Issue link: http://educator.cta.org/i/686175
I N M A Y C T A hosted "Closing the School Discipline Gap," a forum to discuss ways of providing meaningful restorative justice practices in schools, and ways to change school cul- ture through the Local Control Accountability Plan (LCAP). More than 40 teachers, administrators, and state Depart- ment of Education and legislative staff attended. ey spoke of how CTA chapters can work with districts to address racial and other disparities in student discipline (the "dis- cipline gap"), reduce suspensions, and provide all students a quality education. —Len Feldman Changing School Culture RESTORATIVE JUSTICE CTA President Eric Heins stresses the importance of schools finding alternative discipline models without suspensions, which have usually hit young men and women of color hardest. Keynote speaker Eva Paterson, civil rights attorney and co-founder of Equal Justice Society, says it is critical to create a positive learning environment where all are treated fairly. "We need to tell every student 'We see you.' We need to see that child and figure out why that child is in that particular situation." Bakersfield Elementary Teachers Association president Michelle Johnson, Bakersfield City School District's Tim Fulenwider speak of joint efforts to reduce suspensions, increase student performance. Harold Acord, president of Moreno Valley Educators Association, with Judy White, superintendent of Moreno Valley Unified School District. MVEA and the district worked together to put alternative discipline and restorative justice practices in their LCAP. 37 May / June 2016 P A C K I T U P F O R P A L M S P R I N G S Discover the beautiful California desert. SUMMER BREAK RATE Teacher's rate $ 99 with $ 25 RESORT CREDIT Use corp/promo code ZTC under special rates/awards to book this rate online or call 800.446.9875 and mention ZTC. renaissanceindianwells.com Valid Jun 1 – Aug 31, 2016, Sun-Thu. Rate includes a 25 USD Resort Credit per room, per night. Must have Teacher ID to qualify. Resort Credit is valid towards spa treatments (excludes salon) and dining. Credit cannot be used towards room/tax or resort fee. No credit for unused portion. Rate is valid for leisure travel only. Cannot be combined with any other discount or offer. Rate is not valid for guests attending a group or conven- tion. Tax and Daily Resort Fee are additional. RENAISSANCE INDIAN WELLS RESORT & SPA 44-400 Indian Wells Lane Indian Wells, CA 92210-8708