Issue link: http://educator.cta.org/i/58727
MARCH 2012 CONTENTS FEATURES IN THIS ISSUE 26 MAKING A DIFFERENCE 26 28 29 Read Across America photos Students focus on Native American culture with IFT grant 'Thank You, Teacher' project 30 ACTION 30 31 32 33 Legislature begins review of governor's budget Educators and community rocked by abuse allegations Corporate Power Grab seeks to silence your voice Bargaining updates around the state 10 34 TAKING A STAND TRANSITIONAL KINDERGARTEN The early years are essential to putting a student on the path to educational success. That's why transitional kindergarten is so important for children not quite ready for the traditional setting and curriculum. 34 35 36 38 Strike for Loaves of Bread prompted songs and pickets GLBT and disabled persons added to social studies curriculum Members object to Rhee's schemes Parent trigger misfires again 42 EXTRA CREDIT ON THE COVER MAKING A DIFFERENCE PAGE 28 APPLY FOR AN IFT GRANT APRIL 30 IS THE DEADLINE ACTION PAGE 32 CORPORATE POWER GRAB INITIATIVE SEEKS TO SILENCE TEACHERS PLUS READ ACROSS PHOTOS THANK YOU, TEACHER STATE BUDGET REVIEW 26 29 30 16 ONLINE BULLYING... AND YOU ARE THE TARGET! These days, students can start a rumor and disparage their teacher with the click of a mouse or the tap of a smartphone screen. What can you do if this happens to you? 22 42 Helping girls make better choices THE FUTURE OF THE BUS GOES ROUND AND ROUND With off-again, on-again funding, home-to-school transportation has been up in the air for many districts. If bus routes are canceled, especially for rural students, it puts their education at risk. TRANSITIONAL KINDERGARTEN NO LONGER A STATE MANDATE? » PAGE 10 ONLINE BULLYING TARGETS TEACHERS » PAGE 16 WILL BUDGET CUTS STOP THE BUSES » PAGE 22 ? Student Kai Hally boards a school bus at Franklin Elementary in Redlands. March 2012 / www.cta.org 3 California Teachers Association March 2012 Volume 16 Issue 6