As CPS prepares to close a record number of schools, the fate of students and communities is in question.
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In the News: School to vote Wed. on $5.73B budget
By: Cassandra West / August 21, 2012
Because it's required to have a spending plan in place by the end of August, the Chicago Board of Education will vote Wednesday on a $5.73 billion budget.
But the budget, which includes a 2 percent raise for teachers, could change significantly in the coming weeks as contract talks between Chicago Public Schools and the teachers union drag on. (Tribune)
The Chicago Teachers Union said in a news release that it obtained a confidential email that encourages principals to closely monitor school employees for union activity. All Union activity is protected under federal and state law. The communication was written and distributed by Chicago Public School officials as a pre-cursor to a strike. The email told principals to look for and report work slowdowns, temporary or intermittent walkout or sit-downs, refusals to perform assigned duties and "other actions that undermine supervisory authority and deleteriously affect the missions and goals of the Chicago public school system."
The Chicago Teachers Union on Monday morning kicked off what it says will be a week of informational picketing at schools, while Chicago Public Schools also began ramping up preparations for a potential teachers strike. (WBEZ)
Chicago Teachers Union members Monday began informational picketing outside Chicago public schools already in session as they pressed for a resolution to contract talks before most students start classes Sept. 4. (Sun-Times)
IN THE STATE
Seven of the top 10 elementary schools in DuPage County are District 181 schools, according to Chicago Magazine's "Best Public Schools 2012" list, and Hinsdale Central is No. 1 among high schools. (Patch.com)
IN THE NATION
Aspiring public-school teachers who have a college degree and some nontraditional K-12 teaching experience may pursue a new track to become a licensed educator in Wisconsin, the Department of Public Instruction announced Monday in a move praised by Gov. Scott Walker but questioned by some leaders of the state's formal education schools. (Milwaukee Journal Sentinel)
Students from families earning $40,000-$59,000 annually are graduating with $6,000 more debt than students whose families make less than $40,000, according to a paper presented at the American Sociological Association in Denver. (Education Week)
A state bill to enhance teacher evaluations won’t necessarily pass federal muster and bring a bonanza of federal dollars to California, a spokesman for U.S. Education Secretary Arne Duncan said. (Los Angeles Times)
Why report legal actions?
Re: the e-mail directing principals to report teachers for union-related activities
Cassandra West mentions several items from the directive that many would consider unprofessional, at best (slowdowns, sit-ins, etc.). But that's not all the CPS brass is interested in knowing. The directive continues:
"Please note that CTU delegates and officials have the right to engage in many different activities at the school, including:
• Placing union literature on Union bulletin boards and in employee mailboxes
• Conducting union meetings at school at times and in a manner that does not disrupt school activities (note that 24-hour notice must be given under the contract)
• Distributing literature to parents and school visitors on their own time outside school grounds (e.g., on the public sidewalk)
• Engaging in peaceful informational picket on the public sidewalk in a manner that does not disrupt school activities (i.e. that does not block free access to the building)"
These are First Amendment rights of free speech and peaceable assembly. The CPS Central Office acknowledges such. But then they go on to say:
"While these are lawful activities, you should report them via the e-verify system."
Why does CPS want principals to report lawful activities that are the rights of its employees and that are not disruptive of the school day? Will there be a blacklist against these employees? Or is it meant just to intimidate union members?
Laws
Idont think laws really matter in this case! Principals can just give their "objective" opinon on the end of the year review!! i worry only a few people will pickett and leave the rest in the clear!
Be aware that principals/assistant principals are treated poorly
as well. We are disrespected and not heard, with no opportunity to safely voice our concerns. We know that all this unnecessary testing, (teachers and parents—wait until you see it—really see the immense amount of testing our children will be put through), is taking away time from instruction-even with the ‘longer’ school day. CPS is placing teachers in 'gotcha' situations. CPS is doing this to principals too! This memo turned many professional stomachs, not only to send such a thing about teachers, but to treat principals and assistant principals in such a demeaning way. Disrespect and unprofessional behavior is the tone of this new regime and the many area officers this group has chosen, that do not possess a base-line understanding of our public schools, especially over over-crowded ones. Mr. Brizard is a face; he is in control of and has influence over nothing. He deserves a vote of no confidence. If there is a strike, the CPS Board of Education along with their almighty mayor, brought it to fruition.
Worth the read--take a moment to do it.
http://michaelklonsky.blogspot.com/2012/08/theres-man-going-round-taking...
gotcha
I agree principals are in a tough spot. But no one forces them to give a random formal review the Mondays after xmas at 9am..
gotcha
I forgot unannounced
Why would a teacher not be ready to teach after xmas break?
Good teachers have no problem with principals coming in anytime.
yes
But not all good teachers are reviewed by good principals
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