In a past NNU, I publicized the contract that Hawaii teachers will be voting on. It included a 4% raise but also mandated random drug testing, with the governor's strong support. His position is that there should be no wiggle room when it comes to union contracts-- that language should be in every union contract.
Teachers were voting on the islands this past week; there are a number of outstanding absentee ballots that have yet to be counted that could sway the vote. The Hawaii State Teachers Association does not endorse the contract. More about the voting here.
This editorial from Maui News questions the singling out of teachers for drug testing; after all, no other public employee unions are being forced to do this.
Sunday, April 29, 2007
Hayward Update!!! (The last one for a while...)
Hayward teachers scored an 11% raise over two years, thanks to their unity and solidarity. The new contract was ratified by a 89% vote. You can read more here. I think this article is better, though.
Wednesday, April 25, 2007
Late Breaking Hayward News!
This just in: Striking Hayward Education Association and the Supt/ BOE have reached a tentative agreement! Details to follow!
UPDATE #1: There's a pretty effective blackout going on right now. Rank and file began voting yesterday at 2PM to ratify the TA. The President said the agreement "isn't perfect". It will be interesting to see what made up the TA.
Congrats, Hayward teachers-- you did it together!
UPDATE #1: There's a pretty effective blackout going on right now. Rank and file began voting yesterday at 2PM to ratify the TA. The President said the agreement "isn't perfect". It will be interesting to see what made up the TA.
Congrats, Hayward teachers-- you did it together!
Monday, April 23, 2007
Internet Teacher Unionists: What Does The Future Hold?
During contentious contract negotiations, teachers have used conventional methods to get their message out to the public. They show up en masse to local Board of Education meetings, picket district buildings informally, work to the rule or even strike. The school district is allowed to use its resources like copiers, computers and internet connections to get its message out to the parents in its boundaries. One district has even gone as far as forcing teachers to stuff elementary students’ Friday folders with letters home to parents sending a pro-district stand on negotiations.
In the past, teachers’ unions have had to take their message to the people through the media, not always a completely reliable institution. Depending on the disposition, loyalty and effectiveness of the local media outlets, the general public may or may not be able to get an unbiased view of the conflict between the board and the teachers’ union.
Beginning over ten years ago, many local teachers’ unions began to go online, hosting a web page and keeping contact with their membership online. As older, less tech savvy teachers retire, newer teachers who have grown up with the internet as an indispensable part of their lives are beginning to take leadership roles within their organizations and they’re using technology in a way that hasn’t been seen, especially with the advent of Web 2.0.
Many locals have begun their own blogs, creating a forum allowing for the exchange of ideas and opinions between membership that would have been separated by grade level or geographic placement within a district. The AFT has been the first and only national-level affiliate to host a blog on its website; the NEA does offer discussion boards to its membership and sometimes prints responses in their monthly publication “NEA Today”. Particularly notable is New York UFT’s “Edwize” and the AFT’s “Let’s Get it Right”.
YouTube, long a repository of homegrown movie clips and music videos has become the newest stomping grounds for teacher unionists. While different caucuses in New York’s UFT used the site for hosting political messages during the union’s fall elections, the door opening introductory event for YouTube has been the Hayward Teacher strike in Hayward, California and the posting of amateur videos by union members.
Three Hayward middle school teachers are responsible for much of the content already uploaded, having created “Channel 16.84”, a series of "on the spot" amateur reporting that follows the strike from a pro-union perspective. The number refers directly to the percent raise desired by teachers-- it has already been given to three Hayward assistant superintendents. They have created a rallying point for teachers and parents; a number of teachers have created their own blogs (blog # 2)and a parent support website recently went online. Striking teachers have even created a “Scab Blog” where digital pictures of substitutes who cross the picket lines are posted for everyone in the world to see.
Baltimore Teachers Union members are being encouraged to participate in a virtual rally by adding their names to a petition on the union’s website and sending emails to school board members to protest the progress of contract negotiations. A flesh and blood rally will be held later in the month of April, but in the meantime the virtual one is sure to attract attention.
The future holds much promise for net-savvy teacher unionists. Soon, sending an email, writing a blog entry or posting your own commentary on YouTube will be as commonplace and as easy as making a phone call.
In the past, teachers’ unions have had to take their message to the people through the media, not always a completely reliable institution. Depending on the disposition, loyalty and effectiveness of the local media outlets, the general public may or may not be able to get an unbiased view of the conflict between the board and the teachers’ union.
Beginning over ten years ago, many local teachers’ unions began to go online, hosting a web page and keeping contact with their membership online. As older, less tech savvy teachers retire, newer teachers who have grown up with the internet as an indispensable part of their lives are beginning to take leadership roles within their organizations and they’re using technology in a way that hasn’t been seen, especially with the advent of Web 2.0.
Many locals have begun their own blogs, creating a forum allowing for the exchange of ideas and opinions between membership that would have been separated by grade level or geographic placement within a district. The AFT has been the first and only national-level affiliate to host a blog on its website; the NEA does offer discussion boards to its membership and sometimes prints responses in their monthly publication “NEA Today”. Particularly notable is New York UFT’s “Edwize” and the AFT’s “Let’s Get it Right”.
YouTube, long a repository of homegrown movie clips and music videos has become the newest stomping grounds for teacher unionists. While different caucuses in New York’s UFT used the site for hosting political messages during the union’s fall elections, the door opening introductory event for YouTube has been the Hayward Teacher strike in Hayward, California and the posting of amateur videos by union members.
Three Hayward middle school teachers are responsible for much of the content already uploaded, having created “Channel 16.84”, a series of "on the spot" amateur reporting that follows the strike from a pro-union perspective. The number refers directly to the percent raise desired by teachers-- it has already been given to three Hayward assistant superintendents. They have created a rallying point for teachers and parents; a number of teachers have created their own blogs (blog # 2)and a parent support website recently went online. Striking teachers have even created a “Scab Blog” where digital pictures of substitutes who cross the picket lines are posted for everyone in the world to see.
Baltimore Teachers Union members are being encouraged to participate in a virtual rally by adding their names to a petition on the union’s website and sending emails to school board members to protest the progress of contract negotiations. A flesh and blood rally will be held later in the month of April, but in the meantime the virtual one is sure to attract attention.
The future holds much promise for net-savvy teacher unionists. Soon, sending an email, writing a blog entry or posting your own commentary on YouTube will be as commonplace and as easy as making a phone call.
Sunday, April 22, 2007
National Negotiations Update #9 (4/16-4/20)
California
Hayward- HUSD wants an injunction against the ongoing strike. Another injunction article here. News Station's website here.
Madera-- Madera Unified Teachers Association have declared impasse and want a federal negotiator in on the action. Their last contract was decided through mediation, so this seems to be an ongoing challenge.
Ophir-- The teachers' union and the board have been at impasse since January; they've only met once.
Florida
Bradenton-- Planning time and teacher compensation are at the heart of contract difficulties here.
Broward County-- The BCSD is feeling the bite of the teachers "working to the rule". NPR did a story about it and you can listen here.
Hawaii
Everywhere-- Teachers in the island state (apologies to RI) will be voting on a contract that includes a 4% raise, and also allows for random drug testing. It will be interesting to see the fallout on this one. Will this contract be called the "Maui Wowie" contract?
Indiana
Harvey-- In District 205, the 450 teachers that represent that unit are getting anxious-- they've been negotiating for a year, the contract expired last June and they're not getting anywhere.
Iowa
Des Moines-- Suburban teachers get bigger raises, but Des Moines teachers have a better health benefits, having all of their health insurance paid for.
Michigan
Ironwood-- The Ironwood SD and Ironwood EA are back at the table, prompting the IEA to withdraw it's previously filed ULPs.
Spring Lake-- Things are still contentious between the board and the union without a contract.
New Hampshire
Concord-- The Lebanon Education Association was acting like a bully throughout the year and the end result is the resignation of the principal, says this editorial.
Vermont
Burlington-- This letter to the editor is in support of teachers on school boards, and its from a community member. This is the original article that prompted the letter.
Hayward- HUSD wants an injunction against the ongoing strike. Another injunction article here. News Station's website here.
Madera-- Madera Unified Teachers Association have declared impasse and want a federal negotiator in on the action. Their last contract was decided through mediation, so this seems to be an ongoing challenge.
Ophir-- The teachers' union and the board have been at impasse since January; they've only met once.
Florida
Bradenton-- Planning time and teacher compensation are at the heart of contract difficulties here.
Broward County-- The BCSD is feeling the bite of the teachers "working to the rule". NPR did a story about it and you can listen here.
Hawaii
Everywhere-- Teachers in the island state (apologies to RI) will be voting on a contract that includes a 4% raise, and also allows for random drug testing. It will be interesting to see the fallout on this one. Will this contract be called the "Maui Wowie" contract?
Indiana
Harvey-- In District 205, the 450 teachers that represent that unit are getting anxious-- they've been negotiating for a year, the contract expired last June and they're not getting anywhere.
Iowa
Des Moines-- Suburban teachers get bigger raises, but Des Moines teachers have a better health benefits, having all of their health insurance paid for.
Michigan
Ironwood-- The Ironwood SD and Ironwood EA are back at the table, prompting the IEA to withdraw it's previously filed ULPs.
Spring Lake-- Things are still contentious between the board and the union without a contract.
New Hampshire
Concord-- The Lebanon Education Association was acting like a bully throughout the year and the end result is the resignation of the principal, says this editorial.
Vermont
Burlington-- This letter to the editor is in support of teachers on school boards, and its from a community member. This is the original article that prompted the letter.
Who owns the Friday folder?
I was going to put this in the upcoming "National Negotiations Update" (which I'm working on in another tab, in case anyone is wondering) but throught it deserved a post all of it's own.
In Jefferson County, the JCSD and the JCEA are at odds on contract negotiations. They're at an impasse regarding the ability of the district to non-renew probationary teachers; simply put the district wants to, the EA doesn't want 'em to. This opinion piece (though biased against the teachers) gives some info.
Anyhow, JCSD elementary principals sent a letter home in the Friday folder of their students which informed parents as to what the impasse meant. IN the past they've sent other letters home about snow days and stuff like that. Unfortunately, teachers had to stuff the letters into students' backpacks which supported the district's published account of negotiations.
I wonder what would have happened if the teachers refused?
In Jefferson County, the JCSD and the JCEA are at odds on contract negotiations. They're at an impasse regarding the ability of the district to non-renew probationary teachers; simply put the district wants to, the EA doesn't want 'em to. This opinion piece (though biased against the teachers) gives some info.
Anyhow, JCSD elementary principals sent a letter home in the Friday folder of their students which informed parents as to what the impasse meant. IN the past they've sent other letters home about snow days and stuff like that. Unfortunately, teachers had to stuff the letters into students' backpacks which supported the district's published account of negotiations.
I wonder what would have happened if the teachers refused?
Saturday, April 21, 2007
Friday, April 20, 2007
Another Hayward Strike Blog!
They're into day six and staying strong. This is another blog, well worth the read-- "Don't Hate, Educate".
The pithy post that I particularly liked asks the following question:
What happens if you call the parents of your students to let them know you're still on strike and you get a parent who says "You make more than I do and you're on strike!" Sal does their level-headed best to answer the question.
Hayward School District is trying to get an injunction from PERB to get the teachers back in classes.
Also, below is some great footage of the strike in action shot by Whatupthen; teachers protesting on the sidewalk. Listen to those car horns honk in support! This comes from Whatupthen, a Hayward teacher. Their blog chronicles some of the strike.
The pithy post that I particularly liked asks the following question:
What happens if you call the parents of your students to let them know you're still on strike and you get a parent who says "You make more than I do and you're on strike!" Sal does their level-headed best to answer the question.
Hayward School District is trying to get an injunction from PERB to get the teachers back in classes.
Also, below is some great footage of the strike in action shot by Whatupthen; teachers protesting on the sidewalk. Listen to those car horns honk in support! This comes from Whatupthen, a Hayward teacher. Their blog chronicles some of the strike.
Breaking news from Ohio....
A reader from Ohio sent me an email:
"Doc--
I was just at the Ohio Education Association (OEA) Representative Assembly in Columbus. One of the items we voted on was a proposed change in the bylaws to open the door to allow recruitment of private institutions (including charters). There was mainly opposition to the idea, but some of the urban unions seemed to be for it. Most of the people who spoke were against it, and reaction from the floor seemed to suggest that the majority of the delegates there would vote no. Debate went on for about an hour, and there was a motion to end debate, so it didn't die on it's own. We voted and then broke for lunch. I'll email you when I have the results. I don't expect it to pass."
Interesting. If this does pass, Ohio wouldn't be the only place in the nation to try to unionize charters it's been done in California and Florida as well-- perhaps New York?
UPDATE #1: Apparently the measure didn't pass.
UPDATE #2: I forgot there was a $25 one-time dues increase proposed. This money will go to "To begin the challenge of having a constitutional amendment added into the state of Ohio’s Constitution". I don't claim to understand what this amendment is about; here is the link to the original site (thanks, Google). It did pass-- I don't have vote tallies, however.
UPDATE #3: Here's more about what happened at the Friday Representative Assembly.
"Doc--
I was just at the Ohio Education Association (OEA) Representative Assembly in Columbus. One of the items we voted on was a proposed change in the bylaws to open the door to allow recruitment of private institutions (including charters). There was mainly opposition to the idea, but some of the urban unions seemed to be for it. Most of the people who spoke were against it, and reaction from the floor seemed to suggest that the majority of the delegates there would vote no. Debate went on for about an hour, and there was a motion to end debate, so it didn't die on it's own. We voted and then broke for lunch. I'll email you when I have the results. I don't expect it to pass."
Interesting. If this does pass, Ohio wouldn't be the only place in the nation to try to unionize charters it's been done in California and Florida as well-- perhaps New York?
UPDATE #1: Apparently the measure didn't pass.
UPDATE #2: I forgot there was a $25 one-time dues increase proposed. This money will go to "To begin the challenge of having a constitutional amendment added into the state of Ohio’s Constitution". I don't claim to understand what this amendment is about; here is the link to the original site (thanks, Google). It did pass-- I don't have vote tallies, however.
UPDATE #3: Here's more about what happened at the Friday Representative Assembly.
Tuesday, April 17, 2007
More Hayward...
I don't know how I missed it, but the Hayward folks have a blog and their own band, the "Angry Tired Teachers". I also saw an interesting use of technology, the Hayward Scab Photoblog. I think they should add that to Flickr. They should also send out a chain email to everyone they know with the scabs' pictures in the email...it would be interesting to see how far and wide that gets. They did catch some heat in the media for the scab blog, however if people weren't scabbin' there would be no complainin'.
Also, a new edition of "The Truth" is up on YouTube; the first half is in English, the second in Spanish. It's about four minutes long, but worth the investment of time.
Also, a new edition of "The Truth" is up on YouTube; the first half is in English, the second in Spanish. It's about four minutes long, but worth the investment of time.
Saturday, April 14, 2007
Tying up a few odds and ends....
So while my system was down, I accumulated a whole bunch of emails that I didn't do anything with. My inbox is relatively clean of them now, I got rid of the obvious ones (i.e. Hayward is on strike) and took a look at a few others. So after I do this post, I should be completely caught up until I procrastinate for the next time.
First, the Philly Community College strike is now over. The college got the union to accept their best and final offer and somehow threw in $160k of bonuses over 5 years, I think from a federal grant. It lasted 12 days.
In Philly news, candidates are "wit out" an endorsement (foodies and cheesesteak fans will understand the quote) for Mayor. The Philly Federation of Teachers voted not to endorse an candidates at all, the first time since '71.
I came across this interesting post and discussion regarding the involvement of unions in school board elections; it was polite towards unions...thought not for them.
That, brothers and sisters, is it-- I am now caught up.
First, the Philly Community College strike is now over. The college got the union to accept their best and final offer and somehow threw in $160k of bonuses over 5 years, I think from a federal grant. It lasted 12 days.
In Philly news, candidates are "wit out" an endorsement (foodies and cheesesteak fans will understand the quote) for Mayor. The Philly Federation of Teachers voted not to endorse an candidates at all, the first time since '71.
I came across this interesting post and discussion regarding the involvement of unions in school board elections; it was polite towards unions...thought not for them.
That, brothers and sisters, is it-- I am now caught up.
Friday, April 13, 2007
National Negotiations Update # 8 (4/9-4/13)
National Negotiations Update #8
California
Alameda-- Contract talks have soured, they want a mediator.
Hayward-- Long story short, two superintendents in the Hayward school district received 16% raises, the teachers asked for the same-- only fair, right? District said no, how about half of that or so. Here is some background on the situation. This article is about strike preparations. The second day of the strike is documented. A scab complains about having someone pound their fist on his car. Indymedia gives some more info and commenters add to the discussion. This blogspot site is run by Tennyson High School journalism students and documents the work stoppage. You can also check out their myspace page, but I wouldn't do it from school if I were you.
Inglewood-- 150 teachers protested a 1% raise the school board offered. In addition, 180 teachers of the local had received suspicious layoff notices and recalls (including tenured teachers) that smacked of intimidation.
Monterey-- North Monterey County Unified School District will not experience continued sick-outs by the North Monterey County Federation of Teachers; the two parties have reached a tentative agreement. You may remember the sickouts (that were not sponsored by the union) had caused the districts some distress, as documented in an earlier NNU.
Conneticut
Greenwich-- Administrators have performance pay now, why doesn't the Greenwich EA accept it in their new contract? (At least that's the question the school board is asking these days). The GEA President expresses her skepticism; I think they're going to pass on that one.
Florida
Manatee-- The Manatee EA and the Manatee School District are in negotiations.
Illinois
Elgin-- the teacher union vows that they will not use the Superintendent's recent raise and salary in excess of $400k as a chip in negotiations.
Peoria-- A rank and file member of District 150 is unhappy with the job their President has done, so they are challenging them at the polls. In fact, all of the open seats are being contested, something that is quite rare in teacher union elections.
Indiana
Sandridge-- Sandridge Elementary District 172 and the Sandridge EA are at impasse, their March meeting with a mediator was called off 'cause there was flooding in the EA President's home. Doh!
Minnesota
Everywhere-- Interesting article on the plight of teachers and pay in Minnesota; their contract renegotiation cycle will begin shortly.
New Hampshire
Nashua-- A letter in support of the teachers and their needs in negotiations made the local paper. Surprising, because 229 requests from teachers for religious leave on Good Friday shut down the 1200+ teacher district.
New Jersey
Mannington Township-- Salem County Vocational Technical School District teachers have been working without a contract since last year. Fact finding has been scheduled for May.
New York
Valley Stream-- Valley Stream Teachers Association has a hearing with PERB coming up. Why? It's pretty interesting, actually. In New York and California, school districts are organized according to grade level. In the past, the 4 school districts have negotiated with VSTA as a whole entity. Now the high school district is trying to negotiate separate from the other three, prompting the PERB hearing-- the union ain't having it.
Ohio
Ledgemont-- The Ledgemont EA has reached a tentative 3 year deal with the school board.
Colerain Township-- The Northwest Local School District and the Northwest EA have reached a tentative agreement; members had previously authorized the bargaining team to call for a strike. You can read more about the authorization here.
Pennsylvania
Lehman Township-- Lake-Lehman School District bargaining is not going well. The teacher's union recently voted to authorize the bargaining team to strike, if need be.
California
Alameda-- Contract talks have soured, they want a mediator.
Hayward-- Long story short, two superintendents in the Hayward school district received 16% raises, the teachers asked for the same-- only fair, right? District said no, how about half of that or so. Here is some background on the situation. This article is about strike preparations. The second day of the strike is documented. A scab complains about having someone pound their fist on his car. Indymedia gives some more info and commenters add to the discussion. This blogspot site is run by Tennyson High School journalism students and documents the work stoppage. You can also check out their myspace page, but I wouldn't do it from school if I were you.
Inglewood-- 150 teachers protested a 1% raise the school board offered. In addition, 180 teachers of the local had received suspicious layoff notices and recalls (including tenured teachers) that smacked of intimidation.
Monterey-- North Monterey County Unified School District will not experience continued sick-outs by the North Monterey County Federation of Teachers; the two parties have reached a tentative agreement. You may remember the sickouts (that were not sponsored by the union) had caused the districts some distress, as documented in an earlier NNU.
Conneticut
Greenwich-- Administrators have performance pay now, why doesn't the Greenwich EA accept it in their new contract? (At least that's the question the school board is asking these days). The GEA President expresses her skepticism; I think they're going to pass on that one.
Florida
Manatee-- The Manatee EA and the Manatee School District are in negotiations.
Illinois
Elgin-- the teacher union vows that they will not use the Superintendent's recent raise and salary in excess of $400k as a chip in negotiations.
Peoria-- A rank and file member of District 150 is unhappy with the job their President has done, so they are challenging them at the polls. In fact, all of the open seats are being contested, something that is quite rare in teacher union elections.
Indiana
Sandridge-- Sandridge Elementary District 172 and the Sandridge EA are at impasse, their March meeting with a mediator was called off 'cause there was flooding in the EA President's home. Doh!
Minnesota
Everywhere-- Interesting article on the plight of teachers and pay in Minnesota; their contract renegotiation cycle will begin shortly.
New Hampshire
Nashua-- A letter in support of the teachers and their needs in negotiations made the local paper. Surprising, because 229 requests from teachers for religious leave on Good Friday shut down the 1200+ teacher district.
New Jersey
Mannington Township-- Salem County Vocational Technical School District teachers have been working without a contract since last year. Fact finding has been scheduled for May.
New York
Valley Stream-- Valley Stream Teachers Association has a hearing with PERB coming up. Why? It's pretty interesting, actually. In New York and California, school districts are organized according to grade level. In the past, the 4 school districts have negotiated with VSTA as a whole entity. Now the high school district is trying to negotiate separate from the other three, prompting the PERB hearing-- the union ain't having it.
Ohio
Ledgemont-- The Ledgemont EA has reached a tentative 3 year deal with the school board.
Colerain Township-- The Northwest Local School District and the Northwest EA have reached a tentative agreement; members had previously authorized the bargaining team to call for a strike. You can read more about the authorization here.
Pennsylvania
Lehman Township-- Lake-Lehman School District bargaining is not going well. The teacher's union recently voted to authorize the bargaining team to strike, if need be.
Deja vu.
I think I read this opinion piece already. Except the first time I read it the title was "The Worm in the Apple" and it was slightly longer and it was written by Peter Brimelow. Both pieces made me laugh. Hysterically.
Thursday, April 12, 2007
Hayward: Day 5 (One week in)
The more I see what's going on in Hayward, and how HEA is handling things there (with the assistance of CTA) the more impressed I am. This is a really well-run strike (if there is such an animal).
Why do I say this? Here are my reasons (in no particular order)
Why do I say this? Here are my reasons (in no particular order)
- They're getting media coverage that doesn't portray them as "those striking teachers".
- It appears the parents support 'em.
- They had 98% participation on the first day of the strike.
- They've got a well-run website complete with updates and press releases and the like. Go here to the main page.
- They're putting their strike newsletters known as "HEA on the Line" up in PDF format, go here to see them.
- Their extensive use of Youtube is quite literally groundbreaking; to my knowledge, I haven't seen it used before when it comes to a US teachers strike; the grass-roots street cred it brings to the whole effort is great.
- They made this poster for scabs. (opens to a PDF file)
They're supposed to be meeting today with a mediator and apparently the mayor will be sending a letter to the Superintendent. I hope they get this contract settled soon, to their liking.
Wednesday, April 11, 2007
Just a t-shirt/ just a grade.
I was browsing this week's Carnival of Education (of which I'm an exhibitor) and came across this great article by Chanman, about a student wearing a hammer and sickle into class. It got me to think about something I do in my class.
Chanman, this one's for you.
(Note: All the responses by students are composite responses; I've been doing this for a while.)
In the past, when my students question the difference between capitalism and communism, I do the following activity-- but I don’t tell them it’s an activity. I’m deadpan the whole time; to them this is their new reality.
“Well, I’m sorry to tell you class, but I am not happy with your grades. There are too many of you that are close to failing this class, and I can’t let this happen. Do you want to fail my class?”
Emphatic “No’s!” abound.
“Good, because I don’t want you to fail this class either. I think it’s important that you as a class help the people in this class who need help. Do you agree?”
Nods and “Yeahs” permeate the room.
“From this point on, I will use a system in this class that will allow everyone in this class to pass. It’s important that you pass this class.”
At this point, I usually get some happy noises from the class and the kids that generally pay a marginal amount of attention to me (due to their marginal grades) are now fully engaged.
The inevitable question that comes out is “So you’re just going to pass everyone in the class?”
I answer no, and give the following explanation.
“What I’m going to do is eliminate individual grades in this class so that everyone can pass.”
Puzzled stares.
“You will still do homework, tests, quizzes, projects and papers that you would normally do, and I will still total and average your grade at the end of the quarter.”
More puzzled stares. Teenagers are mouthing the words “But those are individual grades…”
I continue.
“What will happen at the end of the quarter is that I will take everyone’s individual grade, add all the percentages of the individual grades in the class together and divide by the number of students in the class. What I come up with then will be the class average, and it is the grade that everyone will receive for this class.”
Confused silence. Looks are exchanged; kids are really trying to figure out if this is a good thing. A hand goes up—it’s always an A student.
“So what happens if I earn an A, but you average the class grade and it comes out lower than an A?”
“Good question. You would receive the lower class grade on your report card and that would be computed into your GPA.”
Stunned silence.
“But I would have worked hard for that grade,” says the student. “It would be unfair for me to get a lower grade.”
“You did work hard,” I counter. “But it would be unfair for you to sit there with an A and not do anything to help other students who aren’t passing this class, right?”
“Well…”
My hard workers begin to show looks of concern on their faces. The not-so-hard workers are generally in a reclined position, smiles beaming from their faces—they think they’ve been given a free pass in my class.
Concern turns to panic; students begin to turn on each other.
“What about the kid who never comes to class?” asks one hard worker.
“Well, they deserve to pass to, don’t you think? They’re in this class after all.” I say.
“What about Student Who Never Does Anything?” asks another hard worker, turning to look at the aforementioned student. “They never even bring their book to class or participate like we do!”
Student Who Never Does Anything shoots an evil look at hard worker student. There will be a serious discussion at lunch over this.
“They’re in this class too, that means they deserve to pass.” I say.
Student Who Never Does Anything smiles in response.
“This is unfair.” counters another hard working student.
“Why is that?” I ask.
“Well, no matter how hard I work, I get the same as everyone else.”
“But you’d be equal to everyone in this class; no one would be better than anyone else. Isn’t that what you want?”
“Screw that, I want the grade I worked for.”
At this point I usually ask ‘em if they’ve seen the TV show Punk’d. They say yes, and then I say:
“You’ve been Punk’d!”
The hard workers look relieved. The not so hard workers look like deer in the headlights. We usually have a lively discussion.
Unfortunately, it gets harder to put things over on the kids after that. :)
Chanman, this one's for you.
(Note: All the responses by students are composite responses; I've been doing this for a while.)
In the past, when my students question the difference between capitalism and communism, I do the following activity-- but I don’t tell them it’s an activity. I’m deadpan the whole time; to them this is their new reality.
“Well, I’m sorry to tell you class, but I am not happy with your grades. There are too many of you that are close to failing this class, and I can’t let this happen. Do you want to fail my class?”
Emphatic “No’s!” abound.
“Good, because I don’t want you to fail this class either. I think it’s important that you as a class help the people in this class who need help. Do you agree?”
Nods and “Yeahs” permeate the room.
“From this point on, I will use a system in this class that will allow everyone in this class to pass. It’s important that you pass this class.”
At this point, I usually get some happy noises from the class and the kids that generally pay a marginal amount of attention to me (due to their marginal grades) are now fully engaged.
The inevitable question that comes out is “So you’re just going to pass everyone in the class?”
I answer no, and give the following explanation.
“What I’m going to do is eliminate individual grades in this class so that everyone can pass.”
Puzzled stares.
“You will still do homework, tests, quizzes, projects and papers that you would normally do, and I will still total and average your grade at the end of the quarter.”
More puzzled stares. Teenagers are mouthing the words “But those are individual grades…”
I continue.
“What will happen at the end of the quarter is that I will take everyone’s individual grade, add all the percentages of the individual grades in the class together and divide by the number of students in the class. What I come up with then will be the class average, and it is the grade that everyone will receive for this class.”
Confused silence. Looks are exchanged; kids are really trying to figure out if this is a good thing. A hand goes up—it’s always an A student.
“So what happens if I earn an A, but you average the class grade and it comes out lower than an A?”
“Good question. You would receive the lower class grade on your report card and that would be computed into your GPA.”
Stunned silence.
“But I would have worked hard for that grade,” says the student. “It would be unfair for me to get a lower grade.”
“You did work hard,” I counter. “But it would be unfair for you to sit there with an A and not do anything to help other students who aren’t passing this class, right?”
“Well…”
My hard workers begin to show looks of concern on their faces. The not-so-hard workers are generally in a reclined position, smiles beaming from their faces—they think they’ve been given a free pass in my class.
Concern turns to panic; students begin to turn on each other.
“What about the kid who never comes to class?” asks one hard worker.
“Well, they deserve to pass to, don’t you think? They’re in this class after all.” I say.
“What about Student Who Never Does Anything?” asks another hard worker, turning to look at the aforementioned student. “They never even bring their book to class or participate like we do!”
Student Who Never Does Anything shoots an evil look at hard worker student. There will be a serious discussion at lunch over this.
“They’re in this class too, that means they deserve to pass.” I say.
Student Who Never Does Anything smiles in response.
“This is unfair.” counters another hard working student.
“Why is that?” I ask.
“Well, no matter how hard I work, I get the same as everyone else.”
“But you’d be equal to everyone in this class; no one would be better than anyone else. Isn’t that what you want?”
“Screw that, I want the grade I worked for.”
At this point I usually ask ‘em if they’ve seen the TV show Punk’d. They say yes, and then I say:
“You’ve been Punk’d!”
The hard workers look relieved. The not so hard workers look like deer in the headlights. We usually have a lively discussion.
Unfortunately, it gets harder to put things over on the kids after that. :)
Tuesday, April 10, 2007
From Green Dot to Tom Green...
Yes, you know...the guy who had the show on MTV a while back (years ago, actually). Survived a bout with testicular cancer, and has....dropped off the radar? I don't know where he is now, but I do remember his stirring rendition of the "bum bum song". Heh.
Anyhow, I'm trolling YouTube to see if there's any new Hayward stuff (there isn't) and I come across this great clip of him. I think it's from his younger days, though it could have been from the Canadian teachers strike from a while back (yes, Tom is a Canuck). He's trying to "interview" striking teachers and they had no clue who he was...and then he does his Tom Green thing.
I think some hard-core unionists might be offended by it; I think it's just plain funny. It reinforces the idea, however humorously portrayed in this clip that if you're going to go on strike, you need to be able to articulate why you're on strike-- so does your rank and file. You need to be able to explain why you're on strike in a way for a person who knows nothing about the intricacies of your situation can understand and sympathize with you. You've gotta do it quick; soundbites are getting shorter and shorter, pretty soon there won't be much of anything left.
A great example of how not to act is the guy that they interview towards the end of the clip; I even started thinking he was a jerk, and I'd never cross that picket line in a million years.
Anyhow, I'm trolling YouTube to see if there's any new Hayward stuff (there isn't) and I come across this great clip of him. I think it's from his younger days, though it could have been from the Canadian teachers strike from a while back (yes, Tom is a Canuck). He's trying to "interview" striking teachers and they had no clue who he was...and then he does his Tom Green thing.
I think some hard-core unionists might be offended by it; I think it's just plain funny. It reinforces the idea, however humorously portrayed in this clip that if you're going to go on strike, you need to be able to articulate why you're on strike-- so does your rank and file. You need to be able to explain why you're on strike in a way for a person who knows nothing about the intricacies of your situation can understand and sympathize with you. You've gotta do it quick; soundbites are getting shorter and shorter, pretty soon there won't be much of anything left.
A great example of how not to act is the guy that they interview towards the end of the clip; I even started thinking he was a jerk, and I'd never cross that picket line in a million years.
Monday, April 09, 2007
A question for the Hayward Superintendent....
This question goes out from the rank and file to the Hayward Superintendent, Dr. Vigil. It's short (like 45 seconds) and I'm really digging this YouTube thing; so far I've only really seen YT used for teacher union campaigns and speeches-- I think Hayward is breaking new ground.
Green Dots in LA.
I've been reading up a bit about the craziness in LA regarding Green Dot charters.
Reader's Digest Version: GD wanted to open 8 new schools in the Watts area, had to ask permission of the school board to do so. Green Dot's academics are sound, as are their finances; these are the two benchmarks the school must meet in order to be granted permission to open. Heck, the schools are even unionized-- not with UTLA, but through CTA. (I'd love to see a copy of the contract.) LAUSD SB voted no, 3 to 3 (one member abstained 'cause he worked for Green Dot). The criticism that's being leveled at the three nay-sayers is that they are supported by UTLA, and are even in their pockets-- which is why they voted no. The three no-voters were blasted by the LAT in an editorial a few days ago.
My take?
Well, it's easy to comment on a situation that isn't happening in your school district. It's easy to say, well the board should have done this, and the union shouldn't do this, nor should these people do this. So I enter into this post understanding that I could say the way things should be; but then I'd say something completely different if it came to my neck of the woods. It's not, so here goes.
The main reason that unions exist is for job protection of the members; this includes maintaining and enhancing the current salary, benefits and working conditions of the rank and file. Union leadership that failed to protect the jobs of its current members would quickly look around to see few, if any supporters and lose the next election, if a recall election were unable to be called due to the bylaws.
Very few substantive, lasting things in the edu-world these days are done without the involvement of someones legislature; therefore unions have transformed from organizing animals in the 60's and 70's to become political animals; therefore, unions understand the importance of organizing politically, supporting and funding candidates that agree with and support the issues that are important to them.
Having said that, let me analyze the Green Dot "event" that happened in LAUSD.
Quite simply put, whether you like it or not, UTLA (and its political support system) worked as it should have.
Charter schools = loss of money for public ed.
Loss of money for public ed= loss of jobs of teachers.
Loss of jobs of teachers= bad thing for the union (action must be taken).
Action needing to be taken / Sympathetic LAUSD School Board Members = Zero Green Dot Schools
When individual citizens elect or unseat SB members based on their interests, it's called democracy. When unions (democratic organizations, mind you) help elect or unseat SB members based on the issues that are important to them and they actually represent you, it's called bribery, "buying a school board member" or "being in the union's pocket".
Reader's Digest Version: GD wanted to open 8 new schools in the Watts area, had to ask permission of the school board to do so. Green Dot's academics are sound, as are their finances; these are the two benchmarks the school must meet in order to be granted permission to open. Heck, the schools are even unionized-- not with UTLA, but through CTA. (I'd love to see a copy of the contract.) LAUSD SB voted no, 3 to 3 (one member abstained 'cause he worked for Green Dot). The criticism that's being leveled at the three nay-sayers is that they are supported by UTLA, and are even in their pockets-- which is why they voted no. The three no-voters were blasted by the LAT in an editorial a few days ago.
My take?
Well, it's easy to comment on a situation that isn't happening in your school district. It's easy to say, well the board should have done this, and the union shouldn't do this, nor should these people do this. So I enter into this post understanding that I could say the way things should be; but then I'd say something completely different if it came to my neck of the woods. It's not, so here goes.
The main reason that unions exist is for job protection of the members; this includes maintaining and enhancing the current salary, benefits and working conditions of the rank and file. Union leadership that failed to protect the jobs of its current members would quickly look around to see few, if any supporters and lose the next election, if a recall election were unable to be called due to the bylaws.
Very few substantive, lasting things in the edu-world these days are done without the involvement of someones legislature; therefore unions have transformed from organizing animals in the 60's and 70's to become political animals; therefore, unions understand the importance of organizing politically, supporting and funding candidates that agree with and support the issues that are important to them.
Having said that, let me analyze the Green Dot "event" that happened in LAUSD.
Quite simply put, whether you like it or not, UTLA (and its political support system) worked as it should have.
Charter schools = loss of money for public ed.
Loss of money for public ed= loss of jobs of teachers.
Loss of jobs of teachers= bad thing for the union (action must be taken).
Action needing to be taken / Sympathetic LAUSD School Board Members = Zero Green Dot Schools
When individual citizens elect or unseat SB members based on their interests, it's called democracy. When unions (democratic organizations, mind you) help elect or unseat SB members based on the issues that are important to them and they actually represent you, it's called bribery, "buying a school board member" or "being in the union's pocket".
Sunday, April 08, 2007
Gotta love an educator on the edge...
Read this.
Seriously, read it.
I am wearing a frog sticker in support. Well, perhaps not. But if I had one, I'd be wearing it.
Seriously, read it.
I am wearing a frog sticker in support. Well, perhaps not. But if I had one, I'd be wearing it.
Saturday, April 07, 2007
Union Bouquet #11: The Grievance Edition
It's spring, the time of year where the motivation of students and teachers alike is dwindling. The time where stressed out teachers have had enough. Their union stewards and representatives have tried to work out differences with the administration informally, then formally. It's time for a grievance. Welcome to the 11th edition of the Union Bouquet: Grievance Edition.
This teacher details her unyielding, unrelenting harassment in NY.
In Rochester, they're looking at changing the way grievances are handled.
This grievance went all the way to step three, and a school board member agreed that there is a long history of administrators violating the contract.
This teacher filed a grievance regarding his dismissal from an Ohio school district; at issues is whether or not he stole $1,000 and some steaks. He was a culinary arts teacher...which would explain the steaks.
Do you remember the story about the Bethlehem PA Principal who was found naked in his office, watching gay porn and accused of selling methamphetamines? Not education's finest moment, for sure. If the teachers' union grievance had really been investigated, this might not have happened. He later resigned.
How could you file a grievance against this?
Dumping caustic chemicals down the classroom sewer made this worker sick, so he filed a grievance.
This grievance purports intimidation and harassment due to the fact that this individual is a union president.
9 teachers resigning and one 1 retiring from the same high school during the course of one school year? It couldn't be the principal, could it?
5th grade teacher Evan Brock has been notified that his contract will not be renewed, but the union has filed a grievance to keep him.
In Hawaii, teachers there work 15.5 hours on average per day. No wonder a couple of 'em smoked a doobie before work. Unfortunately they got arrested but still filed a grievance. For what? I don't think "bogarting" shows up in the contract language anywhere.
This Montana First American Reservation Superintendent says he was fired because "he was white". The union has a much different take on the situation. Yes, they filed grievances too.
Wayne State University Graduate Student's union says an international student fee is unfair and has filed a grievance on the matter.
This teacher was assaulted twice, the district did nothing, she called it quits and now the state DOE is trying to pull her licence. Sounds like it's worthy of a grievance of some kind, eh?
Usually I don't post stuff about the stupid stuff that a handful of teachers get caught doing, but this is too good. This teacher got busted for selling over 600 books she allegedly stole from her elementary school on E-Bay.
The Michigan based Howell Education Association is contemplating filing a grievance after the school district has been practicing regressive bargaining (where your later offers at the table get worse and worse). The district elaborated with a lengthy and contemplative "No comment."
In Nashua, New Hampshire the teacher's union withdrew their direct dealing grievance after a new contract was approved by the town's government. In case you're wondering, direct dealing is when the administration (or their agents) of a school district try to get an agreement (of any kind, but this grievance mentioned their contract) from teachers without going through the union, in many cases the sole representative of the teachers. It is a no-no.
Though they can't file a grievance against another teacher, this post delves into the reasoning, logic and math behind the salaries of union Presidents and/or Executive Directors.
This teacher details her unyielding, unrelenting harassment in NY.
In Rochester, they're looking at changing the way grievances are handled.
This grievance went all the way to step three, and a school board member agreed that there is a long history of administrators violating the contract.
This teacher filed a grievance regarding his dismissal from an Ohio school district; at issues is whether or not he stole $1,000 and some steaks. He was a culinary arts teacher...which would explain the steaks.
Do you remember the story about the Bethlehem PA Principal who was found naked in his office, watching gay porn and accused of selling methamphetamines? Not education's finest moment, for sure. If the teachers' union grievance had really been investigated, this might not have happened. He later resigned.
How could you file a grievance against this?
Dumping caustic chemicals down the classroom sewer made this worker sick, so he filed a grievance.
This grievance purports intimidation and harassment due to the fact that this individual is a union president.
9 teachers resigning and one 1 retiring from the same high school during the course of one school year? It couldn't be the principal, could it?
5th grade teacher Evan Brock has been notified that his contract will not be renewed, but the union has filed a grievance to keep him.
In Hawaii, teachers there work 15.5 hours on average per day. No wonder a couple of 'em smoked a doobie before work. Unfortunately they got arrested but still filed a grievance. For what? I don't think "bogarting" shows up in the contract language anywhere.
This Montana First American Reservation Superintendent says he was fired because "he was white". The union has a much different take on the situation. Yes, they filed grievances too.
Wayne State University Graduate Student's union says an international student fee is unfair and has filed a grievance on the matter.
This teacher was assaulted twice, the district did nothing, she called it quits and now the state DOE is trying to pull her licence. Sounds like it's worthy of a grievance of some kind, eh?
Usually I don't post stuff about the stupid stuff that a handful of teachers get caught doing, but this is too good. This teacher got busted for selling over 600 books she allegedly stole from her elementary school on E-Bay.
The Michigan based Howell Education Association is contemplating filing a grievance after the school district has been practicing regressive bargaining (where your later offers at the table get worse and worse). The district elaborated with a lengthy and contemplative "No comment."
In Nashua, New Hampshire the teacher's union withdrew their direct dealing grievance after a new contract was approved by the town's government. In case you're wondering, direct dealing is when the administration (or their agents) of a school district try to get an agreement (of any kind, but this grievance mentioned their contract) from teachers without going through the union, in many cases the sole representative of the teachers. It is a no-no.
Though they can't file a grievance against another teacher, this post delves into the reasoning, logic and math behind the salaries of union Presidents and/or Executive Directors.
Are you going to the NEA Representative Assembly in Philly?
I am. I'd love to meet up with you...perhaps some of my NY peeps would be into comin' down south on a day or something and we could hang. Please email me privately at drhomeslice@hotmail.com and we'll discuss logistics.
Friday, April 06, 2007
I'm baaackkk!
You might wonder, where did you go?
I went nowhere. My computer, on the other hand, went to the great blog in the sky.
(Well, at least the hard drive did.) It appears as if I have satisfactorily reinstalled windows on a brand new hard drive, so I'm back. I'll start blogging again soon.
UPDATE:
Not that anyone cares, but I'll vent. Yes, I satisfactorily installed windows, but it didn't like me. I did all the updates, took XP from the beginning of time through SP 2 and then started having a memory leak. I have recently learned, after much scrutiny and self-tutelage is that a memory leak is when your system sucks up memory and then doesn't deposit it back into the "free memory for all programs" bucket. Then your CPU shows 100% usage and basically whatever you're running slows down, and eventually the whole freakin' system goes into application hang.
Luckily, a hotfix from Windows solved this problem-- I have been hang free now for about 20 minutes, which is a good think. I just wish I had been able to figure it out sooner. I think I spent about 8 hours post laptop operation trying to nurse this thing back to health. Ugh.
I went nowhere. My computer, on the other hand, went to the great blog in the sky.
(Well, at least the hard drive did.) It appears as if I have satisfactorily reinstalled windows on a brand new hard drive, so I'm back. I'll start blogging again soon.
UPDATE:
Not that anyone cares, but I'll vent. Yes, I satisfactorily installed windows, but it didn't like me. I did all the updates, took XP from the beginning of time through SP 2 and then started having a memory leak. I have recently learned, after much scrutiny and self-tutelage is that a memory leak is when your system sucks up memory and then doesn't deposit it back into the "free memory for all programs" bucket. Then your CPU shows 100% usage and basically whatever you're running slows down, and eventually the whole freakin' system goes into application hang.
Luckily, a hotfix from Windows solved this problem-- I have been hang free now for about 20 minutes, which is a good think. I just wish I had been able to figure it out sooner. I think I spent about 8 hours post laptop operation trying to nurse this thing back to health. Ugh.
Wednesday, April 04, 2007
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