Issue link: http://educator.cta.org/i/498229
Renewed attacks on educators' rights W A V E S O F C T A M E M B E R S have been in the state Capitol, explaining why a new round of "education reforms" would hurt students in their classrooms. The CTA members also warned legislators that so-called "reform" measures introduced by Assembly Republican Cau- cus Chair Kristin Olsen (R-Modesto) would make it difficult to attract and retain high quality educators best equipped to make school and classroom decisions that ensure student success. Olsen introduced bills that mirror the attacks on educators brought forth by the plaintiffs in the Vergara v. state of California lawsuit, which is pending appeal. The bills undermine experience and do away with due process rights; extend the new teacher pro- bationary period; and change the evaluation system to include standardized test scores. CTA members at the Capitol Three California Virtual Academies (CAVA) charter teachers — Jen Shilen, social sciences; Sarah Vigrass, elementary; and Debbie Scoltock, high school math — told legislative staff they were committed to telling the story about CAVA because change is needed. "Students are not getting the education they deserve, and teachers are having problems trying to teach," Shilen said. Delta Service Center Council Chair Mike Patterson introduces himself to a key staff member for Assembly Member Beth Gaines (R-Rocklin) during a visit with a team of educators from the area. Maggie Ellis, right, president of the Elk Grove Teachers Association and a classroom teacher, and a member team talk to Assembly Member Jim Cooper (D-Elk Grove), foreground, about the unmet needs of the classroom, overly large district reserves, and the already in place expedited process for adjudicating misconduct charges leveled at teachers. CTA presses for ethnic studies bill UTLA/NEA Vice President Cecily Myart-Cruz and student Moriela Pizarro of the Alisal Dream Academy in Salinas testify to the Assembly Education Committee in support of AB 101, a CTA-backed measure emphasizing the importance of ethnic studies. The bill was introduced by Assembly Member Luis Alejo (D-Watsonville). The bill would require the State Board of Education to adopt a model curriculum framework and require all districts with grades 7-12 to offer an elective course on ethnic studies. As part of the process, the state superintendent would be empowered to create an Ethnic Studies Advisory Committee, the majority of whose members would be classroom teachers and university professors teaching the subject. The measure cleared the Assembly Education Committee on a 6-1 vote and is slated for an April 15 hearing in the Assembly Appropriations Committee. Photo by Len Feldman Advocacy 29 V O L U M E 1 9 I S S U E 8