Issue link: http://educator.cta.org/i/2866
Initiative Continued from page 26 and ac tivities t hat dir ectly benefit s tudent instruction and learning. These including reducing c lass size in a l l grades; providing instruction- al s upplies, e quipment and material, as well as computers and t echnology; improving school safety conditions; staff development t hat improves services to students and in- creases the quality and effec- tiveness of instructional staff; hiring additional counselors; and providing more compen- sation to recruit and retain ed- ucators. The initiative would pro- hibit t he governor and the Legislature from supplanting, cutting, delaying, borrowing or diverting the funds. An an- nual, independent audit is re- quired to ensure the funds go only to improving classroom education and authorizes civ- il or criminal penalties for any misuse of funds. None of the money can be spent on administrative costs. CTA continues to support and advocate for additional funding for CSU and UC cam- puses; continues to support other reforms, such as reduc- ing the two-thirds vote re- quirement to pass the state budget; continues to support changes to the state’s property tax l aw; a nd has f ormed a member workgroup to pro- mote progressive taxation in California. “Passage of a tax increase is rarely easy,” said Sanchez, “but I know CTA members are up to the challenge and ready to take this proactive step, and ready to organize locally to make our efforts succeed.” SEND US YOUR COMMENTS If any of the stories in the California Educator pique your interest, let us know your thoughts and we may publish your letter. Please include your full name, local association and phone number or e-mail address in the event that we want to contact you. Letters may be sent via mail, fax or e-mail. address: California Educator Magazine CTA Communications 1705 Murchison Drive Burlingame, CA 94010-4583 fax: e-mail: (650) 552-5002 editor@cta.org Teaching outside the lesson plan. Grace had asked her teacher 100 times to tie her shoes. It wasn’t until the 101st APU offers: • 36 credential/master’s opportunities. • NCATE-accredited programs recognized by all 50 states and internationally. • A degree completion program in human development (HDEV) designed for future teachers. Become a better teacher, counselor, coach, or administrator. Call Click Email (800) TALK-APU www.apu.edu/education/tips graduatecenter@apu.edu time that she realized Grace didn’t care as much about her laces as she did about someone taking time for her. That’s the priceless gift of personal attention an educator can give. Higher Education for GreaterWorks AZUSA | HIGH DESERT | INLAND EMPIRE | LOS ANGELES | MURRIETA ORANGE COUNTY | SAN DIEGO | VENTURA | ONLINE december 2008 • january 2009 | www.cta.org 33