Coalition Calls for Major Changes in NCLB
May 2007
Five of the nation’s most important education organizations have announced a common vision for reform of the federal No Child Left Behind Act. Joining NEA in this effort are the American Association of School Administrators, the American Federation of Teachers, the National Association of Elementary School Principals, the National Association of Secondary School Principals, and the National School Boards Association.
NEA Convention in Philadelphia, PA
July 2007
Between June 30 and July 5, 2007, the 60-member MCEA delegation to the NEA Convention had a busy six days in Philadelphia. Most days the meetings began at 7 a.m. with the state caucus and went until 7 p.m. in the NEA Representative Assembly with almost 10,000 other delegates from across the country. We debated and voted on over 90 new business items (NBIs). An issue which affects many of our students here in MCPS was addressed in this way by this august democratic body with a sound affirmative vote on the following language:
“NEA’s basic policies with regard to immigration are set forth in NEA Resolutions B-20 and I-18, and in the NEA Legislative Program. These policies express NEA’s commitment to, among other things, improving the immigration process, including the provision of due process, political asylum, and timely legalization; protecting the integrity of the family unit; and assuring that every child, regardless of his or her immigration status or the immigration status of his or her parents, has the right to a free public education in a safe and supportive environment.”
We take pride in our own delegate, Dionna Ricks, who submitted an NBI that addressed the genocide in Darfur and was approved by the body. Other business included debating and voting on the NEA Constitution and By-laws and Resolutions. The discussion on legislative items was lively as we talked about the reauthorization of the so-called No Child Left Behind Act (NCLB). Eight presidential candidates spoke to the RA, each discussed the difficulties that public education faces in light of the requirements of NCLB.
Perspective from a Novice Delegate
Normally, when you're surrounded by 9,000 crazy, screaming people, the stage they're all screaming at has a music act on it, and your eardrums feel like they're about to burst. It was not a rock concert that I was attending this year in Philadelphia over this 4th of July holiday week. I was sitting with over 9,000 of my education colleagues from across this nation, as our cheering for our President, Reg Weaver, of the National Education Association matched the decibel level of a concert. Being a first time delegate to the NEA Representative Assembly, I was not sure what to expect. I found out fast that there was lots of business to be done. I joined the New Business Committee which meant I started my day at 6 a.m. But that way I had firsthand knowledge of what the major issues were and how the debate would be framed. We moved to the state caucus at 7 a.m. each day and then to the Representative Assembly at 10. There we listened, and some of us talked at the mikes, with our pictures on the “really big screens” in support or opposition to the items at hand. There was a sense of awe as I thought about being part of the largest democratic body in the world. We made decisions about our work around the “bread and butter issues,” like social security and pensions and also about the student-centered issues like greater inclusion of the arts curricula in schools and how we as educators can help to reduce expulsion and drop out rates. The days were long, but energizing as I gained an understanding of the role that NEA plays in the greater community in the US. Other than televised debates and forums, I bet no other organization gets eight presidential candidates to show up and present their platforms and agree to answer the hard questions. There were some fun moments—who knew that members of the Executive Committee also fancy themselves as entertainers??? Maybe we got the rock stars after all… But during the days, we were doing the work of the association. We did have a little time in the evenings to enjoy the sites—and events of the week in a new city. But even I had to call it a night before midnight—after all, the next day came pretty quick. It was good to get home and rest up for the summer.
Click here to view photo album of convention pictures.
Reforming NCLB
Today, five of the nation's top education groups joined in releasing a joint statement stating our intention to work together to push Congress for significant changes to the No Child Left Behind Act (NCLB). Click here to read the press releaseand the joint statement.
The joint statement emphasizes that "the reauthorization of the Elementary and Secondary ducation Act (ESEA) is an opportunity for a refocused national discussion about public education that offers members of Congress the opportunity to elevate this dialogue, to be bold, and to embrace not only the call for equity in American education but the demand for innovation as well." The groups that have signed on to the joint statement are:
* American Association of School Administrators
* American Federation of Teachers
* National Association of Elementary School Principals
* National Association of Secondary School Principals
* National Education Association
* National School Boards Association
Although each of our organizations has developed and proposed specific recommendations to address our reauthorization priorities, we have reached consensus that changes need to be made in the following areas: accountability, assessments, improved assessments for English language learners and students with disabilities, school improvement, and educator quality and professional development.
April 2007
Hundreds Rally In Support of School Funding!
More than 600 educators and parents demonstrated their support for school funding on the steps of the County Council building last night. It was the largest rally in Montgomery County in recent memory – demonstrating that Montgomery County supports its public schools, and expects our elected politicians to do the same.
Sponsored by MCEA, together with SEIU Local 500, MCAASP, and the Montgomery County Council of PTAs, the rally drew a diverse group of parents, students, and school employees. Rally speakers included Nancy Navarro, President of the Board of Education, Jane de Winter, President of the Montgomery County Council of PTAs, Crystal DeVance Wison, Chair of the NAACP Parents’ Council, and Diego Uriburu, Deputy Director of Identy, along with the presidents of the three unions. County Council member Valerie Ervin also spoke to the crowd to thank them for their support of our schools.
Following the rally, hundreds crowded into the Council hearing room, spilling over into the hallways and cafeteria, to listen to a distinguished list of speakers urging the Council to fund the school budget.
To find out how you can help, click here
Testimony of MCEA President Bonnie Cullison
Testimony of June Jetabut, School Counselor and member of the MCEA Bargaining Team
Testimony of Eric Luedtke, Middle School Teacher and member of the MCEA Board of Directors
More Photos
February 2007
New MCEA Contract Ratified
– After nearly five months of negotiations, a new collective bargaining agreement has been ratified by a vote of the members of the Montgomery County Education Association. The Montgomery County Board of Education has also voted to ratify the contract. Funding for the new agreement has been included in the Board’s proposed budget, which has been submitted to the County Council for approval.
MCEA’s Highlights of the New Contract provides an overview of the significant changes in the new agreement and how they support school improvement.
More information about the new Career Lattice can be found in the Interim Report of the Career Lattice Design Team.
MCEA Elections: Ballots Arriving Soon - Elections for MCEA's Board of Directors will take place between April 25 and May 2. Both ballots and a special Advocate with candidate bios should be in your school soon. Check with your MCEA rep. Be sure to vote!
Living Wage Goes Statewide - MCEA helped lead the effort to pass a county 'living wage' bill. Last week, Maryland became the first state to pass a statewide living wage, requiring state contractors to pay employees at least $11.30 in suburban areas like Montgomery County. MCEA believes that decent salaries for low wage workers (to help defray clothing, food, rent) can only help their children to be more successful learners.
Gary Howard will give a presentation based on his best-selling book, We Can't Teach What We Don't Know: White Teachers, Multiracial Schools, 2nd Edition. "Borrowing from the words of Malcolm X, 'We can't teach what we don't know, and we can't lead where we can't go,' Gary Howard's book acts on both points. He explains whay teachers mustn't 'fake it,' but must acquire the knowledge, skills, and disposition to successfully teach all students. A great book for teacher-candidates and experienced teachers." -Carl A. Grant, Hoefs-Bascom Professor, University of Wisconsin-Madision. Click here for more Busboys and Poets Events or other DC Area Events.
January 2007
The MCPS National Board program, a collaborative effort between MCPS and MCEA, focuses on the professional growth aspect of the NBPTS process. Educators gather evidence from their daily practice to demonstrate that they meet the high and rigorous standards set forth by the National Board for Professional Teaching Standards and how their practice impacts student learning.
The newly certified educators are recognized by their peers each January at the National Board Certified Teacher (NBCT) Celebration and Pinning Ceremony. At the event, the National Board Instructional Specialists pin each new NBCT and share how highly accomplished educators can continue their journey in Teacher Leadership. The Pinning Ceremony is sponsored by MCEA.
Currently, there are 298 educators in MCPS that are Nationally Board Certified. Members may contact Jolynn Tarwater or MaryPat Spon on outlook for more information or go the following local website for more information about support available from MCPS And MCEA. www.becomingbetterteachers.org
October 2006
MCPS Proposes Changes in State Mandated High School Assessments (HSAs). How can we improve state mandated assessments? In response to a request from the president of the Montgomery County Board of Education, MCPS Superintendent Jerry Weast has prepared a 'white paper' discussing the shortcoming of the Maryland HSAs and proposing a number of solutions to make the mandated tests more useful to teachers and students. Click here to read the 'white paper'.