The Hayward Education Association

 
 

November 18, 2011


"FRIDAY FOLLOW-UP!"

What happened this week!


  1. ✤Special Ed Teachers — Autism Authorization

For Special Education teachers who are required to take classes to receive the Autism Authorization, HEA is submitting a Demand to Bargain with the district for teachers to receive full or partial retroactive reimbursement for the cost of the classes.  We are beginning this negotiation as soon as we can.


Added Authorization In Autism Spectrum Disorders

  1. Required by California Commission on Teacher Credentialing (CTC)

  2. For teachers who (1) work with students with autism; and (2) have any of the following credentials:

  3. 1.  Level I or Level II Mild/Moderate credential

  4. 2.  Level I or Level II Deaf and Hard of Hearing credential

  5. 3.  Level I or Level II Visual Impairments credential

  6. 4.  Level I or Level II Physical and Health Impairments credential

  7. 5. Old Learning Handicapped (LH), Physical Handicaps (PH),       Communication Handicaps (CH), Visual Handicaps (VH) credentials (Ryan)



  10. ✤Translators

Teacher Translators- If teachers are asked to translate at conferences (Parent/Teacher, IEP, SST), they should do so voluntarily.  If a teacher volunteers or feels coerced to volunteer for translating, let HEA know immediately.  In any case, keep track of hours.  HEA is working on an equitable rate of pay or compensation. 


Parent Volunteer Translators- Due to confidentiality issues and on advice from HEA, translation should be only by district personnel.


  1. ✤Next HEA Board of Directors Meeting: Monday, December 5th

  2. ✤Next FRA Meeting:  Monday, December 12th





November 18, 2011


"FRIDAY FOLLOW-UP!"

What happened this week!


  1. ✤Special Ed Teachers — Autism Authorization

The District has compiled a list of folks who need to obtain the autism authorization.  Currently they are in the process of getting the letters out to those teachers.  At question is the issue of how to pay (or partially pay) for those classes.  They are still trying to figure this out.  We will continue to keep you informed.  Below, once again, are the parameters surrounding the Added Authorization.


  1. ✤Added Authorization in Austim Spectrum Disorders

  2. Required by California Commission on Teacher Credentialing (CTC)

  3. For teachers who (1) work with students with autism; and (2) have any of the following credentials:

  4. 1.  Level I or Level II Mild/Moderate credential

  5. 2.  Level I or Level II Deaf and Hard of Hearing credential

  6. 3.  Level I or Level II Visual Impairments credential

  7. 4.  Level I or Level II Physical and Health Impairments credential

  8. 5.  Old Learning Handicapped (LH), Physical Handicaps (PH),

  9. Communication Handicaps (CH), Visual Handicaps (VH) credentials (Ryan)


  1. ✤Charter School Meeting

On Tuesday (11-15,) a meeting took place between the District, CTA Representative Nicole Love, four members of the School Board (Maribel Heredia was not present,) and Mercedes Faraj over the issue of Charter Schools.  At issue was the District obligation with regard to Charter Schools - IT IS NOT TO INVITE THEM INTO THE SCHOOL TO WORK WITH STUDENTS OR TO HAVE AN ORIENTATION! It appears that our independent Charter Schools are recruiting our students.  If that is happening at your site, you have the right to request NOT to have them in your room.  When students leave the District to attend Independent Charters, they not only deplete our student learning community, but also the impact that ADA funds generated by those students would have on the General Fund.


  1. ✤Bargaining To Begin

Currently, HEA is in the process of beginning for the Bargaining process.  The team is being formed and will begin work in early December.  We will keep you informed as to our progress.


  1. ✤Election Results

On Thursday, November 17th, the Elections Committee met to count the ballots from the Special Election.  The results were as follows:

  1. ✴Treasurer                            Leslie Circo (Stonebrae)

  2. ✴State Council Rep             John Pekman (Southgate) a One-year term

  3. ✴State Council Rep            Carla Schick (Hayward High) a Two-year term


Many thanks to all those who put their names forward to run. And congratulations to the winners!



A Very Happy Thanksgiving To All!!


  1. ✤Reminders

Next HEA Board of Directs Meeting: Monday, December 5th


Next FRA Meeting:  Monday, November 28th.






November 4, 2011


"FRIDAY FOLLOW-UP!"

What happened this week!



  1. ✤Election Reminder

Check out the dates and deadlines.

  1. ✴Monday, October 31 to Thursday, November 10 – Voting at the sites

  2. ✴Monday, November 14 – Ballots due to HEA Office by 4:00p.m.


NOTE:  If you put the ballots in the District Mail on the 12th, they may not reach HEA by the 14th.


  1. ✤Assessment (Elementary)

Concerns have been expressed about the number of district assessments for teachers to administer.  Oftentimes, no warning of the impending assessment is given to the teacher in a timely manner and/or the timeframe for return is short.  Timelines for giving the assessment should be determined by the teacher.  If a teacher is unable to give the assessment within the district timeline, then the teacher can state that the test will be administered as soon as possible and the rationale for the delay, e.g. instruction has not been completed or, due to assemblies, study trips, etc., there is not enough time.  HEA is discussing these concerns with the district.


  1. ✤CTA Sponsored Scholarships

Scholarship descriptions, deadlines and applications are available at www.cta.org.  Also, we have a copy of these various scholarships available in the HEA Office.


The scholarships are:

  1. ✴Dependent Children – A maximum of 34 scholarships of up to $5,000.

  2. ✴Del A. Weber (Dependent Children Attending Continuation High School/ Alternative Education Programs) – A maximum of 1 scholarship of up to $5,000.

  3. ✴Members – A maximum of 5 scholarships of up to $3,000.

  4. ✴L. Gordon Bittle Memorial Scholarship for Student CTA (SCTA) – A maximum of 3 scholarships of up to $3,000.

  5. ✴CTA Cesar E. Chavez Memorial Education Award Program (Individual or Group Project) Check out https://www.cta.org/About-CTA-Foundation/Scholarships  (Members Only Site) for description, application and criteria.  Deadline is January 13, 2012.

  6. ✴CTA Martin Luther King Jr. Memorial Scholarship - Information and application are available in the members-only section of the CTA website www.cta.org.


  1. ✤More Freebies

HEA has a wooden bookcase (50 x 29 x 14) with four shelves plus the top.  Someone may be able to make use of it in their classroom.  First come, first served.  Call HEA (538-1051) for details on pick-up.








October 28, 2011


"FRIDAY FOLLOW-UP!"

What happened this week!



  1. ✤Election Reminder

Nominations are in and ballots have been sent!  Check out the dates and deadlines.

  1. ✴Monday, October 31 to Thursday, November 10 – Voting at the sites

  2. ✴Monday, November 14 – Ballots due to HEA Office by 4:00p.m. 

NOTE:  If you put the ballots in the District Mail on the 12th, they may not reach HEA by the 14th.


  1. ✤SBDM Waiver Process Approved

See the attached Board Summary for details and description.


  1. ✤Superintendent Contract Approved

At the last School Board Meeting, after a lengthy discussion concerning cost impact, the contract for Dr. Donald Evans to become our Superintendent was approved.  


  1. ✤Diastat Warning

We discourage members from agreeing to, signing or indicating that you are willing to administer Diastat to students until you are fully informed of all the legal and medical ramifications.  The Diastat Bill passed last week, and CTA reports that any action by its members is voluntary. Strongly consider that by accepting or volunteering for any training on Diastat, you will be, once trained, obligated and legally responsible to perform Diastat actions. Protect yourself!


  1. ✤CalSTRS Information

Go to the website www.calstrsbenefits.us to find out information that could affect your retirement.  There is a CalSTRS response to Governor Brown’s 12-point pension proposal and clarification on the effect of proposed GASB accounting rules for state legislators.  Also there is additional information entitled, “Are you counting on Social Security?”


  1. ✤FROM CTA - Social Security

This is the big news item: Monthly Social Security and Supplemental Security Income (SSI) benefits for more than 60 million Americans will increase 3.6 percent in 2012, the Social Security Administration announced.

The 3.6 percent cost-of-living adjustment (COLA) will begin with benefits that nearly 55 million Social Security beneficiaries receive in January 2012.  Increased payments to more than 8 million SSI beneficiaries will begin on December 30, 2011.

Some other changes that take effect in January of each year are based on the increase in average wages. Based on that increase, the maximum amount of earnings subject to the Social Security tax (taxable maximum) will increase to $110,100 from $106,800. Of the estimated 161 million workers who will pay Social Security taxes in 2012, about 10 million will pay higher taxes as a result of the increase in the taxable maximum. 

Information about Medicare changes for 2012, when announced, will be available at www.Medicare.gov. For some beneficiaries, their Social Security increase may be partially or completely offset by increases in Medicare premiums. The Social Security Act provides for how the COLA is calculated. To read more, please visit www.socialsecurity.gov/cola.


  1. ✤GPO-WEP

Senator Kerry to introduce bill likely after Thanksgiving.  We have 5,000 signatures on the on-line petition. Check NEA Web site.

  1. ✴Jobs Bill -NEA is working to secure a payroll tax payment for those in Social Security offsets states. This is similar to the $250 tax credit in Stimulus Law American Recovery Act

  2. ✴Social Security Works Coalition - NEA is meeting with Congress to urge no cuts to Social Security by the Super Committee. We have on-line and grassroots activities forthcoming. NEA will have information on their website and will email when activities are ready for announcement.


  1. ✤Documents to keep our members informed

  2. ✴HUSD BOARD MTG 10-26-11.pdf

  3. ✴CSU RALLY.pdf







October 21, 2011


"FRIDAY FOLLOW-UP!"

What happened this week!



  1. ✤Election Reminder

HEA elections are upon us!  Check out the dates and deadlines.

  1. ✴Today, by 4:00p.m. – Self nominations are due to the HEA Office

  2. ✴Monday, October 24 – Nominations from the floor at the FRA Meeting

  3. ✴Friday, October 27 – Ballots sent to the sites

  4. ✴Monday, October 31 to Thursday, November 10 – Voting at the sites

  5. ✴Monday, November 14 – Ballots due to HEA Office by 4:00p.m.


  1. ✤Lesson Plans

Questions came up again this past week.  “Teachers are required to develop and maintain lesson plans including plans for substitutes and for final exams.” (see HUSD/HEA Agreement, p. 115)  You do not have to submit lesson plans to the administrator.  Have them accessible, e.g. on the desk, but they do not have to be in any particular format or form.


  1. ✤Collaboration Time

This time is teacher directed.  In other words, teachers (department heads, grade level teachers, etc.) create the agenda (with suggestions from administrators and/or coaches, etc.) but the agenda is teacher driven.  No roll or minutes are taken except as help to the group.


  1. ✤Parcel Tax/Bond

Polling is taking place now.  When results are compiled, we will let you know.


  1. ✤FITAG   (Fiscal Integrity and Transparency Advisory Group)

At the FITAG meeting last Monday the district informed the group that it is investigating ways of increasing revenue in anticipation of potential “trigger results” that will be announced in December.  Some things that are being considered are leasing of buildings, parcel tax/bond measures, grants etc.  Stay tuned for more updates.


  1. ✤2011 - 2012 CTA Conferences Reminder

HEA has received some interest from members to attend the conferences below.  Listed are a number of statewide conferences available to CTA members with dates and location.  The cost will vary from conference to conference.    For further information on each conference, you can go to www.cta.org/conferences.  If you are interested, please email (heahayward@aol.com) or call HEA at 538-1051.  Participation will be on a first-come first-served basis as funds are limited.  Once you have been approved for attendance, you may register online and HEA will reimburse you in accordance with the HEA Conference and Travel Guidelines.

  1. ✴GLBT Conference - October 28-30 - Palm Springs, CA

  2. ✴Issues Conference - January 13 - 15, 2012 - San Jose, CA

  3. ✴Good Teaching Conference - North - February 3 - 5, 2012 - San Jose, CA

  4. ✴Equity and Human Rights Conference - March 2 - 4, 2012, Irvine, CA


  1. ✤Memorial Service for Peter Hendley

Retired teacher and participant in local Democratic politics, Peter Hendley recently passed away.  A memorial service in his honor will be held on Sunday, November 6, 1:00p.m.-3:00p.m. at the Hayward City Hall Rotunda.  Our condolences are extended to Peter’s family and friends.


  1. ✤From CTA


  1. ✴Looking for CTA Members to Shake Up the Education Reform Conversation

The CTA Institute for Teaching is looking for a diverse set of teachers to be part of the IFT Regional Think Tanks. CTA members are among the brightest and most innovative educators in the country. Yet, seldom are these teachers asked their opinions about their chosen profession or the major issues facing public education. The IFT believes it’s time to change that. If you would like to participate in the Think Tanks or nominate another innovative educator to join, contact IFT Executive Director Dick Gale at dgale@cta.org.


  1. ✴NCLB Waiver Trades One Set of Federal Mandates for Another

While we appreciate President Obama’s recognition that public schools need relief from the burdens of No Child Left Behind, CTA cannot support the waiver process outlined by the administration as it simply trades one set of top-down, federal mandates for another. The CTA Board voted unanimously to oppose California applying for an NCLB waiver. On its face the waiver sounds like it is providing flexibility, but the fine print is still very restrictive. It requires states to set guidelines for teacher evaluation with the use of student test scores as a significant factor. It continues to use test scores to rank schools and requires states to create two new categories for lower-performing schools: priority and focus schools. It continues the use of unproven interventions for low-performing schools and provides states with NO additional resources meet these mandates. These mandates continue to undermine teaching and our profession.


CTA supports an immediate reauthorization of the Elementary and Secondary Education Act by Congress that will help students and schools succeed. Two bills have been introduced and will start to move in the Senate next week. So, stay tuned.


  1. ✴AB 114 TRANSITION WORKING GROUP AND PROVIDING SPECIAL EDUCATION SERVICES

With the passage of AB 114, school districts are now solely responsible for ensuring that students with disabilities receive special education and related services, including some services previously arranged for or provided by county mental health agencies. In August, the CDE convened the AB 114 Transition Working Group to address changes in the delivery of mental health services to students. The purpose of this working group is to assist the CDE in providing oversight and technical assistance to local educational agencies or school districts as services to students with emotional and behavioral needs transition from mental health services. The workgroup has four goals:

  1. ✓To clarify requirements for the provision of services

  2. ✓To identify available funding sources

  3. ✓To develop appropriate procedures

  4. ✓To describe appropriate service delivery models


A representative from CTA has been present at the meetings. The CDE has developed a website resources page, www.cde.ca.gov/sp/se/ac/ab114twg.asp, to provide background information on the legislation, materials, and current guidance documents created by the workgroup. The next meeting will be held October 19-20.


  1. ✤Documents to keep our members informed

  2. ✴Special Book Event.pdf






October 14, 2011


"FRIDAY FOLLOW-UP!"

What happened this week!



  1. ✤Diastat Bill Signed

Governor Brown did sign the bill allowing for school staff to administer Diastat to children with seizures.  We do not know the details of implementation or implication yet.  We will keep you posted when we receive more information.


  1. ✤Elementary Parent/Teacher Conference Days

Through SBDM, each site can set up minimum days to cover their conferences.  If the number of minimum days set up impacts the minimum days for the end of the year, adjustments to the site schedule can be made to maintain the minimum days at the end of the school year.


  1. ✤Extra Duty Stipends

Please refer to Appendix A in the contract for stipend amounts for extra work loads.  If the work load or the amounts are not listed, then call HEA.  Please DO NOT NEGOTIATE A STIPEND for your site.  A stipend for a job offered at one school, but not at another, could negatively impact others.

Remember: An Injury to One is an Injury to All!  Bottom line:  CALL HEA regarding any extra duty stipend offers.


  1. ✤We Have a New Superintendent

  2. ✴October 26 - on Board of Education agenda for approval

  3. ✴October 31 - Janis Duran's last day

  4. ✴November 7 - Donald Evans begins his duties

  5. ✴During the time between October 31 and November 7 Donna Becnel will be "Interim Superintendent"

NOTE:  October 27 - Donald Evans is in town to meet people.  HEA's hope is that we are included in the group to meet him.


  1. ✤SBDM Trainings

On October 11 there was a training for Year-Round sites.  Thank you to all who participated.

Future trainings:

  1. ✴October 25 - Elementary, 8:00 - 3:00, at SIAC

  2. ✴October 28 - Secondary, 8:00 - 3:00, at SIAC

  3. ✴November 3 - Elementary 8:00 - 3:00, at SIAC


  1. ✤FITAG (Fiscal Integrity and Transparency Advisory Group)

The first meeting is October 17, 4:30, District Office Board Room.  This meeting is held to support the Superintendent Action Plan #4 to "consistently maintain a fiscally solvent and positively certified district."  HEA will be represented at the meeting and since it is an open meeting all who are interested may attend.


  1. ✤HUSD Board Summary

To review the HUSD Board of Education Summary for October 12, 2011, please go to the HUSD Board Meeting Materials webpage:


http://www.husd.k12.ca.us/boardm



  1. ✤2011 - 2012 CTA Conferences

Below are listed a number of statewide conferences available to CTA members with dates and location.  The cost will vary from conference to conference.    For further information on each conference, you can go to www.cta.org/conferences.  If you are interested, please email us at heahayward@aol.com or call the HEA Office at 538-1051.  Participation will be on a first-come first-served basis as funds are limited.  Once you have been approved for attendance, you may register online and HEA will reimburse you in accordance with the HEA Conference and Travel Guidelines.

  1. ✴GLBT Conference - October 28-30 - Palm Springs, CA

  2. ✴Issues Conference - January 13 - 15, 2012 - San Jose, CA

  3. ✴Good Teaching Conference - North - February 3 - 5, 2012 - San Jose, CA

  4. ✴Equity and Human Rights Conference - March 2 - 4, 2012, Irvine, CA


  1. ✤Documents to keep our members informed

  2. ✴Nov. 17th Rally.pdf

  3. ✴Mt. Eden Halloween Masquerade.pdf





October 7, 2011


"FRIDAY FOLLOW-UP!"

What happened this week!


  1. ✤Worth Repeating Again -- A Message From Our Nurses

We are asking Governor Brown to veto the Diastat Bill (SB 161).   This bill could direct teachers to administer medication rectally if the student is having a seizure.  The nurses are encouraging all teachers to be aware of this bill.  Please place the information in staff lounges, at the front desk in main office or near teachers' look books.   Below are some ways that teachers can voice their concerns. Write a letter including your position, years of service, and contact information.

To voice concern by phone:
1) Dialing 916-445-2841
2) For English, press 1; Spanish, press 2
3) Press 2 for casting a vote on legislation
4) Press 3 for Diastat bill, SB161
5) Press 2 to vote IN OPPOSITION TO SB 161


  1. ✤Open Enrollment

You should have received notification from the District concerning open enrollment for benefit changes during the window of October 10 – November 4. 


  1. ✤American Fidelity

For those who missed the brief window of opportunity to meet with an American Fidelity representative – they will be back!  Mark your calendar for December 8 & 9.  If there are eight (8) or more people at a site that wish to speak to A-F Reps, then the district will attempt to schedule a visit to the site and provide a roving sub.  (This particular program does not affect Open Enrollment, so the meeting can occur after the close of Open Enrollment on November 4.)


  1. ✤Differentiated Instruction For African-American Students

If your site has been included in the invitation to SIAC on October 19th or 26th for a workshop in "Differentiated Instruction," we have confirmed that it is VOLUNTARY.  The district recognizes that it impacts preps and collaboration time, but hopes and encourages people to attend.  Members will be paid hourly for time after the regularly scheduled work hours.


  1. ✤Superintendent

In our Monday “Mop-Up” we shared that the Board of Education traveled to Compton Unified School District.  After the visit, the Board unanimously voted to offer Donald Evans a contract.  According to published reports, the hope is for him to begin his duties by November 1st.


  1. ✤Collaboration Time Reminder

Collaboration time is to be TEACHER directed.  Administration may suggest items on agendas, but ultimately it is the teachers who decide how collaboration time is to be used.  In addition, remember that you do not have to take minutes or attendance.  You may want to do so for your own records, but note that you are not obligated to give this information to administration.


  1. ✤Which Leads to . . . Lesson Plans

You do not have to give the administration your lesson plans.  The contract calls for them to be accessible, meaning on your desk, but you do not have to turn them in, nor is there a standard format for your use.


  1. ✤Contract

The contract is almost finalized for print.


  1. ✤Office Sign-In

ALL community members, parents, School Board members, etc. – must sign in at the front desk (office) before visiting your room.  The office should contact you to make sure it is a permissible time for a visit, e.g. you are not administering a test, etc.  They can always reschedule a better time.


  1. ✤Survey

The district reps, Board of Education reps, and district unions are meeting regarding a survey on whether or not a parcel tax/bond measure is possible to pursue here in HUSD.


  1. ✤Coming HEA Election

Be on the look-out for Declaration of Candidacy Self-Nomination Forms that were put into the District mail on Friday, October 7th to the sites.  There are three positions available:  1) HEA Treasurer - one year term; 2) Two State Council Representative positions - one one-year term and one two-year term.  Declaration of Candidacy Forms are due by October 21st.  Nominations from the floor will be made at the next FRA meeting on October 24th.


  1. ✤Documents to keep our members informed 

CTA President Report

Mt. Eden Event reminder







 

Welcome to the Hayward Education Association!