QUARTERLY SPRING 2007: VOLUME 6: ISSUE 3

Scott Ciafullo is marching with other concerned citizens at a People for Public Schools protest December 15 in St. Louis, .

Features: Special Features: Know Your Rights Part 2: AFT Missouri Letter from the President & Editorial- Involved in Missouri Supreme Court Page 2 Collective Bargaining- Page 6

Time Line of St Louis Public School System Local 691 Member Elected to Missouri Takeover- Page 3 House of Representatives- Page 8 Member News: Teacher Unions are Good for Teachers and good for the Public- Page 5 Holley Smothers Named Regional Art Educator of the Year- Page 4 Intellectual Diversity Debate Comes to American Radio Relay League Grant Awarded Missouri- Page 7 to Don E. Long- Page 3 AFT + Member Benefits: Quarterly is the official newsletter of AFT Missouri, AFL-CIO and published in the spring, summer, fall, and winter. Quarterly is distributed to Education Loans for AFT Families members of AFT Missouri and is available online at www.aftmissouri.org. The Community Advantage—See Ad on Page 4 QUARTERLY: 2 They Care about Elections, Legislative Session An We Care about Children Emotional Rollercoaster By: Joni Smith, Editor By: Scott Ciafullo, President We have heard the anti-public education groups attack AFT If there ever was a year to forget, 2007 may be that year. The Missouri as part of the “education establishment” for many years. legislature started its vicious attacks on public education from They say we fear change. They say we are the problem. the opening bell. Bills ranging from teacher tenure revocation to tuition tax credits/vouchers were introduced with lightening I am always amazed at this rhetoric. Whether the issue is vouchers speed. (or whatever name they give it), breaking up large school districts, consolidating small school districts, merit pay, or any other One such bill, House Bill 808, passed out of committee on the fast type of scheme to dismantle public education, the “education track. This bill was yet another tuition tax credit/ voucher bill that establishment” is always to blame for any type of problem they would take money away from public education. All Children can possibly relate to teachers and staff. Matter had spent a lot of money in Missouri and they needed a vote this year. Well, they got one: a 96- The other side frequently says that the “education establishment” 62 vote against the bill sent it down in thinks they have all the answers to education problems. Perhaps flames. A similar bill has been brought that is because the “education establishment” is composed up in the Senate and I will keep you of teachers and staff who work in the schools and work with posted through the Capitol Report on the students. They are not politicians who need campaign the chances of this bill passing. contributions and who worry about re-election. I I would like to thank all our members Perhaps the most disappointing and blasphemous diatribe I who made phone calls, sent emails, or have heard is that pubic school students follow a straight path to came to Jefferson City to oppose these prison. This propaganda not only underestimates the potential bills that weaken public schools. So of our children, but it also devalues the hard work public school much for the good news… employees put in everyday. In addition, there is absolutely no statistical evidence that could lead a rational person to St. Louis Public Schools have been under attack for several this conclusion. In turn, we must only guess that campaign years. The latest attack is from the State Board of Education. On contributions are the main vehicle that has lead some to reach March 22nd at its regularly scheduled meeting, the State Board this assumption. of Education announced that St. Louis Public Schools would be stripped of its accreditation and governed by a three-member I cannot imagine telling a surgeon how to operate on someone’s transitional board, beginning on June 15th. This move paved the heart. I certainly would never tell a general how to command his way for the state to takeover the district. army. I would be out of line to suggest to an engineer that I have the best method of designing skyscrapers. Because I have no A special committee report suggested removing politics from the training in these areas, I would not attempt to prescribe solutions governance of the school district. With that in mind, why would to correct problems within those fields. the state have the Governor, Board of Aldermen, and the Mayor of St. Louis make recommendations for appointments to the So why would politicians who have no training in the field of transitional board. Career politicians making appointments that education think that they have the answers to problems within the will have a lasting effect on our children cannot equal a positive education system? Why are the legislators who do have training in outcome. education kept off of important committees related to education? Is it because former educators might side with the “education Stanly Archie, the newest member of the State Board of Education, establishment” rather than All Children Matter, the out-of-state stressed that an educational plan must be in place as well as interest group who funnels money to pro-voucher legislators? an exit strategy before the transitional board takes control. His comments were ignored and the vote passed. Governor Blunt has The “education establishment” has frequently suggested already appointed Richard Sullivan, a contractor from Frontenac, research-based education programs such as early childhood to the transitional board (Sullivan must be confirmed by the education, alternative schools for disruptive students, and quality Senate). professional development in addition to restoring Medicaid cuts (since sick children don’t learn as easily as healthy children) and During this entire ill-conceived process, the individuals who work knocking down gender and racial barriers that still persist in our with our children everyday have been shunned from the process. society. The teachers and support staff of Local 420 have never been asked for input. From management teams to a state takeover, The other side has said that they will not support anything our dedicated professionals have continued to educate and care that requires more money. It looks like they are the ones who for our children. It seems to me that if there is a problem in fear change and that obstinate approach to governance is the our schools, we should turn to the trained educators to find the problem. appropriate solution, not a three-member board appointed by politicians. QUARTERLY: 3 Saint Louis Public Schools- Long Receives The Real Story American Radio By: Abdul-Rahiim Ali, Field Representative for the Saint Louis Teachers and School- Related Personnel Union, Local 420 Relay League This timeline of events preceding the March 22nd government takeover of the Saint Louis Grant Public Schools (SLPS) highlights the great strides made by the district to improve the education of its students. Unfortunately, despite these strides the Missouri State Board Don E. Long, an AFT Missouri Member- of Education voted to strip the accreditation of the district and approved a three-person at-Large, has been awarded a grant transitional board to run the district for six years, effectively disenfranchising voters through the American Radio Relay and tying the hands of educators. At the time this issue went to the press, Local 420 was League supplying new amateur radio exploring political and legal options to challenge this takeover. Please continue to visit equipment for the Fort Osage School www.aftmissouri.org and http://mo.aft.org/local420 for updated information. Amateur Radio Club. Mr. Long serves as the Director of Bands at Fire Prairie On the Move - Destination Accreditation (Late 1990’s-2002) Middle School (Fort Osage School District), District Music Coordinator, and In the late 1900’s, the Saint Louis Public Schools (SLPS) moved from a low of 23 accreditation as the Faculty Trustee for the school’s points to only 2 points away from full accreditation. During this period, members of the amateur radio club. Missouri State Board of Education described the SLPS as the “Gold Standard” of how to turn a failing school district around.

Downward Spiral-Mayor Slay’s School Board Majority (2003-2006)

This time period saw a lack of focus on accreditation. The district suffered a loss of nearly 30 accreditation points. In July of 2006 more than 30% of principals, teachers, and support personnel were not in place. According to a 2006 study by DESE consultant Robert Virgil titled, “Lack of Trusteeship,” millions of dollars of the district’s resources have been wasted. Furthermore, no monies are allocated for Federal/State/Local education mandates (professional development, transportation, etc.) in the 2006-2007 budget. In addition, maintenance backlog mushrooms from $60 million to over $300 million.

Photo Provided by: Don Long Stabilization- Course Correction (2006)

School board elections in 2005 & 2006 reject the Mayor’s Candidates. In April of 2006, This Education in Technology Program Mayor Slay loses school board majority. Since the appointment of Dr. Diane Bourisaw as Grant provides for not only new amateur superintendent, the district’s downward spiral has stabilized and many indicators are in radio equipment for the school’s amateur a positive direction. The focus of the district has returned to reaching full accreditation. radio station, but also creates an Also the school board adopted a performance-based evaluation process for classroom opportunity for instructors throughout teachers. the building to schedule the use of the station as a wireless communications Regarding financial concerns, the district begins enjoying responsible trusteeship. The lab to enhance studies in Social Studies, school board requires a balanced operating budget (revenues = expenditures) for fiscal Communication Arts, Science and year 2006-2007 that includes federal, state, and local education mandates. Superintendent Mathematics. Bourisaw meets the boards request and presents a revised balanced operating budget. The board also directs the development of a facility master plan (future needs & maintenance). “This grant is going to make a huge difference for our school. Not only did we Back on Track (2006-present) make about a 25 year jump in technology, but it has created a platform for making The staff is in place according to No Children Left Behind (NCLB) guidelines and the schools wireless technology relevant and useful open in an orderly and timely fashion. Affordable portions of the previously developed across our curriculum,” said Long. 10-year strategic plan remain in place (district-wide standardize curricula, K-8 schools, etc.). Over $20 million in new grants are awarded to the District thus far for the 2006/2007 “Don is a fine example of a teacher going school year. In addition, it is Dr. Bourisaw’s goal to raise $20 million in scholarships for the the extra mile on behalf of his students,” students in the class of 2010. commented AFT Missouri President, Scott Ciafullo. He added, “We commend The administration develops a new Comprehensive School Improvement Plan (CSIP) that him for his hard work and dedication. The will serve as the master plan for all the goals and objectives. Furthermore, each school Fort Osage School District is fortunate to develops a School Improvement Plan aimed at improving academic achievement for all have Don in the classroom.” students. Newly established attendance rates boost the attendance at all levels.

Our goals continue to be focused on student achievement, fiscal accountability, systems improvement, and community outreach. QUARTERLY: 4

Working Scott Ciafullo, AFT Missouri President, added, “Holley’s recognition as the first Americans Win Missouri art teacher to receive this award is evidence that we have excellent teachers in our classrooms. I am very proud of With Employee Holley’s accomplishment.” Free Choice Act

The House of Representatives made history March 1, passing the landmark Employee Smothers Free Choice Act (EFCA) by a margin of 241-185. The bill fixes our nation’s broken Honored With You could be in the labor laws, leveling the playing field for Quarterly, too! employees who want to form a union. The Regional Art issue now moves to the Senate. Call 1-800-324-2623 or Educator of the send an email to info@ According to AFL-CIO research, Some 42 aftmissouri.org and let million U.S. workers say they would join a union if they could. However, in the past Year us know when you have when workers try to get a voice on the job Holley Smothers, an art teacher at news to share with the by forming unions, employers have often Thomas Jefferson Middle School, was AFT Missouri community. responded with intimidation, harassment awarded the 2007 National Art Education and retaliation. Association Western Region Middle Level Art Educator of the Year. Jefferson City In addition, research shows that in 92 Board of Education President Roger Kurtz percent of the cases when workers try to presented Smothers with the award at the form a union in the private sector, they February 12th Board of Education meeting. are subjected to anti-union harassment by their employers. In addition, 25 percent “I am very excited about receiving the of these workers are illegally fired. Western Region Middle Level Art Educator Snyder Joins AFT of the year and one of five recognized Should the EFCA be signed into law, it nationally,” Smothers commented, “It is nice to be recognized for quality teaching Missouri Team will level the playing field for workers If you call the AFT Missouri office, you and being the first Missouri art teacher and employers by restoring workers’ will hear a new voice answer the phone. to receive this award makes it even more rights to choose a union and by imposing On January 2nd, Karen Snyder joined the special.” real penalties on employers that seek to AFT Missouri team as Office Manager. curtail these rights. By establishing more effective remedies to stop employers from Snyder is originally from Birmingham, violating employees’ rights, EFCA would Alabama but has lived in Jefferson City for ensure that when a majority of employees most of the past 15 years. She came to us in a workplace decide to form a union, from the Ohio Farm Bureau and is happy they can do so without fear of harassment to be back in the mid-Missouri area. or intimidation. “Karen is such a positive addition to our AFT President Ed McElroy issued a office,” commented Joni Smith, Field st statement on March 1 . “We thank all Representative at AFT Missouri. “She members of the House—both Democrats is a quick learner, a team player, and and Republicans—who stood with a wonderful person- plus I like having working families today,” McElroy said. someone else with a Southern accent in “They recognize that fairness is an the office.” American value, not a partisan one. The AFT and millions of working people Scott Ciafullo, President of AFT Missouri are now counting on the Senate and added, “Karen has been a great addition President Bush to follow suit. We urge to the state office. She was thrown into them to do the right thing by protecting the fire and has done a fantastic job of the fundamental right of workers to keeping the state office up and running.” choose union membership.” Snyder is happy to be serving the members Please contact your Senator and urge of AFT Missouri. “Everyone I have met so them to support this legislation. The far has gone out of their way to welcome passage of this bill will greatly benefit the me,” said Snyder, “I am looking forward labor movement and working families. Photo by: Joni Smith to growing personally and professionally with the members of AFT Missouri.” QUARTERLY: 5

Second, there was the Interborough Association of Women Teacher Unions are Good Teachers. They started a campaign in 1906 to wipe out the salary differentials between male and female teachers. Their slogan was for Teachers and the Public “equal pay for equal work.” When the state legislature passed the By: Diane Ravitch, Research Professor of Education at New Association’s bill for equal pay, it was vetoed by the governor. York University and a senior fellow at the Hoover Institution These stalwart female teachers finally won pay equity in 1912. at Stanford University and the Brookings Institution Then there was Bridget Pexitto, a veteran teacher of 18 years in the We live in an era when leaders in business and the media demand Bronx. She took advantage of the new right to get married without that schools function like businesses in a free market economy, losing her job. But then she got pregnant. That was a mistake. The competing for students and staff. Many such voices say that such Board of Education fired her on charges of “gross negligence by corporate-style school reform is stymied by the teacher unions, being absent to have a baby.” Not only that, the Board ordered which stand in the way of leaders who want unchecked power the superintendent of schools to discover whether there were any to assign, reward, punish, or remove their employees. Some other pregnant teachers in the city’s schools. He somehow did a academics blame the unions when student achievement remains visual inspection of the city’s teachers and found 14 of them, and stagnant. If scores are low, the critics say it must be because of the they were promptly suspended from teaching. Bridget Pexitto teachers’ contract, not because the district has a weak curriculum fought the decision in state court and was eventually reinstated or lacks resources or has mediocre leadership. If some teachers are with back pay by the state commissioner of education. incompetent, it must be because of the contract, not because the district has a flawed, bureaucratic hiring process or has failed to The forerunner to the United Federation of Teachers (UFT) was evaluate new teachers before awarding them tenure. These critics the New York City Teachers’ Union, which was founded in 1916. want to scrap the contract, throw away teachers’ legal protections, It was known as Local 2 of the American Federation of Teachers. and bring teacher unions to their collective knees. Its purposes were to fight for improved salaries, to fight against “oppressive supervision,” and to defend the rights of teachers like It is worth recalling why teachers joined unions and why unions Mary Murphy and Bridget Pexitto. remain important today. Take tenure, for example. The teacher unions didn’t invent tenure, despite widespread beliefs to the Today, the UFT and other teacher unions around the country contrary. Tenure evolved in the 19th century as one of the few continue to play important roles in protecting the rights of perks available to people who were paid low wages, had classes of teachers, especially in the current climate of school reform. There’s 70 or 80 or more, and endured terrible working conditions. In late a common view among corporate-style reformers today that 19th century New York City, for example, there were no teacher the way to fix low-performing schools is to install an autocratic unions, but there was already ironclad, de facto teacher tenure. principal who rules with an iron fist. Many new principals have Local school boards controlled the hiring of teachers, and the only been trained in quickie programs of a year or less, which try to way to get a job was to know someone on the local school board, teach them to think like corporate leaders. Many of the graduates preferably a relative. Once a teacher was hired, she had lifetime of these new principal programs have little classroom experience, tenure in that school, but only in that school. In fact, she could and some have none at all. Many of them lack the judgment teach in the same school until she retired—without a pension or and knowledge to make wise decisions about curriculum and health benefits—or died. instruction or to evaluate seasoned teachers. When experienced teachers must work under the control of an inexperienced One problem with this kind of tenure was that it was not portable. principal, they need the protection of their union against arbitrary If a teacher changed schools, even in the same district, she would and unwise decisions. lose her tenure in the school where she was first hired, and she would have to go to the end of the line at her new school. Furthermore, to the extent that New York City, where I live, is the wave of the future, then teachers will need their unions Pay for teaching was meager, but it was one of the few professional more than ever. In New York City, under mayoral control, the jobs open to women, and most teachers were women. Pay scales mayor—a businessman—and his chancellor—a lawyer—selected were blatantly discriminatory. Teachers in the high schools were a new curriculum in reading and math. They also insisted that all paid more than those in the elementary schools. Male teachers teachers across this system of 1.1 million children adopt exactly (regardless of where they taught, though almost all were in high the same pedagogical style (the “workshop model”), and they schools) were paid more than female teachers, on the assumption micromanaged teachers’ compliance with tight, sometimes daily that they had a family to support and women did not. supervision.

I would like to remember some of the forgotten heroes of the Teachers found that they were in trouble if they did not teach movement to establish fair and equitable treatment of teachers exactly as the mayor and chancellor dictated, if they did not follow in New York City. the scripted cookie-cutter format of mini-lessons, if their bulletin boards did not meet detailed specifications, or if their classroom First, there was Mary Murphy. She started teaching in the Brooklyn furniture was not precisely as prescribed by regulation. In these schools in 1891. Ten years later, in 1901, she got married. That past few years, I have often been confronted by teachers who was a mistake. When she got married, the Board of Education asked what they could do when their supervisors and coaches charged her with gross misconduct and fired her. Teachers were insisted that they teach in ways they (the teachers) believed were not allowed to marry. She sued the Board. She lost in the lower wrong. I could only answer that they should be glad they belonged court, but then won in the state court of appeals, which ruled to a union with the power to protect them from “oppressive that marriage “was not misconduct” and ordered the Board of supervision,” to use the term that was familiar to the founders of Education to reinstate her. Local 2 of the AFT. QUARTERLY: 6 Cont’d from Page 5 Know Your Rights Part 2: As it happened, in the contract negotiations of 2005, the UFT successfully added language to the contract that specifically Collective Bargaining Case protected teachers from being punished because of: “a) the format of bulletin boards; b) the arrangement of classroom furniture; and c) the exact duration of lesson units.” Could End in Landmark

The union is thus necessary as a protection for teachers against Decision the arbitrary exercise of power by heavy-handed administrators. In By: Fred Wickham and Brian Wood, legal counsel our school systems, as in our city, state, and federal governments, we need checks and balances. Just as the executive, legislative, The Missouri Supreme Court will soon rule on a case that could and judicial branches of government all act as checks on each have a substantial impact on many AFT-Missouri members. On other, we need checks and balances in our school systems. It is February 21, 2007 the Court heard arguments in Independence unwise to centralize all power in one person: the mayor. We need National Education Association v. Independence School District, a independent lay school boards to hire the superintendent and to case that directly addresses the issue of collective bargaining rights hold open public discussions of administrative decisions, and we for Missouri’s public employees. The Missouri Constitution states need independent teacher unions to assure that teachers’ rights that “employees shall have the right to organize and to bargain are protected, to sound the alarm against unwise policies, and to collectively.” Although the Constitution makes no distinction advocate on behalf of sound education policies, especially when between public and private employees, in 1947 the Missouri administrators are non-educators. Supreme Court held in City of Springfield v. Clouse that public employees do not have the right to bargain collectively with their In the current climate, when it is in vogue to select non-educators employers. Public employee rights were dealt another blow by to administer school systems, it is vital that teachers have a voice. the Court’s 1982 decision in Sumpter v. Moberly. In that case, School reform cannot possibly succeed when teachers—who the Court held that memorandums of understanding between are on the frontlines of implementation—are left out of the a school district and its employees are not binding and can be decision-making process. If there is no “buy-in,” if teachers do rescinded by a school board at any time. not willingly concur with the orders handed down from on high, then reform cannot succeed. If administrators operate by stealth In March of 2003, the Independence National Education and confrontation, then their plans for reform will founder. They Association filed suit against the Independence School District, cannot improve what happens in the classroom by humiliating after the school district unilaterally rescinded memorandums and bossing around the teachers who are in daily contact with of understanding regarding employee salaries and conditions the children. Only in an atmosphere of mutual respect can of employment. In addition, the school district refused to administrators and teachers produce the kind of partnership bargain collectively with its employees over such changes. The that will benefit students. And administrators cannot achieve this case recently made its way to the Missouri Supreme Court, and collaborative atmosphere unless they are willing to talk with and many parties, including AFT-Missouri have weighed in on the listen to the leaders chosen by teachers to represent them. issues before the Court. AFT-Missouri filed a brief supporting the employees’ right to collectively bargain and supporting the The essentials of good education are the same everywhere: a employees’ assertion that the school board does not have the right rigorous curriculum, effective instruction, adequate resources, to break their agreements with employee groups whenever they so willing students, and a social and cultural climate in which choose. Not surprisingly, the Missouri State Teachers Association education is encouraged and respected. Teacher unions today, and Missouri Counsel of School Administrators filed a joint brief as in the past, must work to make these essentials available in in support of the school district’s position that employees should every district for every school and every student. They cannot do not have the right to collectively bargain and that school boards it alone. They must work with administrators and elected officials should not have to honor agreements made with their employees. to advance these goals. The unions will continue to be important, The Missouri School Boards’ Association and Missouri Counsel of vital, and needed so long as they speak on behalf of the rights and School Administrators also filed a joint brief opposing the right of dignity of teachers and the essentials of good education. public employees to bargain collectively. Ravitch was Assistant Secretary of Education under President George H.W. Bush. Her latest book is The English Reader: What Every Literate Obviously, a favorable ruling by the Court would give public Person Needs to Know, which she edited with her son Michael, Oxford employees the opportunity to have their voices heard on many University Press. important issues and decisions. It is AFT-Missouri’s position that our employees’ experience and expertise deserve to be heard and that collective bargaining will have a positive impact on school Exclusive AFT Missouri Member Benefit districts, students and employees. A decision on the case is The Law Offices of Wickham and Wood in Kansas City are expected no later than June 30. now offering an exclusive legal benefit to all AFT Missouri Members for non-union related issues.

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Call 816/753-8751 to schedule an initial consultation QUARTERLY: 7

Unfortunately, Horowitz’s agenda does not stop with higher AFT Missouri Weighs in education- he also wants to impose stringent regulations on teachers at the elementary and secondary levels. Last month, on Intellectual Diversity Horowitz was quoted by the Arizona Daily Star while speaking about his initiative to regulate K-12 teachers. According to Debate Horowitz, “Unfortunately, there is a movement to indoctrinate students in our K-12 system.” His newest plan for K-12 teachers The free exchange of ideas on college campuses is a fundamental is to revoke their teaching certificate or making them take three piece of a democratic education. Yet, the so-called “Academic hours of “re-education” courses. Bill of Rights” and its sister proposal the “intellectual diversity” bill are attempts to restrict the free exchange of ideas on college Again, AFT suggests that we focus on creating real solutions to K- campuses. 12 education problems including more early childhood programs, lower class sizes, updated school facilities, and alternative schools Representative (R-86) is sponsoring House Bill for disruptive students. 213, The Emily Brooker Intellectual Diversity Act. This bill would restrict topics of discussion and methods for instruction at our “The intellectual diversity debate and subsequent bills are merely institutions of higher education. In addition, House Bill 213 calls a way to get out of asking the real questions that affect Missouri’s for, “an annual report describing steps taken by each institution students,” commented Joni Smith, Field Representative for AFT to ensure intellectual diversity, which will be posted on the Missouri, “We should be asking how we can make college more institution’s web site.” affordable and how we can help our K-12 students succeed. Anything else is a distraction.” According to the Free Exchange on Campus Coalition, “There’s no better way to ensure that faculty and administrators feel under the microscope and feel encouraged to restrict their teaching than by James Edward Irwin mandating a yearly legislative inquiry into the classroom.” Scholarship Deadline AFT Missouri members in higher education have vocalized several concerns with this legislation. Instructors question the ability to represent all viewpoints of a situation- even viewpoints that seem Approaching irrational or even harmful to most- in classes that are already Each year the AFT Missouri Foundation offers a scholarship to an stretched for time. outstanding high school graduate who is a child or dependent of an AFT Missouri member. The goals and language of House Bill 213 is similar to David Horowitz’s so-called “Academic Bill of Rights”—which has been The James Edward Irwin Memorial Scholarship was established defeated in nearly 20 states over the past few years, including in memoriam of the late daughter of Mr. James Irwin, who is Virginia and Montana already this session. AFT has conducted a retired member of the St. Louis Teachers & School Related extensive research on Horowitz’s agenda to regulate what is Personnel Union, Local 420. AFT Missouri is sincerely grateful to taught in American colleges (http://www.aft.org/higher_ed/aff/ the Irwin family for their kindness and dedication to education. index.htm). He has worked with some Arizona state legislators to introduce a bill that would fine professors $500 for teaching a Successful applicants must be a child or dependent of a member subject “of partisan controversy.” of AFT Missouri who is in good standing; be a current graduating high school senior; possess a minimum 2.5 grade point average; Higher education institutions in Missouri already have guidelines submit two recommendations (to be included with application): for faculty to follow the standards of academic freedom and have one from a high school counselor, principal, or headmaster, and procedures and policies for students to file complaints about one from a teacher, employer/supervisor, or religious leader; faculty or to dispute a grade. submit an official transcript to include seventh semester grades; provide proof of acceptance to an accredited United States Furthermore, in those cases where a professor does behave college or university; and include with the application results inappropriately, there are standards and a process for dealing with from the SAT, ACT, CLAST, SCAT, CLEP, CEEB, or an equivalent it already in place. Missouri faculty adhere to the standards of exam. academic freedom already and students have ample procedures to both dispute grades and teaching. Please visit www.aftmissouri.org for an application for the James Edward Irwin Scholarship. AFT is working with the Free Exchange on Campus to Coalition to redirect the “intellectual diversity” conversation. According to the Free Exchange on Campus Coalition, “Instead of trying to restrict what students can learn, we should focus on the real issues that college students face- the deplorable cost of a college degree.” Sign Up To Receive Email Over the past ten years, college costs have skyrocketed. Federal grant aid is stagnant. As a result, more students and more Updates from AFT Missouri families are forced to take out larger loans to pay for the student’s education. Over the past decade, debt levels for graduating seniors at www.aftmissouri.org. with student loans more than doubled. QUARTERLY: 8 Announcements Local 691 Member elected to Missouri Save the Date: The AFT Missouri House of Representatives convention is scheduled for Saturday, June 9th at Stoney Creek Inn in Columbia. AFT Missouri celebrated a very sweet victory this past November with the election of one of Registration begins at 9:00 am. its own to the Missouri House of Representatives. Representative Jason Holsman, a former social studies teacher and coach at Van Horn High School in Kansas City, is the first AFT Legislative Session: The 2007 Missouri Missouri member to hold an elected position in the state legislature. General Assembly will end on Friday, May 18th. While teaching, Holsman was on the National Honor Roll for Teachers in 2005 and was recognized in the Who’s Who Among American Please Consider Making a Donation Teachers in 2005 and 2006. His own education includes Bachelors of to the AFT Missouri Foundation: Help Arts Degrees in Political Science and History from the the foundation help members like you. University of Kansas and a Master of Arts Degree in Diplomacy and For details on the structure and goals Military Science from Norwich University in . He also earned of the foundation, go to the foundation his Missouri Teaching Certificate in 2005 and has 20 hours of graduate link at www.aftmissouri.org. To make work in Education from Northwest Missouri State University. a contribution, please send a check or a money order to: AFT Missouri Holsman represents district 45 and is currently serving on the Special Foundation, 423 E. High Street, Jefferson Photo Provided by: the Missouri House of Representatives Committee on Energy and the Environment, the Special Committee City, MO 65101. on Tax Reform, the Special Committee on Ticket to Work, and the Joint Committee on Education. Take Part in the Member Rewards Program: Receive AFT merchandise just His voice and experience as a legislator has been extremely helpful this legislative session. for signing up new members in the union. Holsman gave an eloquent and moving oratory during the House debate on the tuition Go to www.aftmissouri.org for more tax credit/voucher bill on March 7th. The bill died on the House floor after three hours of information. debate.

ACE Committee Members still needed: “It is an honor to be the first AFT member elected to the Missouri House of Representatives,” Volunteers are still needed to serve on Holsman said. “I enjoyed my time as a classroom teachers and that experience has helped AFT Missouri’s ACE Committees. ACE me understand the broader impact of legislation on public schools.” committees meet with their own member own Congress during the Memorial Day legislative break (May 28th-June 1st). To volunteer or to get more information, call Joni Smith at 800/324-2623. Don’t forget to check www.aftmissouri.org for events, Local Member Benefit Coordinators Still news, and union information! Needed: AFT Missouri is still looking for volunteers from each local affiliate to serve as Local Member Benefit Coordinators. This person will help identify local vendors for the union to negotiate special member discounts. Smith states that, “this position is important to increase the benefits members will receive from joining the union.” Contact Joni Smith by 423 E. High Street calling toll free 800/324-2623. Jefferson City, MO 65101

School Safety and Security Conference: This conference will be held August 27th and 28th at the Hilton of Branson in Branson, Missouri. The conference is sponsored by MSBA. More details will be available in May.