AFT Massachusetts -

38 Chauncy Street - Suite 402 Boston, MA 02111

Continued on page 5 page on Continued Announcements Announcements Items News and Legislators Listening are Help 70 Hearings Chapter Balance Delicate a Strike Proposed GIC ChangesProposed the 2015 to Looking Forward Conference Paraprofessional Campus: On Campus: Adjuncts for Advocating Evaluation Teacher New Shape System Takes Legislator Profile: Profile: Legislator Jehlen Pat Bulletin” Benefit Cellular Phone Savings Phone Cellular Retiree Corner: “Join or Die” Retiree Perspective: Policy Park Madison In This Issue 2 4 3 6 8 7 “We don’t address that,” Gosnell Madeloni then picked up Dr. Noting that charter schools typically “What does that mean for people Again echoing Gosnell, Madeloni families and communities, regardless of what school options there may be. observed. “We try to by creating other options, but they don’t go to the heart of it. We must address the poverty in which these boys and girls live. They deserve better than we are giving them.” Carson’s idea of those who get “left behind” and suggested (as Gosnell had) that this was the “critical frame” for this conversation. have lower numbers of ELL and SPED students than public schools, Mad eloni suggested that, in adding charter schools to the equation, we have cre ated “a two-tier system” that not only does not serve all students but actively pushes some out. who are committed to civil rights?” she asked. ------aftma - - - Find us on Find Facebook at Facebook www.facebook.com/ “Has the creation al math and science tests,” noting that, in this state (and setts regular public schools are number one in the nation on the NAEP tests and number one in the Western World on the internation to see how charter schools, vouchers, testing, privatization, and the importance of teachers unions fit into the civil rights discussion, Dr. Ar senault reposed the question thusly: of charter schools done more good than harm,” he asked, not- ing that the answer, “may depend on which part of Ameri can we are talking - While he admitted that, as a “long- As he had been taught to do in While Dr. Arsenault posed educa “I do not recall any of them talk As it may admittedly be difficult Limiting the discussion to Massa As Massachusetts has “some of most ment.” time public educator in Massachu setts,” he could only talk about this state, Gosnell observed that, “there are some charters in Massachusetts that do quite well, but also others that do not do well,” and suggested that the real issue is the poverty that “cheats” so many of our students and their chusetts, Dr. Arsenault asked the pan elists why teachers unions’ resistance to charters schools in Massachusetts has not lessened considering how well the schools do. high school, Gosnell rose to his feet to reply, reminding the audience and his fellow panelists that, “Massachu in most of the top-performing states), “all public schools teachers work under a collective bargaining agree goal of the Civil Rights movement and goal of the Civil Rights movement and a key to achieving a true democracy,” as “a pathway to freedom,” tion reform he questioned how charter schools and teachers unions fit into all this. ing about charter schools or teachers unions specifically,” he said of the Civil Rights activists he interviewed for his book, “but the issues are very close to what they did back in 1961.” nault suggested that some charter schools may, in fact, be worse than other public schools, and vice versa. about.” successful charter schools in country” (while his new home state of Florida has “some of the worst”), Dr. Arse March 2015

- -AFT MA President Gosnell Tom - - - - versus

and teach Massachusetts regular public schools are number one in the nation on the NAEP tests and World number one in the Western on the international math and sci ence tests. on which the children?” and our “Dr. King was concerned with how While some posit that charter “He would have something to say on “He would have something to say on Noting that Dr. King was “a lifelong “We need to think Introducing the panel, Cape Cod also noted that the first black high school in Atlanta was created with help from Dr. King’s grandfather, who was the founding head of the NAACP in GA. He also mentioned that Dr. King himself attended an “experimen tal school” at Atlanta University. to provide the engine of opportunity that is at root of American identity,” he suggested, before posing the poi gnant question, “What has happened to this engine?” schools may be the new engine, Dr. Carter countered by asking, “Are we trying to make education better for all children or for teachers unions, Dr. Carson asked himself what Dr. King would say about the current state of education. both sides,” Carson suggested. advocate of unions” who “gave his life for the right to organize” and remind ing the audience that Dr. King was in a Memphis on April 4, 1968 as part of sanitation workers’ strike, Dr. Carson also suggested that, in trying to make schools that we see as better than public schools, we may be “leaving behind” other schools. about those left behind,” he said, paraphrasing Dr. King’s premise that “we should resolve to never become so secure in our thinking or our living that we will forget the least of these” and suggesting that “we will never be what we ought to be until they are what they ought to be.” native Dr. Arsenault (author of the book Freedom Riders, Emmy Award-winning public televi sion program was based) suggested that, “educational opportunity is a real ers unions, not charter schools was called charter schools ------STANDING UP FOR PUBLIC EDUCATION STANDING the audience at a Gosnell addresses Tom AFT MA President discussion about civil rights and education recent -

s we mark the anniversary of Dr. Martin Luther King’s historic march on Washington

On February 26, the Pioneer In- After a welcome from Pioneer “My introduction to school choice Shuttlesworth then discussed the “I want schools that children run to “We are determined to provide the Opening by saying he was “relieved”

AFT MA and MTA unite in Pioneer-hosted unite panel MTA AFT MA and Standing Up Against Charter Schools and continue to fight for the ideals he and continue to fight for the ideals he espoused, it appears that some are interpreting Dr. King’s vision in differ ent, potentially conflicting ways. stitute hosted a panel discussion at the Omni Parker House in Boston, the title of which was “Civil Rights, Charter Schools & Teacher Unions.” Among the sponsors of the program were the Black Alliance for Educational Options, the SABIS education network, the Massachusetts Charter Public School Association, the National Alliance for Public Charter Schools, and the Program on Education Policy & Governance at Harvard’s Kennedy School of Government. Among the speakers and panelists were SABIS school Director Dr. Sephira Shuttlesworth, Stan ford Professor Dr. Clayborne Carson, University of South Florida, St. Petersburg, His- tory Department Chair Dr. Raymond Arsenault, Boston Alliance of Charter Schools Senior Advisor Kevin An drews, Black Alliance for Educational Options Action Fund Chairman Ge rard Robinson, Massachusetts Teach ers Association President Barbara Madeloni, and AFT MA President Tom Gosnell. Institute Distinguished Senior Fel low and former Massachusetts Senate President Thomas Birmingham, Dr. Shuttlesworth (who is the widow of noted Civil Rights leader Fred Shut tlesworth) spoke of the efforts she and her late husband had engaged in on behalf of the underserved and of her own experiences with segregation. came when my siblings integrated our school in Jackson, TN,” she explained, noting that her family had been told that school choice was “a right for every family.” profound changes that school choice has undergone, suggesting that the path ends with charter schools. and walk away from,” she said, sug gesting that SABIS has created such schools and helped so-called “failing schools” out of “academic emergency.” same education in struggling commu nities as we do in the best schools in the country and the world,” Shuttles worth said. to see that the morning’s program A

FOOD and ADVICE and Come to the BOLDPRINT SUPPORT FUN!!! The Department of Elementary 29th Annual & Secondary Education (DESE) is extending its Customer Ser- vice ‘Hotline’ hours to include 9:00 a.m.-12:00 p.m. in addition to 2:00 p.m.-5:00 p.m., Monday AFT/BTU through Friday. Paraprofessional The direct line is 781-381-6600.    

Statewide Conference Legendary Jazz promoter Fred Taylor was recently honored with Berklee College of Music’s inaugural George Wein Impresario Award. Saturday, April 11, 2015 Taylor has been intricately involved with the Boston music scene as the long-time booking 8:30 AM - 3 PM agent for Scullers Jazz Club (www.scullersjazz.com) and worked with Wein on many BTU Hall historic events, including the Newport and Tanglewood Jazz (180 Mt. Vernon Street, Boston) Festivals. Before working for Scukllers, Taylor ran the famed Kenmore Square venues Paul’s Mall and the Jazz Workshop. He has also produced concerts Registration deadline is Monday, April 6 at Symphony Hall, the Boston Garden, and many other legendary venues.

Please call 617 288 3322 or see Congratulations, Fred! our story on page 4 for more information     Bottom Line Massachusetts (www. bottomline.org) will host the 10th Check out our NEW Website at annual Get In, Graduate, and Go Far event on Thursday, April 9th at the Seaport District’s Boston The official publication of www.aftma.org Convention Center. This year, AFT Massachusetts, AFL-CIO Governor Charlie Baker will be Thomas J. Gosnell, President Find the latest AFT MA-related news, recognized for his commitment to Mark Allred, Sr., Secretary-Treasurer education. information, calendar, benefits VICE PRESIDENTS “Governor Baker has said that Tim Angerhofer and MORE! he aims to make the cost of Patricia Armstrong higher education more affordable Deborah Blinder Brenda Chaney for students in Massachusetts” Kathy Delaney said Executive Director Mike Catherine Deveney Wasserman. “Our vision aligns Patricia Driscoll with his: that college affordability is Marianne Dumont one of the most important factors Brant Duncan J. Michael Earle in college choice and that every Margaret Farrell student deserves the best chance Jenna Fitzgerald to attend college, break the cycle of Richard Flaherty poverty and succeed – regardless Paul Georges of their socioeconomic situation.” Daniel Haacker Joyce Harrington Susan Leahy At the event, Governor Baker and Francis McLaughlin Lt. Governor Polito are scheduled Bruce Nelson to appear and speak. A number of James Philip local Bottom Line students will Joseph Poli Robert Salois also share stories about how the Bruce Sparfven program has impacted their lives. Jonathan Stavely Richard Stutman For more information, please go to Gale Thomas http://bottomline.org/Get-Involved/ Attend-an-Event/Boston-Dinner. Matt Robinson, Editor aspx. 38 Chauncy St., Suite 402 Boston, Mass. 02111 TAKING THE CONVERSATION HIGHER Tel. 617-423-3342 /800-279-2523     Fax: 617-423-0174 On Wednesday March 4, more than 200 students, staff, faculty, and www.aftma.net administrators from public higher education institutions across Got news to share? [email protected] Massachusetts joined at the State House for Public Higher Education Advocacy Day to advocate for more affordable and accessible public Send it to [email protected] c. 2015 AFT MA, ARR higher education in the Commonwealth and the funding of union contracts. 2 Legislators Are Listening one recognized,” McLaughlin notes, reticent to speak highly of himself. “I Statewide tour gives constituents a chance to talk was surprised, but it made me feel that n his recent address to the Sen- encountering.” egation and our Senate more effective we were respected.” ate, President Stan Rosenberg According to Rodrigues, the sites and more responsive.” McLaughlin says that Rivera also Isuggested that, “the best ideas are were chosen by Senators from each Among the 300 participants in this made mention of Lawrence’s “long often found not within these halls, but region. “They got to decide what stops Merrimack Valley event was Lawrence labor history and a long tradition of in our neighborhoods and our coffee to make and issues to highlight,” he Teachers Union President Frank working with labor unions.” shops, in our board rooms and union says, “and Senators were able to hear McLaughlin. “Making sure the issues and con- halls, in our office break rooms and at residents on all areas of interest that “They listened,” he said, “which is cerns of the people of the Merrimack our family tables.” are important to them.” pretty good because the Legislature is Valley are fresh in the minds of sena- With this in mind, a series of fo- At the kick-off event that was held the only body that listens to the teach- tors as we begin setting our agenda rums was offered during the months in Western Mass on February 4, Sena- ers unions.” and priorities for the coming year is of February and March at which tor Eric Lesser spoke of the opportune Despite being limited to just two of utmost importance,” said Senator regional representatives could meet timing of the tour. minutes of talking time, McLaughlin Barbara L’Italien, who co-hosted the directly with their constituents and “The Springfield area is undergo- was able to get across the major points Lawrence event discuss the issues that mattered most ing many significant changes, and he had come to discuss. The MetroWest tour stop was held to them. These “Commonwealth Con- residents need and deserve a state “I talked about the partnership and on March 2 in Newton. versations” consisted of eight events Senate that is open, transparent, and the common vision we have for the “Our conversations throughout the that spanned the state and covered a above all, committed to listening,” students of Lawrence,” he recalls, “and tour will center on some of the major wide array of topics. said Lesser, who also participated in that there is no easy solution to school issues impacting MetroWest residents, “We hope to hear directly from the the Metro Boston tour stop on March reform.” organizations and communities, in- people of the commonwealth about 4. “Today’s discussions mark a strong After the official event was over, cluding economic development, youth how we can help improve their lives first step in making sure the State McLaughlin spoke with a number of empowerment and STEM education,” through our work in the senate,” Senate is responsive to the needs of legislators, distributing copies of a said Senator Karen Spilka, who saw Rosenberg said. “These conversations Western Massachusetts.” page of “talking points” that had been the tour as “a terrific opportunity for will help us craft our agenda and en- Another of the events was held in created by AFT MA. people…to engage with government, gage the public in the good work that Lawrence on February 23 and was “I have a pretty good working make their voices heard on their we hope to accomplish this legislative hosted by Senator Kathleen O’Connor relationship with my senators,” he priorities and concerns and help guide session.” Ives and Senate Minority Leader reasoned, “and I’d like to keep it that the Senate in our new legislative ses- Senator Pat Jehlen (see story this Bruce Tarr. While the title of the way!” sion.” issue) says that she sees the tour as forum was “Challenges and Opportu- Among these were making higher During the Newton event, AFT MA “an opportunity for us to learn about nities in the Small Business Commu- education more affordable, strength- President Tom Gosnell spoke about each other’s districts…and…for con- nity,” the topics discussed were much ening collective bargaining, getting rid such diverse yet intricately-related stituents to share their concerns.” more wide-ranging. of testing, allowing individual com- issues as poverty, the need for more Explaining that the series was “We are beginning this Senate ses- munities to determine whether or not student services, and the high costs of modeled on statewide economic sion with one of the most important charter schools should be welcomed, higher education. development forums held in 2003, tasks in government – listening,” said and providing public schools and “Education was not a big topic,” Senator Michael Rodrigues said Tarr. “Knowing that our communities libraries with more funding. Gosnell admits,” but I got my point that he was “honored to play a role are facing many issues, we are com- During comments by Lawrence across, even when I had to talk very in organizing the Commonwealth ing to hear directly about what they Mayor Daniel Rivera, McLaughlin quickly!” Conversations Tour…and excited to are and what we can do about them by found himself at the center of atten- Anyone who was unable to attend engage with people from all corners working together. I’m confident that tion. or speak at the public forums is in- of the state to learn more about the we will learn critical things on this day “When the mayor got up to speak, vited to submit comments by visiting challenges and opportunities they are and this tour that will make our del- he did recognize me and I was the only http:malegislature.gov/cc.▪ were Joint Committee on Education schools offer, the impact of which is A Delicate Balance Co-chairs Representative Alice Peisch “absolutely enormous.” and Senator Sonia Chang-Diaz (who “Unless we deal with the opportu- Public hearings help explain Chapter 70 served as moderator for the hearing), nity gap first,” Gosnell emphasized, ver the past few months, the growth of special needs populations along with Senator Pat Jehlen, Repre- “we will not be able to deal with the Massachusetts Foundation (especially in lower income areas), sentative Michael Moran, and a repre- achievement gap.” OBudget Review Commission and the additional costs involved with sentative from the office of Represen- Among other speakers were Mal- (MFBRC) has hosted a series of public rural education, particularly those tative Sal DiDomenico. The education den Superintendent Dr. David De- hearings throughout the Common- related to transportation. community was ably represented by Ruosi, Jr., Walpole School Committee wealth. The MFBRC was created by “From the initial hearing in Walsh and MTA President Barbara Member Nancy Gallivan, and Citizen the Legislature to examine the Chap- Northampton to the last hearing in Madeloni. Schools Executive Director Pat Kirby. ter 70 school finance law, with a focus Boston there were issues that were After opening remarks by Boston “We’ve made progress as a com- on the how the spending standard is heard repeatedly,” Walsh observed, Interim Superintendent John Mc- monwealth,” Kirby said, “but the calculated. The commission is due to noting that many students, teach- Donough (in which he posited that the reason I think we are a having this issue a report next June with recom- ers and Foundation commission is that we all see the gaps mendations to update and improve parents budget “does that remain. We need to find models the law. also testi- not accu- that work and avoid more of the same Chapter 70 is intended to have an fied at the rately reflect models that aren’t proven to work.” equalizing effect by ensuring that each hearings, number of There was also a large contingent of the state ‘s 328 school districts has asking sped or ell of students and parents who testified, sufficient resources to provide for for such students we waved signs, and made themselves all students, taking into account the things as serve; nor heard throughout the program. ability of each local government to “proper” does it ac- Looking back at the series of hear- contribute. It helps ensure that less and “ad- curately sup- ings, Walsh recalled hearing the same wealthy districts receive more aid than equate” port teachers issues raised over and over. their wealthier neighbors, in the hopes facili- salaries” and “Speakers told us that the 1993 of providing equal opportunity and ties and noted how standards (when the Foundation access to all. materials, many fund- Budget was adopted) for special needs The hearings were scheduled in including ing sources education and for health insurance order to provide a forum in which technol- have been payments had not even come close to the public could testify and exchange ogy and “decreased being realistic to meet today’s needs,” ideas about the education budget and Internet access. or eliminated” since the Foundation he explained. how it is determined and put to use. “The participation of the students, was founded), members of the audi- Looking forward, Walsh noted “The Commission will meet six teachers, parents, elected officials, ad- ence lined up at a central microphone that the Commission will have several times to go over the budget,” explains ministrators and others interested in to address the panel. Among the more internal meetings “with the goal AFT MA Field Representative for education brought many of the theo- first speakers was AFT MA President of having a report by the end of June.” Legislature J. Coley Walsh, “and make retical issues into bold concrete reality Tom Gosnell, who pointed out how, This report should focus on mat- recommendations to the Legislature.” by their testimony,” Walsh said. especially in the urban districts that ters that come under the Foundation The hearings were held in Dan- On March 8, members of the public AFT MA represents, the numbers of Budget, but, Walsh notes, it may also vers, Somerset, Northampton, South joined legislators and school adminis- children in poverty and also of ELL include “a list of recommendations Yarmouth, Bolton, and Dorchester. trators at the Joseph Lee Elementary students have increased. He also on other issues raised during the six Among the topics discussed were in- School in Dorchester for what would noted the “significant resources” that hearings.” creased health care costs and how they be the final hearing. are necessary to provide the many ▪ affect both teachers and students, the Among the members of the panel inclusion and wraparound services our

March 2015 3 Proposed GIC Changes (Effective July 1, 2015) The following is an updated and more comprehensive version of the chart that ran in our February, 2015 issue.

and Autism. Among the presenters Working Magic for Paraprofessionals who are scheduled to participate are Stephanie Fitzpatrick, an occupational Para/Sub Field Rep excited for AFT MA-BTU event April 11 therapist at the Jackson Mann School; By Josefina Lascano Substitute Teacher Field Represen- working, together with the Parapro- Colleen Labbee and Anita Sintes, who araprofessionals and substitutes tative position. Since then, I have fessional Council, on our 29th annual teach at Lee Academy Pilot School and face many obstacles during their been very busy supporting paras and AFT-MA-BTU Statewide Paraprofes- the Hernandez School, respectively; working day, and on many oc- substitutes to the sional Conference, which and Seph Bartholomew, who works in P best of my ability. will be held on April 11, special education and related services. casions they need others to represent them when they are faced with an in- Meeting so many of 2015 at the Boston Teach- There will also be a delicious luncheon cident report. Every year, paraprofes- the paraprofessionals ers Union Hall. Our guest and a magic show by James “Jim” sionals face the uncertainty of losing and substitutes and speaker will be Interim Munsley, a teacher at O’Bryant High their jobs due to budget cuts, classes listening to numer- Superintendent John Mc- School. being eliminated, or schools closing. ous personal stories Donough. These workshops will be very infor- My job is to go to the Boston schools and just watching The focus this year is mative to our paras, and the infiorma- and be there to support them. Not the kind of work that to offer paras information tion they garner will be usable in their all cases are similar. Some are solved they do, I couldn’t be that they can use in their classrooms. The topics were chosen immediately, while others need to go more proud of every daily work. The theme by past participants who completed a to the next step. No matter what, I am single one of them, for this year is: “Paras survey after last year’s conference. there to be sure contractual proce- and to be their Field are Informed and Es- I cannot wait to welcome my dures are followed. Representative. sential.” The three topics friends and colleagues once again It seems that it was just yesterday For the past PARA PLANNER that we will be covering from distrcits across Massachusetts. I that I ran for the Paraprofessional / months, I have been Josefina Lascano are: Trauma, Inclusion hope to see you there! ▪ 4 The AFT Massachusetts Advocate Other Benefit Changes for FY16 for Active, Non-Medicare Plans:

- Annual Deductibles will move from a Calendar Year to Fiscal Year cycle effective July 1, 2016 Medicare Plans - All Medicare plans to adopt the same Prescription Drug Copayment Structure as Active/Non-Medicare Plans: Retail $10/$30/$65 depending on Tier ; Mail-Order $25/$75/$165 depending on Tier - Unicare Indemnity OME Prescription Drug Benefits change to a Medicare Part-D Employer-Group-Waiver- Plan effective January 1, 2016

This Summary is based on information available as of February 25, 2015. GIC Subscribers should closely review open-enrollment materials and GIC communications for further details. For more information, it is recommended that subscribers visit the GIC’s website: Mass.Gov/GIC. sented by Andrews, Robinson main- issue of poverty, suggesting that, ”If that is so negative, all we are doing is Standing Up tained that both teachers unions and we want quality education, we must helping by those who wants us to fight Continued from page 1 charter schools are “here to stay,” as provide quality support.” one another and cause more division.” explained that she had entered public are civil rights, and that the two types Andrews then took this idea and Emphasizing her view that, “with- education because she was “com- of schools “provide alternative meth- turned it, suggesting that, if the legis- out unions we don’t have democracy,” mitted to social justice and to public ods” to achieve this goal. lature lifts the cap, support will come Madeloni suggested that even Dr. schools as the place where we grow “For me, civil rights and teachers in the form of choice. King understood that “unions provide democracy.” Observing how the first unions go hand in hand,” Robinson “The Legislature came up with workplace democracy” and so cannot step in many political careers is school said, noting that AFT was the first to a formula of reimbursement,” he be “set up” as part of the problem. committee, Madeloni suggested that desegregate and that both AFT and observed. “What the Legislature has “Students learning conditions are public schools are integral to democ- NEA “made sure that civil rights were failed to do is to pay according to that teachers working conditions,” she racy and that, by taking resources and on the forefront.” agreement.” observed. “If we want teachers to do students from them, charter schools Robinson went on to suggest, how- “I am troubled about how much we their best, they need protections.” undermine public support. ever, that charter schools “also come are having a conversation about the As they do not have the support of “Wrong,” replied Andrews, main- out of the Civil Rights Movement,” cap,” Madeloni admitted, returning unions, many charter school teachers taining that the number of ELL stu- and so questioned how and why the to the larger issues of poverty and op- end up leaving only a few years after dents in charter schools is “growing.” two “sides” have so much animosity portunity. “If we are here to talk about entering their respective schools. Admitting that charter schools “can between them. civil rights, why aren’t we talking “That kind of unstable environment do more,” Andrews also maintained In discussing the charter school cap about economic injustice and racism?” cannot be good for our children,” that his charter school colleagues are (which has been a hot topic of late), After Robinson noted that charters Madeloni suggested. “not looking for a fight” and went so Gosnell reminded the audience that were “created with union support” Recalling a meeting with an NEA far as to suggest that this is the “dif- AFT MA was “one of leaders against (and in fact championed by former leader who had marched with Dr. ference” between charter and public expanding the cap.” He then discussed AFT President Albert Shanker), Arse- King, Robinson recalled that he was school representatives. how many of the charter schools in nault asked the panel if they thought “against charters because he thought “We are looking to serve children,” urban areas take resources from the that teachers unions are “a barrier to they would lead to segregation and he said, “particularly black and Latino public schools that need them most reform.” reverse all the good work Dr. King students.” and that “regular public schools In his response, Gosnell observed had done.” And while he claimed that After suggesting that the achieve- overwhelmingly educate the majority that many reforms (such as class size we no longer have segregation “in the ment gap in public schools is three of students in those areas,” despite and student services) are championed same way,” Robinson openly admitted times as large as that in charter the fact that they are quickly losing by parents and that many unions (not that “we have it.” schools, Andrews suggested that we, resources and stand to lose more if the just teachers’ unions) want reform During a question and answer “be collaborative,” positing that, “Dr. cap is lifted. outside the classroom as well. session, the issue was raised as to King would not want this division.” “Without commenting negatively “Unions in general…strongly sup- whether this dialogue would change if Claiming to be “in favor of unions,” on charter schools,” Gosnell said, port structural changes to reduce charters had union teachers. Noting Andrews posited, “they got it wrong “there is no question that they educate poverty,” he said. that AFT MA does, in fact, represent from the beginning,” and suggested a very small number of students yet “We should be taking about finding a charter school, Gosnell concluded that, “you should have united with us.” have an impact on all students.” the haves and have-nots,” Andrews that, “The issues we have identified In an effort to bridge the gap pre- Gosnell then returned to the larger agreed, “but if we are spewing venom still remain.” ▪ 5 March 2015 On Campus Susan Krumholz, President UMass Faculty Federation, Local 1895

made the disconcerting inference that Contingent faculty are fighting for a adjunct negatively impact the academ- minimum wage, for benefits, and for Advocating for Adjuncts ic quality of the University. Long-term longer contract terms. These are all n recent decades, adjunct faculty benefits for our adjuncts after a long adjuncts are expert in their teaching important assurances, but they are have played an increasing role in period of activism on the part of con- fields and well versed in the needs and only the beginning. As we at UMass higher education. Some “full-time” tingent faculty and the support of the expectations of both the curricula they Dartmouth have seen, part time I union at the negotiating table. Even adjuncts have a larger teaching load teach and the students they serve. The contingent faculty are particularly than tenure track faculty, even though so, their benefits are meager and often fact that their duties are restricted to vulnerable to even the smallest swings they get paid less; the argument being in jeopardy. To qualify, they must first teaching benefits the student cohort, in enrollment, are easy to blame for that they are not required to perform teach a specified number of cred- since their sole focus is teaching. The problems of the larger institution, and research and publish. its over four years. They must then argument that adjunct faculty reduce see their benefits - including health Thiough they are generally rea- continue to teach a specified number the quality of education is unproven. care - fluctuate semester to semester. sonably well paid, benefited, and of credits each year to receive con- As a union, we submit that the ad- One point of light is a move presently respected by colleagues, the problem tinuing benefits. The formula is not junct cohort – because they are highly under development in Massachusetts for many adjuncts is that the heavier always easy to compute, leaving some student-centered and often teaching to allow contingent faculty to gain teaching load and reduced research who believed they would be receiving small classes – positively impacts re- benefits by combining the courses they time make a transition to tenure-track benefits without them. tention at UMass Dartmouth. We are teach at different state institutions. positions difficult. The problem for During the fall of 2014 ,UMass doing the adjuncts a true disservice, In these days of mandatory health tenured faculty is that the increased Dartmouth’s adjuncts made the news particularly after their years of dedi- insurance this is a necessary first step reliance on adjuncts marks a move when four of them who were under cated service to the students of UMass to improved working conditions. An away from the time-honored tradi- contract to the university for the 2014- Dartmouth, when we allow the Uni- online movement of adjunct faculty tion of tenure that protects academic 2015 school year, filled grievances versity to frame them as responsible is developing as well. Naming them- freedom. Not having access to tenure against the UMass Dartmouth English for lowering academic quality. This is selves National Adjunct Walkout Day, alslo makes full-time adjuncts vulner- Department over their spring semes- simply not the case. The proof is in the they called a walkout on February able to administrative whim or politi- ter teaching assignments. According to fact that adjuncts will still be a com- 25th, and faculty around the country cal trending in rehiring. the Agreement between the University ponent of the teaching force at UMD. walked. Life for “part-time” adjuncts is and the Faculty Federation, adjunct Wouldn’t it be ironic for the univer- Adjunct faculty work hard and play much more difficult. They are paid teaching assignments are made ac- sity to claim them as less effective as an important role in the education poorly, often needing to teach mul- cording to seniority. In this instance, teachers, yet continue to hire them? of our students and the continuing tiple classes on multiple campuses the English Department tried to rede- Contingent faculty are organiz- success of our institutions. We, the each semester in order to survive. fine seniority and reduced or elimi- ing nationwide. Service Employees faculty unions and all union mem- Many part-time faculty are not in nated the teaching responsibilities for International Union has led the fight; bers, need to support their efforts to unions and get no benefits. We at these four part-time faculty. they have won elections to unionize organize. UMass Dartmouth were able to secure Newspaper coverage of this event on more than twenty-five campuses. ▪ of improvement, develop performance Aiming for PAR goals, and collect evidence in order to support and monitor progress. At New evaluation system helps schools and teachers the end of the evaluation cycle, the s high-stakes testing becomes a ing component that helps teachers mentality around evaluations and Consulting Teachers will offer recom- more popular means of assess- succeed. For the consulting teachers, feedback,” Franty suggests. mendations for final ratings. ment among many school ad- it also offers opportunities for profes- “I like that his new program... As for which teachers can be sup- A ported through PAR, they must be ministrators, evaluations and reviews sional advancement. In the process, focused on the work of teachers and become more high-stakes as well. The PAR also strengthens the relationship built on a belief that our teachers, just third-year provisional teachers who stress related to being observed and between the participating district and like our students, are able to improve received an overall rating of “needs critiqued by supervisors and admin- the union. if given the right kinds of supports.,” improvement” at the end of their istrators can be so overwhelming that “I heard about the PAR program says Mark Lonegran, a 14-year math second year or permanent teachers it prevents teachers from doing their from our BTU weekly bulletin,” teacher who now serves as one of who have received an overall rating best. As a result, one bad day can lead explains Lee Franty, a former math PAR’s consulting teachers. of “needs improvement” or “unsat- to many more as the pressure to im- coach and mentor who now serves as When asked why it took so long to isfactory” and have been placed on a prove grows even when it may not be a chairperson representing the BTU.” bring this proven program to Boston, Directed Growth or Improvement Plan appropriate. I decided to apply to the PAR panel Tritter said that, despite the fact that of at least 6 months. Fortunately, there is a new model because I wanted to be involved in a PAR frees them up to focus on other “You can apply at any time as long that is emerging in which colleagues collaborative effort between the school matters, many principals were reticent as you have at least six months on are able to support each other while department and the BTU with sup- to change. your plan,” explains Tritter. administering effective and accurate porting teachers in improving their “Historically, principals are the While PAR is new in MA, evidence evaluations. practice.” most opposed to it,” he observes, not- from other districts has shown that the In 1981, the Peer Assistance and The main difference between the ing how many local principals have program has many benefits for teach- Review (PAR) Program was devised in traditional administrative reviews sys- also been “skeptical.” ers, administrators, and students. PAR Toledo, OH, as a means of decreasing tem and PAR is that, in the newer sys- Over time, however, people came to reduces teacher turnover and also the pressure and increasing the au- tem, teachers are evaluated by experi- see that PAR is, as Tritter puts it, “fair” reduces costs and litigation involved thenticity of teacher evaluation. While enced colleagues (called “Consulting and that it “accurately reflects the when dismissal is recommended. As the idea is not new, it has recently Teachers”) who are given permanent abilities of the teachers in the program the teachers are working with peers, begun to catch on in more areas as an leave status in order to allow them and gives people support that princi- administrators (who are relegated to alternative to what is often seen as a to visit classrooms on a regular basis pals often don’t have time to give.” the role of secondary evaluator) are punitive and unfair evaluation system. in order to gauge performance, track As such, Tritter explains, “it also liberated to focus on other mat- Having been implemented in such improvement and offer support. As became an easier sell to the member- ters. Districts that have adopted PAR districts as Rochester, NY, St. Paul, the teachers who are being evaluated ship who are now experiencing this have also observed improved instruc- MN, and Montgomery County, MD, it have more consistent support from a evaluation system that seems so unfair tion, increased teacher leadership, and has also been championed by our col- trusted colleague, they are often able oftentimes.” improved labor-management rela- leagues in Boston. to more effectively deal with issues “Both the teacher-members and the tions. “It has been something we have that may have led to an administra- principal-members engage in honest Though the introductory phase been discussing in Boston for 10 or tive rating of “needs improvement” or and heartfelt dialogue about teaching will be kept small, Tritter assures that 12 years,” explains BTU’s Director of “unsatisfactory.” practice and the needs of struggling the goal is to expand PAR after it is Professional Learning Paul Tritter, “I see it as something better than teachers,” Berg observes. assured that the program is achieving thanking former Toledo Federation of other programs,” Franty says, “be- As it is still untested in Boston, its goals. Teachers President Dal Lawrence for cause it gives support to teachers the PAR program is currently in pilot “We’re starting small,” Lonegran devising the program and demonstrat- through one-on-one coaching tailored status that is not yet district-wide. In- admits, “but hopefully creating a sus- ing its value and colleague Erik Berg to their needs and/or prescriptions.” terested teachers can apply at tinyurl. tainable system that can help improve for leading the negotiation effort that As the consulting teacher is also the com/boston-par-intake. the quality of teaching across the city.” brought PAR to Boston. “Finally, we primary evaluator, Franty suggests Currently, the Boston-based PAR “We want to make sure that we were able to find a good partner in the that PAR “builds in” the accountabil- has the ability to serve 24 teachers and get the pilot right,” Tritter explains, district and make it a reality.” ity piece and emphasizes the goals of is looking for two Consulting Teachers “which means an evaluation process In addition to offering peer sup- improving teaching and learning. to participate, each of whom will work that is fair, transparent, and hu- port, PAR also includes a mentor- “It gets rid of the ‘us’ versus ‘them’ with up to 12 teachers to identify areas mane.”▪ 6 The AFT Massachusetts Advocate SENIOR SEMINARS Retiree Corner How to Protect Your Nest Egg Check out the Retirees’ Saturday April 18, 2015 Marie Ardito, Co-founder section and other Saturday June 27, 2015 EXCLUSIVE content 314 Main Street, Unit 105, Wilmington Massachusetts Retirees United at www.aftma.org www.retireesunited.org This free seminar by Elder Law At- torney Mary Howie deals with wills, trusts(irrevocable and revocable), gifting, probate, joint tenancy, direct “Join or Die” transfers upon death, and much more. enjamin Franklin had it right have borne the brunt of the penalties, will shrug your shoulders and say it Preparing for Retirement when he developed the cartoon but it will be minimal. I’m sorry, but will never happen. If we don’t con- Thursday, March 26, 3:30-5:30 of the snake cut into eight pieces this does not cut the mustard with me. tinue our work on this it never will Methuen Education Association B 184 Pleasant Valley Street, Methuen and labeled it join or die. The only way I am tired of members of the legis- happen. Others may think that the the colonies could survive was to be lature, be they at the state or federal above comments are just what we can united and the same is true today for level, be they Democrat, Republican or Wednesday, April 1, 5:30-7:30 expect from government today. Today Relief’s Inn (formerly Knights of those of us fighting injustices. Unfor- Independent who know how to change we have not held politicians account- Columbus) tunately, at present we have members laws so it will benefit their retirements able enough. We do not make them One Market Street, Lawrence of our government committed to while leaving behind those on smaller understand they work for us, our vote divide and conquer. incomes and who have suffered the is not for sale, and if they want our Monday April 13, 3-5 The most recent example of this is penalties for a good number of years. vote they must earn it by representing Lynn Teacher’s Union Hall the issue that we have been working This is true of the WEP/GPO legisla- our needs and issues. We need to let 679 Western Avenue, Lynn on for years, the complete repeal of tion, the Veterans’ Bill and the Option them know their boilerplate responses the Windfall Elimination Provision B / Option C Survivor Benefit that for dismissing our requests are not ac- Tuesday, May 5, 2:30-4:30 Blackstone Valley Regional Voc-Tech - and the Government Pension Offset. A MRU is addressing at the state level. ceptable. It used to be that five phone House Version of this bill has already We, and all in the public sector in Teacher’s Café Annex calls on any issue sent up a red flag 65 Pleasant Street, Upton been filed H.R.973 and has 73 mem- some fourteen other states, as well as that the issue was important. Today bers of Congress already signed on. federal employees had no say about they ignore the red flag; no number Wednesday April 29, 2:45-4:45 In the previous session, the number contributing to Social Security; we seems to get some of them moving. Chelsea High School, Room B3205 that signed on was 129, so we are well were never given the option. And more You and only you can decide if you 299 Everett Avenue, Chelsea ahead of the numbers to date. importantly, we never will be given are going to sit on the sidelines or join (Chelsea teachers/support staff only) The Repeal Bill was first filed in it, as it is too costly. Right now the in the fight. Too many feel comfort- July 2001. Many of us worked to get employee contributes 6.2% of gross able with their head in the sand. Go Marie Ardito’s presentation is directed this complete repeal filed instead compensation up to $117,000 and to www.retireesunited.org and on to people retiring in the next 10 years of the band-aid approach for some, the employer matches it. Who will be our front page you will see the link from public sector jobs. It provides an understanding of the retirement which addressed only a small group the employer doing the matching, the that will connect you to the tally of all system and options, as well as a legal and was based on a means test. Then state or the local community? Can you those who have signed on to co-spon- I told Congressman Barney Frank at imagine what this would do to bud- checklist, tips for protecting assets, sor the bill. Work on your Member of advice about understanding Medicare, a hearing at Faneuil Hall that such gets? It will never happen and we are Congress and email friends, relatives and much more. legislation would be obsolete before paying for it by being under penalty. and former colleagues in other states it even got passed, as those eligible by As the Social Security Fairness to ask them to join in the effort. You To register for any seminar, email the means test would have died off. Organization of which MRU is af- will also see on that tally sheet when [email protected] or call Recently, I heard of a bill filed by filiated stated, “Laws prevented you the Senate version is filed. We have to 781-365-0205. Please give the name of Congressman Kevin Brady of Texas, from earning Social Security benefits be united so we do not lose the fight to the seminar, your name, phone num- which only addresses the WEP section while you were working as a public correct these injustices. ber and the number attending. of the penalties for those who will be servant, and when you retired, other ▪ sixty-two as of 2016. The WEP will laws prevented you from collecting the not be completely repealed, only ad- benefits you had paid for in other work Check it out! justed. There will be some adjustment or had earned as a dependent, this is to the penalty for those who reached SO wrong.” age 62 in the 90’s to the present and Some of you reading this article Policy Perspective: Madison Park By Cory O’Hayer ter saw its four year graduation rate for a more highly educated workforce, assachusetts’ three largest rise to 98%, and a majority of students using vocational schools as a medium. cities - Worcester, Springfield now pursue postsecondary education. Students who may have previously en- Mand Boston - all strive to pro- It should be noted, however, that rolled in vocational schools may find vide a first-class education to a diverse these schools no longer educated that they no longer meet the criteria student population. All three districts the same student body. Rather than to do so, and will have to return to the also provide multiple opportunities serve as catch-all high schools for the more stringent academic environment for students to excel in the classroom, district, Springfield and Worcester from which they came. through traditional academics or implemented an application process www.aftma.org through a comprehensive vocational in which prospective students would Vocational technical high and technical education. have to specifically apply to enroll. schools are a key institution in Boston’s Madison Park Technical Additionally, while the schools main- major public school districts, Vocational High School has unfortu- tained more traditional vocational and an important alternative nately faced a challenging school year, programs, they also incorporated pro- for those seeking a hands-on as a series of administrative missteps grams that placed a heavier emphasis education. In its effort to pro- and misguided policy changes have on college readiness and partnered vide a free and equal education led to incidences such as September’s with local universities to facilitate to all students, Boston must scheduling fiasco and subsequent the college transition process. While find a way to bolster strong student walkout. No district’s voca- Springfield and Worcester’s schools vocational programs and sup- tional schools run without quandary, still aimed on providing an education port students as they prepare and policymakers have begun to look focused on student experience and for their future careers. A toward Springfield and Worcester’s technical knowhow, the schools had vocational education must vocational schools which, in recent transitioned into more academically be comprehensive not only years, have been heralded as having centered high schools, that would also in incorporating academics successfully turned into models of maintain a postsecondary education into a career and technical career and technical education. career track. curriculum, but also in incor- Worcester Technical High School President Barack Obama spoke at porating both traditional and and Springfield’s Putnam Technical Worcester Technical High School’s nontraditional learners into its Academy both lacked proper invest- graduation in 2014, after he pledged academic environment. ment and attention a decade ago. $100 million in grants for career ▪ Worcester invested $90 million into readiness education. This pledge Cory O’Hayer has a Master’s rebuilding their high school, and came in light of a growing American degree in urban education SERVING UP SUCCESS Springfield invested $114 million. skills-gap, and the concern that jobs policy from Brown Univer- Trumpet player Patrick Hughes, a senior in Their new facilities housed vocations requiring highly-skilled workers will sity and works in the Boston the Culinary Arts program at Assabet Valley as diverse as sheet metal and robotics go unfilled in an increasingly complex Public Schools. Regional Technical High School was awarded in Springfield, to culinary arts and vet- economy. The goal now is to change the Judges’ Choice Award for best performance erinary science in Worcester. Worces- our prior system of career education at the Berklee High School Jazz Festival. 7 March 2015 can seek to leave for charters, more Legislator Profile: Pat Jehlen affluent districts, private schools, or A note from our President: class learn. making comes from above. homeschooling…depriving the school Senator Jehlen worked strenuously “It was a memorable year,” Jehlen “The main problem I see today is of support and leadership.” to retain the cap on charter schools in says, “ but I doubt if any of that would top down control,” she says, citing the Instead of relying on filling in bub- the last session of the legislature. AFT have made it onto a standardized test.” attempt to “judge and punish stu- bles, Jehlen proposes that we come up MA appreciates everything she did to For Jehlen, it was such creative op- dents, teachers, schools, and districts with a better means of assessment. insure that the cap was retained. portunities that went a bit off the track based on very limited measures.” “We need to develop new ways that made her academic career so rich Jehlen takes hope, however, in the to demonstrate whether schools are hile many of our legislators and it was the people who created fact that some creative teachers are delivering for children on the things stand with our members on them who continue to make her life still insisting on doing things their parents and communities value,” Wnearly every issue (for which rich as well. own way. she says, suggesting such aspects as we are grateful!), some have a connec- “These personal relationships were “When our oldest granddaughter creativity, engagement, collaboration, tion to and an understanding of the so important, “ she says, noting that was in fourth grade,” she recalls, “the character, and joy, as well as academic world of education that surpass even there were “many more teachers I teachers were asked to make data achievement in more areas. In addi- the most devoted representative. could mention who influenced me in a walls showing individual students’ tion to citing such states as California Pat Jehlen is one such person. positive way.” performance on MAPS tests. Instead, and New York, and her own home Having served on the Senate since One negative that Jehlen suggests her teacher asked students to write district of Somerville, that are “devel- 2005, Jehlen is currently vice-chair in her own education and one that she about what they had learned that oping new systems of accountability of the Education Committee. Yet even continues to see in schools today is a year. Some students wrote about how that respond to these values,” Jehlen this does not speak fully to her dedica- lack of civics-related learning. they could now write longer stories, also points out that, “other countries tion to teachers and to education. “I don’t think I got a good civic or use bigger words. One student we say we want to emulate use more The fact is that, long before she was education, “ she says, “or any en- said he’d learned not to bother other human-scale, less bureaucratic mea- a legislator, Jehlen was a teacher, and couragement in school to be involved kids. Those were real achievements sures.” therefore knows full well what her col- in politics.” In fact, she says, had it that they were proud of [and] that are Speaking of the human scale of leagues go through every day and how not been for her family and friends, making a difference in their lives.” education, Jehlen brings the issue hard they work to serve their students she may have taken Such independent back once again to the teachers, many and communities. She also served on a completely differ- goal-setting encourages of whom seem to be misunderstood the Somerville School Committee and ent path altogether. students and teachers to and mistreated. was a division chair of the Massachu- Fortunately, she engage more fully and “Educators today are believed to be setts Association of School Commit- was exposed to local results in a deeper level of so smart and skillful, they could con- tees (MASC). politics and to such learning and understand- quer all of our deep social problems When asked about her own educa- life-changing opportu- ing and more successful if they wanted to,” she says. “At the tion, Jehlen recalls the names of the nities as working with application in the real same time, they’re treated as if they many teachers who helped her on her migrant farm workers world. were so dumb and incompetent that path to academic and professional ful- in VISTA. “Setting their own people outside the profession have fillment. The first name she mentions “That helped mo- goals helped them pre- to tell them exactly what to do every is of her high school history teacher, tivate me to work for pare to be more indepen- minute. This schizophrenic philosophy Mr. MacDonald. economic justice,” she dent learners,” Jehlen has caused great harm to children, es- “In high school, my schedule didn’t suggests. suggests. pecially to those who are not yet fluent permit me to take AP History,” Jehlen Sadly, Jehlen That is why, as a in English or come from low-income explains, “but Mr. MacDonald let me observes, many of to- member of the Education families. They are the ones whose take it as an independent study.” day’s students do not FROM ONE TO ANOTHER Committee, Jehlen is school life is turned into narrow test While this first connection between get such opportunities Senator Pat Jehlen firmly in support of ways prep and whose schools are in danger teacher and student was profound and so do not seem to be appropriately in which schools and teachers can of closing because they don’t match a and meaningful, it also bore fruit for aware of the systems that govern and help support the entire student, not bureaucrat’s mirage.” Jehlen later in life in more ways than so shape their lives. just those elements that show up on Though her view may appear dim, one, for not only did it lead her to her “I think young people are not as standardized tests. there is a growing ray of light. career as a high school history teacher, engaged in political action as they “I want teachers to be able to pay “We are at a turning point,” she it also gave her a job. should be,” she says. “Most students attention to kids’ social skills and says. “More and more people realize “[When] he went on to teach at the now miss out on civic education.” creativity instead of just analyzing that this approach isn’t working. There Harvard Ed School,” Jehlen contin- Perhaps this is another reason (in which kinds of questions they need to is a national revolt against high-stakes ues, “[Mr. MacDonald] hired me as a addition to the inspiration of teachers answer,” Jehlen maintains. testing.” research assistant.” like Mr. MacDonald and Miss Cunniff) She also suggests that the stan- Having been launched by education An even earlier connection was that that Jehlen first taught history before dardization of education hurts stu- research, Jehlen says that this revolt is between Jehlen and her fourth grade moving into the legislature as a means dents in more ways than one. being joined by more and more teach- teacher Miss Cunniff. of shaping it. “Judging people and schools by ers, parents, and other stake-holders. “When we were learning about the “When I was teaching history, I scores that are so closely correlated “Some states and cities are work- explorers looking for routes to Asia,” tried to show that history is happening with social class does even more dam- ing on new approaches to hold she recalls, “we made applesauce and right now,” she recalls, “and that we age than narrowing the curriculum,” schools and teachers accountable then added many different spices so can participate. I asked students to she observes, noting that, when stu- for the things communities actually we’d know what the explorers hoped volunteer...so they could see beyond dents underperform on standardized value,” she suggests, citing such local to bring back from India.” books and newspapers and imagine tests, many parents see it as a sign of elements as the Less Testing, More Jehlen also notes that Miss Cun- that they could make a difference.” a failing school and so withdraw their Learning movement (supported by niff also sparked in her an interest in What Jehlen suggests makes children from it, thereby making the Citizen for Public Schools) that is ornithology by having her students matters worse for many of today’s pool of remaining students even less “working to start rolling back the con- keep track of the various birds they students (and teachers) is that they diverse and strong. sequences” of testing. saw in their neighborhoods. She still are often not given a chance to make a “They think the school is bad, “I encourage more AFT members can recite poems Miss Cunniff had the difference because all the difference- “ Jehlen observes, “and those who to get involved,” Jehlen says. first-time buyers even have the▪ op- Benefit Bulletin: Making the Call portunity to receive a $500 First-Time needed a new smartphone. “My old for union members and their families Home Award from Union Plus. n this series, we hope to inform phone was nine years old,” she says. “I and offers a competitive interest rate, To learn more about AFT + benefits, our members about the many couldn’t even text on it!” U.S.-based customer service, and including the 15% wireless discount, benefits of belonging to and par- I When she went online to pay her unique hardship benefits for eligible or to apply for the rebates, visit AFT. ticipating in AFT. 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