieving equity in the classroom. Respectfully
submitted, Pamela Butler-Harris PEA Representative and RJ Lead Team
Member
http://www.google.com/url?sa=i&source=images&cd=&cad=rja&uact=8&ved=0CAgQjRw&url=http://hobnobcolumbus.com/news-crime/august-5th-special-election-voters-still-have-many-opportunities-to-cast-ballots/&ei=uoPnVOG_MsrkoASR-ICgAg&psig=AFQjCNHYd9GBEDGQuhy1RjpdRS2Weza6lQ&ust=1424545082906727
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Educator Resources
Rethinking Suspension from CTAs California
Educator magazine
http://www.cta.org/en/Professional-
Development/Publications/2013/05/May-2013-
Educator/Suspension.aspx
NEA CARE Culture, Abilities, Resilience,
Effort Strategies:
http://www.nea.org/assets/docs/mf_CAREbook08
04.pdf
Positive Behavior Support and Interventions:
www.pbis.org
Teaching Tolerance: www.tolerance.org
Teachers Guide to Rerouting the Pipeline
http://www.tolerance.org/sites/default/files/general
/Rerouting_the_Pipeline.pdf
Fact Sheet: How Bad Is the School-to-Prison
Pipeline? by Carla Amurao
http://www.pbs.org/wnet/tavissmiley/tsr/education
-under-arrest/school-to-prison-pipeline-fact-sheet/
***************************************
AEA & PEA joined together to host a
Presentation Workshop for members at the
CTA office on February 10, 2015. The CTA
facilitator taught members how to use new
tools like Prezi, Powtoon, and Piktochart to
create engaging and creative presentations for
students. You can get free accounts and try it
for yourself at:
www.prezi.com
www.piktochart.com
www.powtoon.com
http://www.cta.org/en/Professional-Development/Publications/2013/05/May-2013-Educator/Suspension.aspxhttp://www.cta.org/en/Professional-Development/Publications/2013/05/May-2013-Educator/Suspension.aspxhttp://www.cta.org/en/Professional-Development/Publications/2013/05/May-2013-Educator/Suspension.aspxhttp://www.nea.org/assets/docs/mf_CAREbook0804.pdfhttp://www.nea.org/assets/docs/mf_CAREbook0804.pdfhttp://www.pbis.org/http://www.tolerance.org/http://www.tolerance.org/sites/default/files/general/Rerouting_the_Pipeline.pdfhttp://www.tolerance.org/sites/default/files/general/Rerouting_the_Pipeline.pdfhttp://www.pbs.org/wnet/tavissmiley/tsr/education-under-arrest/school-to-prison-pipeline-fact-sheet/http://www.pbs.org/wnet/tavissmiley/tsr/education-under-arrest/school-to-prison-pipeline-fact-sheet/
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What is it? Restorative Justice, originally used in the justice
context and adapted for use in the school context, is a set of
principles and practices centered on promoting respect, taking
responsibility, and strengthening relationships. Restorative
Justice invites a fundamental shift in the way we think about and
do justice, from punishing individuals after wrongdoing to
repairing harm and preventing its reoccurrence. It is an
alternative to retributive zero-tolerance policies that mandate
suspension or expulsion of students from school for a wide variety
of misbehaviors that are not necessarily violent or dangerous. The
term Restorative Practices is used by a number of practitioners to
describe how the concepts of Restorative Justice are then utilized
to create systems change in the school system. Hereinafter,
Restorative Justice and Restorative Practices are used
interchangeably.
What are the features of successful Restorative Practices? The
core belief of Restorative Practices is that people will make
positive changes when those in positions of authority do things
with them rather than to them or for them. Therefore, a successful
restorative system:
Acknowledges that relationships are central to building
community
Builds systems that address misbehavior and harm in a way that
strengthens relationships
Focuses on the harm done rather than only on rule breaking
Gives voice to the person harmed Engages in collaborative
problem solving Empowers change and growth Enhances
responsibility
How is it different? Restorative Justice changes the way that
schools think about student discipline and school climate. Instead
of the traditional student-teacher- administration hierarchy,
Restorative Justice emphasizes every school members responsibility
to the school community. from: fixschooldiscipline.org
How does harsh discipline harm our students? Two decades of
research have clearly shown that there is no research base to
support frequent suspension or expulsion in response to non-violent
and mundane forms of adolescent misbehavior;... frequent suspension
and expulsion are associated with negative outcomes; and better
alternatives are available. Students who have been suspended have
far higher dropout rates and are significantly more likely to
become involved in the juvenile justice system than their peers.
(read more at fixschooldiscipline.org)
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Blue (Intent to Return) Forms You may have noticed the blue
forms were changed this year to include language from Education
Code Section 44842. We were told:
When teachers return the form, marking that they intend to
return, it means they are contracting with PUSD for the next school
year. If a teacher does not turn the form in by June 30th, it means
that the teacher may be deemed to have declined employment and his
or her services as an employee of the district may be terminated on
June 30th.
This left many of us wondering why the form had changed. Would
those who forget to return the form be terminated? What if members
return it in March and then move or find other employment in July?
Would the district go after their credential?
The Superintendent clarified her viewpoint in an email:Sometimes
life situations change and teachers may need to make a decision to
leave during the summer and break their contract. Technically, we
do not have to release a teacher from his/her contract until we
find a replacement. This is not my philosophy or intent as
Superintendent. In the rare instance that occurs, I make those
decisions on an individual basis
Many people asked if they should wait until the contract is
settled before returning the blue form. If its important for you to
know what the Collective Bargaining Agreement is before you sign on
to PUSD for another year, its fine to wait. Its up to you. They are
due June 30th.
***********************************
While you were Busy Teaching An update on the political
scene
Are you just plain tired of politics? Do you think its all a bad
joke and wed all be better off if it just went away? Well, that is
a popular attitude and its one that we, as concerned teachers, just
cannot afford to harbor. Lets see what is going on right now in the
political scene, and find out if there is anything we need to take
notice of and voice our opinions on to the legislators in
Sacramento and in Washington before they go about their business of
making a huge mistake again! Currently, the most pressing items on
the political agenda include the following: 1. Congress is
reauthorizing education legislation - the
Elementary and Secondary Education Act (ESEA) or No Child Left
Behind (NCLB). Since being adopted, No
Child Left Behind has made no real progress in closing
achievement and opportunity gaps for our students. Instead, it has
perpetuated a system that delivers unequal opportunities and uneven
quality to America's children. NEA President Lily Esklin says, It's
a HUGE deal that will dictate not only the amount of time students
spend on testing, but also the resources like advanced courses,
extracurriculars, and access to school counselors - they receive.
Tell our representatives to shift the focus back to student
learning and opportunity, and away from testing, labeling, and
punishing schools.
2. Since Mark DeSaulnier won election to the US House of
Representatives, his seat in the California Senate is vacant. An
election to replace him will be held with a primary on March 17th,
Saint Patricks Day. CTA, who can only endorse one candidate for an
elected office, has chosen to endorse Joan Buchanan. Susan Bonilla,
our current representative in the Assembly, is also running for the
Senate seat. Steve Glazer, who wants to go to Sacramento in order
to propose legislation that strips BART employees of the right to
strike, is running, too. Who should we support?
3. The Federal government is considering a trade agreement
with the Pacific Rim countries. Whats in the trade agreement is
currently unknown. It may include such things as allowing
corporations from overseas to sue if a community doesnt want
fracking in their neighborhood or to allow a train carrying tar
sands through their city, or if a community bans the sale of
certain products or foods. Also, how many US jobs will be shipped
to low wage and no-benefit countries when the trade agreement goes
through. How will these affect the families in our communities,
their children and even us?
4. Internet Service Providers are desperately trying to put
in
place policy and regulations that allow them to sell faster
access to some website operators at the expense of non-paying
customers access speed. The Federal Communications Commission,
headed by Obama appointee, Tom Wheeler, a former lobbyist for the
Communications industry, has ruled that the internet is a public
utility, and they may NOT stratify access speeds in order to sell
faster service to some. Want to know what happens to your internet
based classroom support if we dont pay close attention to this one?
The Internet Service Providers, huge corporations, are licking
their chops at the chance to charge fees to companies that want to
drive customers to their sites and not to their competitors. It
will mean an instant market of billions in revenue where previously
none existed. Do you think theyll just go away if they dont get
their way?
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5. Legislators in the House of Representatives are
threatening to shut down the Federal government in order to show
the President that he cant just do what he wants without their
approval, in this case, immigration policy. The House is refusing
to fund the Department of Homeland Security, if the President
doesnt immediately deport thousands of people, breaking up families
and leaving children without parents in this country. Hows that for
taking care of our students for you?
Well, thats a little of whats going on right now. If you still
think you dont have time for politics and it doesnt impact your
life anyway, think again, AND think of our community and our
students who live in it. Respectfully submitted,
Jim Vaughan Political Action Chair
Questions or comments? email: [email protected]
***********************************
NEWS
Know your Rights and Wrongs!
Breaking Up Fights
Use extreme caution when deciding whether to physically break up
a fight. Ed. Code Sec. 44807 says you may exercise, physical
control over a student that is reasonably necessary to maintain
order, protect property, protect students health and safety, or
maintain, conditions conducive to learning. However, breaking up a
fight is still risky because you may get hurt or a student may
claim that you used excessive force. If you decide its not wise to
try to break up a fight, take immediate action, including:
continuously shout at the students to stop; use your cell phone to
call 911 or the Office; disperse spectators from the fight scene;
and send student runners to get help. DO NOT LEAVE THE FIGHT SCENE
IF YOU ARE THE ONLY ADULT PRESENT unless there is no other way to
get help. Make sure your school site has an emergency response
plan.
Know your Contract!
Protect Your Prep! 6.3 Preparation and Planning 6.3.1
Kindergarten: Bargaining unit members teaching kindergarten shall
be provided with the equivalent of three (3) forty-five (45) minute
preparation periods per a five-day week, for a total equivalent of
one hundred and thirty-five (135) minutes per a five day week. This
preparation period shall be provided at time other than when their
assigned students are in attendance. 6.3.2 Elementary: Bargaining
unit members teaching in grades one through five in self-contained
regular and special education classrooms and prep teachers shall be
provided the equivalent of three (3) 45-minute preparation periods
per five-day week, for a total equivalent of 135 minutes per a five
day week. 6.3.3.1 Junior High: Preparation and Planning: Full-time
bargaining unit members teaching junior high school (6-8) shall
have one (1) unassigned period per day set aside for preparation
and planning. Exceptions may occur when the normal school day is
shortened or classes are rescheduled for specific activities. 6.3.4
High School: Full-time bargaining unit members teaching high school
shall have (1) unassigned period per day set aside for preparation
and planning. Exceptions may occur when the normal school day is
shortened or classes are re-scheduled for specific activities.
***********************************
PREP GRIEVANCE UPDATE
The Association is waiting to go to arbitration over the prep
period grievance that was filed in September and went to Levels I,
II, and III with no resolution. For many years our prep period has
been protected planning time for teachers and it was always
respected and honored by the district. When teachers were asked to
give up their prep time for a district-directed activity, teachers
were compensated for the time. This was fair because whatever
duties we didnt get to accomplish on our prep time, would have to
be completed beyond the workday. The new interpretation by the
district management is unassigned prep period means no students are
assigned, but they can determine what you have to do during that
time. PEA contends unassigned prep period means teachers get to
direct the prep however they see fit in order to fulfill their
duties and responsibilities as an educator.
mailto:[email protected]
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9
Making copies, planning lessons, grading papers, preparing
assessments, etc. need to get done and administrators should not
hijack the time unless teachers are compensated accordingly. We
hope to get a fair resolution in arbitration. We are waiting to
select an arbitrator with the district and then both sides will
make their case for their interpretation of the contract
language.
***********************************
Black History Month
Classroom Resources
Recommended Reading Lists
Ages 3-10
http://www.si.edu/Encyclopedia_SI/nmah/youngrd
r.htm
Ages 10 and up
http://www.si.edu/Encyclopedia_SI/nmah/youngrd
r.htm# tenandup
Posters, Bookmarks, Buttons
National African American History Month -
Honoring History and Culture
Harriet Tubman and the Underground Railroad
Martin Luther King, Jr. - I Have a Dream
http://www.diversitystore.com/ds/index.cfm/categ
ory/4/b lack-history.cfm
Smithsonian National Museum of African Art
Distance learning, classroom resources, & more!
http://africa.si.edu
African American history online challenge
http://www.brightmoments.com/blackhistory/
National Archives
Primary source documents, audio, photographs,
and more!
http://www.archives.gov/research/alic/reference/bl
ack-history.html
Memory Book
Read stories and contribute your own. From the
National Museum of African American History
and Culture.
http://nmaahc.si.edu/programs/memorybook
Story Corps
Preserving the voices, experiences and life stories
of African Americans.
http://nmaahc.si.edu/Programs/StoryCorps
*************************************
Education, then, beyond all other devices of
human origin, is the great equalizer of the conditions of
man"
-Horace Mann
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Calendar FEBRUARY
2 Groundhog Day 6-8 Good Teaching Conference North Fairmont in
San Jose
7 Creating a Peaceful School Workshop - College Park High
School, Pleasant Hill 9 PEA Executive Board PEA Office 159 East 4th
St. 3:45 PM
10 Prezie and Piktochart Workshop 2177 Diamond Blvd., Concord
5:00 PM 11 PUSD School Board Meeting 2000 Railroad Ave. 7:00 PM
13 Lincolns Birthday (no school) 14 Valentines Day
16 Presidents Day (No school) 18 Ash Wednesday 22 Washingtons
Birthday
23 PEA Rep Council PEA Office 159 East 4th St. 3:45 PM 25 PUSD
School Board Meeting 2000 Railroad Ave. 7:00 PM
MARCH
2-13 NEA-RA State Delegates Election 6-8 Equity & Human
Rights Conference Hyatt Regency, S.F. Airport 8 Daylight Saving
Time begins 9 PEA Executive Board PEA Office 159 East 4th St. 3:45
PM 11 PUSD School Board Meeting 2000 Railroad Ave. 7:00 PM 17 St.
Patricks Day 20 Spring begins 23 PEA Rep Council PEA Office 159
East 4th St. 3:45 PM 25 PUSD School Board Meeting 2000 Railroad
Ave. 7:00 PM 29 Palm Sunday
Next Deadline for Articles is Friday, March 13, 2015
STAY INFORMED @ peateachers.org and cta.org & nea.org