Issue link: http://educator.cta.org/i/214242
Advocacy Thumbs up STAR program shelved AB 484 suspends the state's high-stakes testing to make way for a new assessment system. Submitted by Assembly Member Joan Buchanan (see profile on page 41), AB 484 shelves the current Standardized Testing and Reporting (STAR) program immediately and allows students and educators to fully prepare for the transition to the Measurement of Academic Performance and Progress (MAPP), the new computer-based assessments. Student protection AB 449, submitted by Assembly Member Al Muratsuchi (D-Torrance), requires district superintendents to report to the Commission on Teacher Credentialing any allegations of misconduct of certificated staff when warranted to keep students safe and safeguard the profession. Minimum wage AB 10, proposed by Assembly Member Luis Alejo (D-Salinas), raises the minimum wage in California to $10 an hour by 2016. Arming of school staff prevented Teachers, principals and even school janitors could have been armed in California if AB 202, submitted by Assembly Member Tim Donnelly (R-Twin Peaks), had not been defeated. The bill died in committee. While supporting numerous school safety measures, CTA opposes any efforts to unilaterally arm educators across the state. Thumbs down Fair dismissal vetoed CTA is disappointed with Gov. Brown's veto of AB 375. Submitted by Assembly Education Chair Joan Buchanan (D-Alamo), the measure was designed to speed up the teacher dismissal process, help protect the safety of students, and safeguard the teaching profession. Grievance communications The governor vetoed AB 729, a bill by Assembly Member Roger Hernandez (D-West Covina), which would have protected the confidentiality of communications between union members and their grievance representatives. It would have ensured our members' ability to share information with their representatives without fear that the union personnel could be compelled to reveal information shared in confidence. Community college fees The governor signed CTA-opposed AB 955, a bill by Assembly Member Das Williams (D-Santa Barbara), which creates a two-tier fee system in community colleges by authorizing six college pilot programs to charge their students exorbitant fees for intersession courses. These fees will cost more than $750 for a typical three-unit community college course. This increase would make some community college courses more expensive than courses offered by CSU. Teacher evaluations Vetoed was SB 441, submitted by Sen. Ron Calderon (D-Montebello), which would have undermined the usefulness of an evaluation system by focusing on just four rigid, unproven measures of performance that the bill's backers "assume" will boost teacher effectiveness. The bill failed to address weaknesses in the current evaluation systems and would have prevented teachers from having a say in the process by removing evaluations from the scope of collective bargaining. CTA believes in a comprehensive and effective evaluation system that helps to strengthen the knowledge, skills and practices of teachers to improve student learning. Funds for English learners Gov. Brown vetoed SB 344, submitted by Sen. Alex Padilla (D-Pacoima), which would have placed onerous requirements on school districts prior to receiving supplemental funds for English learners under the Limited English Proficient Students program. Experience honored As submitted by Sen. Fran Pavley (D-Agoura Hills) and signed by the governor, SB 368 allows educators to use their experience and prior coursework to qualify for add-on authorizations for their special education credentials. The bill will keep CTA members from having to spend time and money on coursework for skills they already have. Go Online cta.org/legislation2013 View the complete list of bills online. Plus: Find out how what's happening in the state Legislature, in the governor's office, and at state agencies affects every teacher, education support professional, and student in the state. Sign up for Capitol News — a biweekly publication that provides timely policy, political and legislative updates. Send an email to capitolnews@cta.org. NOVEMBER 201 3 Educator 11 Nov 2013 v2.1 int.indd 39 www.cta.org 39 11/13/13 6:31 PM