KEYS PROJECT • ESP OF THE YEAR • INSTRUCTIONAL ADVOCACY LEADER

AdvocateTexas State Teachers Association/National Education Association SUMMER 2009 Legislature Falls Short SCHOOL FINANCE, ACCOUNTABILITY STILL NEED WORK

How to Prevent Bullying New to Teaching? A School Psychologist Shares Tips Wondering What Makes Us Different? PAGE 2 FIVE RIGHTS You May Not Even Know You Have

Which Meetings Really Matter? Which Will Improve Your Life and Career? PRESIDENT’S MESSAGE TABLE OF CONTENTS Advocate Our Mission Mandates Vol. 28, No. 4 Summer 2009

TSTA Advocate is an official quarterly publication of the State Teachers Our Response Association, affiliate of the National Education Association.

Do you know the mission of TSTA? Here it is: “The Texas State Teachers Association will How to Contact Us: Call (877) ASK- TSTA, visit www.tsta.org, or write to unite, organize and empower public education advocates to shape public education in Texas TSTA, 316 West 12th Street, Austin, thus providing a quality public school for every child.” Texas 78701. Please send address changes to the attention of Membership Records or Ambitious? Perhaps. Lofty? Certainly. Achievable? Most definitely; yet it carries with it the re- [email protected].

sponsibility of each of us in TSTA acting as citizens of this organization, working in concert Advertising: If you would like to ad- as we carry out our responsibilities to provide a quality public school for every child. vertise, contact Claire Moore at (512) 476-5355, ext. 1292.

The opportunity for lasting and effective change only happens when we exercise our rights, TSTA makes no representations re- privileges and responsibilities as citizens of our local, TSTA and NEA. As citizens, we move garding advertised products or services that are not endorsed. beyond being empowered to advancing not just the organization but its mission. Our respon- Postmaster: Send address changes to sibility extends to our fellow members and potential members, yet it doesn’t end there. It TSTA HOUSE OF DELEGATES: For 130 years, delegates have come together to make the decisions that guide TSTA Membership Records, 316 West reaches out to the larger education community – that community where decisions are made the association. This year’s convention was in . 12th Street, Austin, Texas 78701.

that impact your life and your career; that community that includes decision-makers who PRESIDENT make the decisions that impact your students’ learning environment. Citizenship is about WHAT'S INSIDE: Rita Haecker keeping our eyes on the prize, which begins with fully functioning locals and ends with qual- 4 EDUCATION NEWS VICE PRESIDENT ity public schools for all Texas children. This, then, requires diligence and vigilance – dili- Jason Hillman The 81st Legislature leaves town without fixing school finance and accountability concerns; gence in the work we do as an association and vigilance to preserve and protect that which has legislative issues top TSTA’s convention agenda; Black History Month brings an NEA officer EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR “Never doubt already been accomplished. to Texas; deadlines are coming soon for filing for NEA Director and nominating a member for E.C. Walker TSTA’s education support professional award. that a small group This passion, this belief, this concept of citizenship sets us apart and above all others. Citizenship DIRECTOR OF PUBLIC AFFAIRS Richard Kouri of thoughtful, is not about just being present any more than it is about showing up. Rather, it is about the hard 12 DO YOU KNOW YOUR RIGHTS? work of learning, thinking and doing. It is about accepting responsibilities and meeting obligations; Learn about five basic rights: assault leave, duty-free lunch, planning period, finality of EDITOR committed citizens it is about contributing your part to the synergy of TSTA so that we will not fail in our mission. grades and protected types of leave. Debbie Mohondro 14 HOW TO PREVENT BULLYING PUBLIC AFFAIRS SPECIALIST can change the As you think about your role as a citizen of TSTA, imagine what your career and work life would A school psychologist offers nine steps teachers can take to bully-proof their classrooms. Joe Bean be like without TSTA. Duty-free lunch, hardly! Duty-free planning period, say what? Retirement 18 A REAL CONVERSATION ABOUT CHANGE PRODUCTION TECHNICIAN world. Indeed, it pension? Who said anything about retirement? There is much work still to be done but we are Pflugerville stakeholders are impressed with KEYS, NEA’s -based, data-driven program Susan Martin where we are because of the giants who came before us – the giants who, since 1880, have is the only thing for continuous school improvement. ADMINISTRATIVE MANAGER demonstrated their citizenship in TSTA. We stand on their shoulders but our work is not yet done Leann Kloesel that ever has.” and will not be so long as there are those who stand in the way of quality public schools across 20 PROTECTING HER STUDENTS AND HER COLLEAGUES Texas. We are the giants on whose shoulders future citizens of TSTA will stand. Lee Terrazas, who is TSTA’s education support professional of the year, takes both roles very seriously. ADMINISTRATIVE SECRETARY Margaret Meade Adriana Montoya 22 AN ADVOCATE IN EVERY SENSE OF THE WORD Are you a citizen of TSTA? If you believe in your own capacity to do good in your work and asso- Claire Anderson, our Ermalee Boice Instructional Advocacy Award winner, rewrites the job de- SECRETARY/ADVERTISING ciation, then you are on the road to being a citizen of TSTA. If you act responsibly as an educator scription for a homebound teacher. Claire Moore to elevate the knowledge and character of your students, then citizenship in TSTA is within your 24 ACTING LOCALLY Copyright 2009 by grasp. If you want and desire to be one of the giants on whose shoulders future generations will Austin, Socorro, Spring Branch, and Hurst-Euless-Bedford share their activities for NEA’s stand and become one of the many who stand up and speak out for quality public schools for all Read Across America; Lone Star College’s Be a Teacher Club recruits members; Region 3C do- Texas children, then you are a citizen of TSTA. nates flags; Laredo support professionals lobby; Regions 2C and 2D build an enlightened leader- ship; College Station remembers Dr. Martin Luther King; TSTA-Retired reports on activities. In 1880, a small band of committed and thoughtful citizens came together in Mexia to form TSTA. Through their efforts, they did change the world. We owe it to them to do no less; we owe it to the 28 MEET CHRIS PADRON It’s the power of NEA, 3.2 million members strong, that drew the new TSTA-Student Program future to do much more. Become a citizen today first by joining TSTA, recruiting others as mem- president to the association. TEXAS STATE TEACHERS ASSOCIATION bers and then by rolling up your sleeves and becoming an advocate for quality public schools. NATIONAL EDUCATION ASSOCIATION 30 MEETINGS THAT MATTER 316 West 12th St., Austin, Texas 78701 —TSTA President Rita Haecker Which ones should you attend? Which ones can improve your life and career? www.tsta.org • (877) ASK-TSTA

2 TSTA ADVOCATE SUMMER 2009 3 EDUCATION NEWS

amount of state money needed to sustain accountability system reforms that would the poorly funded system in place today, use multiple measures to assess students, The Road Not Taken and that doesn’t begin to account for what focus on the diverse needs of our 4.7 mil- is needed to provide excellence in public lion students and provide assistance for Legislators had a chance to fix two major problems, school education. schools that had high concentrations of at- risk kids. finance and accountability, in the 81st session. It didn’t happen. Faced with making difficult decisions about how to fix the problem, the legisla- Instead, the leadership largely elected for Two major bills highlighted the education agenda this session; the school finance bill, tive leadership used federal stimulus funds more of the same – a lot more of the same. House Bill 3646, and the school accountability bill, House Bill 3. This legislation pre- from President Obama’s American Recovery When it was all said and done, the Legisla- sented an opportunity to address the two key issues currently faced by the public schools. and Reinvestment Act to provide some ture passed an incredibly complex 187- In both cases, policymakers faced clear alternatives in how to approach important issues modest improvements, but they elected to page bill that almost no one completely un- We have many that affect educators, students and their families. punt the larger funding problem to the derstands. After months of changes that 2011 session. By then, a more urgent alternated between better and worse, the friends in the School Finance: Almost everyone agrees the current system is severely broken. Schools school funding crisis is likely. More districts final accountability bill includes a few good don’t have the resources they need, and under the current school finance plan, they no will be at the maximum tax rate, will have elements, but for the most part it offers Legislature, but we longer have the capacity to generate additional resources at the local level. The franchise spent their reserve funds and will be look- more, not less, testing. Punishment is still tax created in 2006 isn’t producing enough state revenue to offset local school property tax won’t break new ing at major cuts in programs and staff to very much the focus of the bill. cuts the state mandated the same year. That funding imbalance drains an ever-increasing balance their budgets. The two percent in- ground on public crease in the budget for the next biennium The final version of HB 3 eliminates one education policy in that is paid for with stimulus money will third-grade test and replaces the high have to be replaced with state dollars just school TAKS exams with 12 standardized Texas unless we to keep up with current funding levels. end-of-course exams. Students will be re- elect more people quired to pass the English III and algebra II Instead of providing the necessary funding exams to graduate. Given the opportunity for a comprehensive fix for the school fi- who share our to forge a new path in student accountabil- nance problem this year, legislative leaders ity, the leadership, at the urging of Gov. vision and our decided to change the failed 2006 funding Rick Perry, decided to stay the course. The system. Unfortunately, they weren’t willing dedication to only good news is the bill is so complicated to pay for it, opting to put $9.5 billion in that it will probably take several years to creating a first-rate the state rainy day fund. They very likely implement it, and the Legislature will be are heading toward another lawsuit over public education back in session in 2011. school finance in 2011. In that context, we system. had to fight hard to overcome those who Looking ahead to the 2010 March primary tried to deny a minimum $800 pass- and November general elections, we must through, across-the-board pay raise for work to elect candidates who will support each classroom teacher, full-time speech the kind of change that swept through the pathologist, full-time librarian, full-time rest of the country in November of 2008. counselor and full-time school nurse. For- Obviously, we have many friends in the tunately, we succeeded. Legislature, but we won’t break new Accountability: Given the wide range of ground on public education policy in Texas problems associated with the current unless we elect more people who share our school accountability system, everyone in vision and our dedication to creating a the education community hoped that when first-rate public education system. This is a task force was formed to suggest changes particularly true at the highest levels of in the system, we would finally begin to leadership in state government. We must turn away from a high-stakes “test and replace the leaders who spend as little as punish” system. Many stakeholders, in- possible and put the squeeze on public cluding TSTA, urged legislators to adopt schools and public school employees.

4 TSTA ADVOCATE SUMMER 2009 5 Other Provisions firearm is at an approved target range facil- kindergarten to the next grade level as a re- EDUCATION BILLS FROM THE 81ST The campus-level site-based decision-mak- ity that is not located on a school campus sult of parental request. This report is abridged due to space limitations; for a comprehensive report, go to www.tsta.org. ing committee can limit the administration and while participating in or preparing for of locally required assessment instruments a school-sponsored shooting sports compe- STATE AGENCIES tition or educational activity. FINANCE ACCOUNTABILITY/CURRICULUM within a reasonable range of the scale score. to a maximum of 10 percent of instruc- Rider 95 to SB 1 (budget bill), by Heflin, D-Crosbyton, prohibits TEA from using HB 3646, by Hochberg, D-Houston, is the HB 3, by Eissler, R-The Woodlands, and The end-of-course exam also counts for 15 tional days. HB 1332, by Maldonado, D-Round Rock, funds on any education voucher school finance bill for the biennium. It Shapiro, R-Plano, revises the state’s ac- percent of the final grade for the course. A makes each student and student’s parent(s) TEA will establish an information portal to program/pilot program that would use fed- started late and was one of the last bills to countability system. Some of the features: student must meet or exceed the score set responsible for not only unreturned text- track student data over time. Data will be eral funds or state tax dollars to pay tuition be considered by the Legislature, and that by the commissioner on the algebra II and books, but also electronic textbooks and made available to the student, the parent, for children in grades 1-12 to attend a pri- led to a number of bills becoming embed- Student Promotion and Testing English III end-of-course exams to graduate personnel and any higher vate school. under the recommended and advanced ded in it. The bill spends $1.9 billion in A district is required to consider in grades education institution to which the student programs. LEADING THE CHARGE FOR federal stimulus money from President other than five and eight: applies. HB 635, by Guillen, D-Rio Grande City, Obama’s American Recovery and Reinvest- A TEACHER PAY RAISE provides that the TEA may seek, accept and The tests will include questions regarding ment Act (ARRA) over the next two years. • The recommendation of the student’s HB 1322, by Hochberg, D-Houston, pro- While it took a lot of friends to get a distribute grants awarded by the federal college readiness. They will count toward a teacher; vides internet resources for teachers of stu- pay raise passed in this session of the government subject to the limitations im- It requires a minimum salary increase of the student’s final score, and a certain number dents with special health needs. legislature, two lawmakers stood out posed by law. The bill also allows the com- greater of $800 or $60 per weighted aver- • The student’s grade; of correct answers will be required for a for their roles in making it happen. missioner of education to determine that a age daily attendance (WADA) in 2009-10 • The student’s score on an assessment in- student to be deemed college ready. College SB 891, by Nelson, R-Lewisville, mandates Head Start program operated by a district for each classroom teacher, full-time speech strument; and readiness questions will be integrated into a state physical education curriculum that Representative Scott Hochberg is rec- or a community-based organization serves pathologist, full-time librarian, full-time all TAKS tests, including those given to stu- enables students to develop the skills, ognized as THE legislative expert on • Any other necessary academic informa- the function of a public elementary school counselor and full-time school nurse. In dents in grades 3-8. knowledge, attitudes and confidence to school finance. He worked to make tion as determined by the district. under the laws of this state by providing el- Texas, students with additional education participate in physical activity throughout sure that his version of the school fi- ementary education at one or more pro- needs are weighted for funding purposes No later than the first day of the school Graduation Plans and Requirements life. Students in full-day pre-kindergarten nance bill had a pass-through teacher and grades K-5 will participate in moderate gram facilities. because it costs more to educate them. Be- year, the district must post its rules for pro- Minimum Graduation Program Require- pay raise in it. And he passed it unani- or vigorous physical activity for at least 30 cause WADA is used in the calculation, moting students who fail the Texas Assess- ments: The student, the student’s parent or mously in the House. The bill creates professional development minutes per day either in physical educa- there will be different pay raises in different ment of Knowledge and Skills (TAKS). The guardian and a school counselor or admin- grants for educating students with disabili- tion or structured activity during recess. In the Senate we had a problem. Their districts. (TEA) will provide istrator must agree to the minimum plan in ties and a competitive grant program to version of the school finance bill didn't schools with guidelines on what to post writing. The student must be at least 16, promote early literacy. This salary increase is in addition to step SB 451, by Van de Putte, D-, have a teacher pay raise in it. Senator based on best practices. have completed two credits required for increases under a school district’s current requires a school district to provide training John Whitmire, the dean of the Texas HB 772, by Howard, D-Austin, requires graduation in each subject of the founda- to an educator who works primarily out- salary schedule, local supplements and ca- The measure eliminates the provision that a Senate and a three-decade-long friend that the SBOE webcast its meetings live via tion curriculum and have failed to be pro- side the area of special education only if the reer ladder supplements. student must pass third-grade to be of schools, teachers and TSTA, took on video and audio and that it subsequently promoted to the fourth grade but keeps the moted to the 10th grade one or more times. educator does not possess the knowledge The pay raise depends on the U.S. Educa- the assignment to put a pay raise in the archive them on the TEA website. provisions that fifth and eighth graders and skills necessary to implement the indi- tion Department’s approval of using ARRA Requirements for the Recommended and bill. When the dust settled, he won a must pass math and reading for promotion. vidualized education program. HB 1574, by Thompson, D-Houston, cre- funding for it. Advanced Programs: Four credits in each 19-12 vote in the Senate, and both ver- It keeps the current appeal and grade place- ates the Autism Spectrum Disorders Re- subject of the foundation curriculum; one- SB 1219, by Averitt, R-Waco, provides for a sions of the bill had a pass-through pay The district can use funds from the salary ment committees in place. source Center to coordinate resources for half credit in economics and government as parenting and paternity awareness program raise for classroom teachers and full- allocation to pay for Social Security and individuals with autism and other pervasive If a student fails an assessment instrument part of the social studies requirements; and for use in the high school health curriculum. time school speech pathologists, librar- Teacher Retirement System payments on developmental disorders and their families. in grades 3-8, the district must provide ac- two credits in the same foreign language for ians, counselors and nurses in them. the salary increase. SB 1344, by Watson, D-Austin, requires celerated instruction which the student the recommended program (three credits HB 2263, by Eissler, R-The Woodlands, ex- TEKS standards on binge drinking and al- Of course, the third person to thank is The bill makes significant changes to the must complete to be promoted. A student for the advanced program). pands the Innovation Grant Initiative to cohol poisoning. you. The barrage of phone calls and incentive pay program. It eliminates the who fails an assessment and is promoted middle and junior high schools. Electives: The SBOE will develop a variety emails from TSTA members truly made Texas Educators Excellence Grant and rolls must be assigned to a teacher who meets all HB 3076, by Deshotel, D-Beaumont, ex- of math and courses to be used for the difference. HB 1801, by Bohac, R-Houston, adds that money into the District Awards for state and federal qualifications to teach that pands the curriculum for parenting and pa- the fourth course in each of those subjects. school supplies to the sales and use tax ex- Teaching Excellence program. A local subject and grade. ternity awareness programs to middle and Six elective credits are required for the rec- emption that had previously been applied awards program will specify the criteria and junior high schools, as well as high schools. To graduate, a high school student must ommended program and five electives for technological equipment that are not re- to the purchase of school backpacks before any formulas on which the awards will be have a cumulative score for end-of-course the advanced program. One credit must be turned in acceptable condition. the start of school. based. STUDENTS exams for each subject in the foundation in fine arts and one in physical education. HB 130, by Patrick, R-Arlington, estab- HB 3643, by Aycock, R-Killeen, defines HB 2480, by Hochberg, D-Houston, pro- To graduate, a high school student must school curriculum that is equal to the prod- The physical education requirement can be lishes a full day pre-kindergarten grant pro- “child” to include a stepchild and “parent” to vides for agreements between a public ju- have a cumulative score for end-of-course uct of the number of end-of-course assess- met through athletic programs sponsored gram that is voluntary for both parents and include a stepparent, for purposes of enroll- nior college and a high school to offer a exams — for each subject in the foundation ments and a scale score that indicates satis- by nonprofit or for-profit entities (such as school districts. ing a child in a pre-kindergarten program. course at the junior college, whether the school curriculum — that meets or exceeds factory performance (as yet to be deter- aquatics or karate). The commissioner must high school is located within the service the scale score that indicates satisfactory mined by the commissioner of education). approve the district’s decision. Onsite, HB 1020, by Deshotel, D-Beaumont, pro- HB 2703, by Olivo, D-Missouri City, ex- area of the junior college district or not. performance, as determined by the com- A student also must achieve a minimum school-sponsored athletics do not count to- vides an exception to the rule that students cludes from dropout risk a student who did missioner of education. score as determined by the commissioner ward this credit. be expelled for having weapons if the not advance from pre-kindergarten or HB 2488, by Hochberg, D-Houston, adds

6 TSTA ADVOCATE SUMMER 2009 7 open-source textbooks that can be down- SB 939, by Watson, D-Austin, requires the year based on the teachers’ demonstrated cludes a provision that will close the loop- current law to expand the types of compa- ments will be denied credit for one or more loaded from the internet to the list of text- TEA and the Department of Family and achievement of high and rigorous standards hole in state law regarding information nies eligible to offer 403(b) retirement ac- classes in which they are enrolled. book options the SBOE can consider. The Protective Services to exchange information for accomplished teaching. gathered through educators’ criminal back- counts that the Teacher Retirement System HB 1423, by Guillen, D-Rio Grande City, state could develop its own open-source as appropriate to facilitate the department’s ground checks conducted under the Texas of Texas certifies. HB 829, by Hochberg, D-Houston, requires allows a public junior college to operate an materials, as well as allowing certain enti- evaluation of educational outcomes of stu- fingerprinting law. Information gathered the commissioner of education to rule on a SCHOOL BOARDS AND DISTRICTS open-enrollment on its cam- ties to participate in the program. dents in foster care. through these checks can be used only by grievance within 180 days from the date school districts and the state, remaining HB 171, by Olivo, D-Missouri City, man- pus or in the same county in which the SB 1027, by Watson, D-Austin, creates an HB 2893, by Hochberg, D-Houston, allows the appeal is filed with that office. A person confidential in nature, and can no longer be dates that school board policy state certain campus is located. the TEA to implement a Technology interagency farm-to-school coordination is not required to appeal to the commis- factors to be considered when making discovered through a request under the HB 1425, by Lewis, R-Odessa, provides Demonstrations Sites Project to demon- task force that must design education re- sioner before pursuing a remedy under a decisions about suspension, removal to a Texas Public Information Act. that the population of a county is to be de- strate the use of technology for improving sources on nutrition and food education to law outside of Title I or any state law that disciplinary alternative education program termined according to the 2000 federal teaching and learning, use digital tools and be used by schools and school districts and references Title I. SB 522, by Averitt, R-Waco, allows an em- (DAEP), expulsion or placement in a juve- census for purposes of determining resources to extend learning opportunities implement a plan to facilitate the availabil- ployee of a public school district to choose nile justice alternative education program, HB 1364, by Eissler, R-The Woodlands, re- whether a juvenile justice alternative educa- from school to home and exemplify in- ity of locally grown food products in public the order in which the employee will use regardless of whether the decision concerns quires coverage of pre-existing conditions tion program should be developed. structional practices and lessons that sup- schools. different categories of leave. The bill also al- mandatory or discretionary action, in cases for active school employees under the state lows a public school employee to use cer- port academic learning in the classroom of self-defense. Those factors are: intent or SB 283, by Nelson, R-Lewisville, requires SB 300, by Patrick, R-Houston, allows the group health plan so that employees will tain previously accumulated sick leave in and at home. lack of intent at the time the student districts to appoint members to serve on commissioner of education to grant class continue to receive coverage for those con- the order desired as long as the leave used engaged in the conduct, a student’s dis- the district’s local school health advisory HB 4152, by Rose, D-Dripping Springs, size waivers on a yearly basis instead of a ditions. This provision will allow employ- is appropriate to the purpose of the leave. ciplinary history or a disability that council, including a chair or co-chair. The per semester basis. Bus evacuation training ees to safely move from a district providing says the State Board for Educator Certifica- substantially impairs the student’s capacity SB 1798, by Zaffirini, D-Laredo, allows cer- council will meet four times a year and tion may issue a one-year certificate to a will be permissive rather than mandatory, coverage under a local plan to a district that to appreciate the wrongfulness of the submit an annual report to the school and school boards must establish long- participates in the Teacher Retirement Sys- tain educational aides to receive an exemp- teacher who holds a certificate in another conduct. tion from tuition and fees charged by pub- board; school districts will notify parents state or country in mathematics, science, range energy plans. tem of Texas’ ActiveCare. lic institutions of . in writing of the board’s decision on special education, bilingual education or DAEP must include structured courses in SB 2178, by Shapleigh, D-El Paso, requires HB 1365, by Eissler, R-The Woodlands, whether human sexuality instruction will another subject area the commissioner of English language arts, mathematics, sci- the commissioner of education to establish mandates that a school district provide a RETIREMENT be provided. ence, history and self-discipline that are education determines to be a shortage area. a computer lending pilot program to make former classroom teacher, librarian, coun- HB 1191, by Flores, D-Mission, provides a equivalent in content and rigor to courses SB 1290, by Van de Putte, D-San Antonio, The teacher must perform satisfactorily on computers available for use by students and selor or nurse’s service record to a school 90-day window after the date of retirement provided in the regular classroom setting. allows a school district to assign a mentor the applicable exam within one year. their parents. district employing the individual not later for a retiree eligible for coverage to select There must be an established curriculum teacher to each classroom teacher who has than 30 days after the date of the request. If any coverage provided by the Teacher Re- HB 4294, by Branch, R-Dallas, requires SB 2248, by Zaffirini, D-Laredo, requires for each grade level that gives students an less than two years of teaching experience a district fails to do so, the TEA must pro- tirement System of Texas, or during any school districts and charters to certify that the TEA to assist the transition of foster opportunity to achieve promotion to the in the subject or grade level to which the vide information it has to the employing other open enrollment periods established they provide each student with instruc- care students from one school to another. next grade level or to graduate from high teacher is assigned. district to enable it to determine proper by rule. tional materials that cover all elements of school on the same schedule as students in placement of the individual on the district’s the TEKS. Districts can decide whether SB 2258, by Zaffirini, D-Laredo, requires HB 1259, by Kolkhorst, R-Brenham, limits regular classroom settings. SB 2033, by Nelson, R-Lewisville, states salary schedule. printed or electronic textbooks better serve the commissioner of education to award the Teacher Retirement System of Texas that a school district must adopt a grading grants to participating campuses to provide board’s authority to employ outside legal HB 1041, by Parker, R-Flower Mound, policy, including provisions for the assign- the student body. Electronic textbooks or HB 1470, by Thibaut, D-Houston, requires intensive academic instruction during sum- counsel to provide services, including mandates that a school district adopt and ment of grades on class assignments and instructional materials on the permitted list a school district to notify employees of mer recess promoting college and work ethics and fiduciary responsibilities, to the implement a policy addressing sexual abuse examinations, before each school year. A must be recommended by a panel of ex- their right to assault leave by including it in force readiness to students at risk of drop- board except as provided by current law, re- of children that must include methods for district grading policy must require a class- perts in the subject area, be aligned with the appropriate section of an employee ping out. gardless of the source of funding to pay for increasing awareness and prevention. room teacher to assign a grade that reflects current research, cover each part of the handbook or on the district’s website and to those services. the student’s relative mastery of an assign- TEKS and indicate the percentage of each SB 2262, by Zaffirini, D-Laredo, requires also include assault leave as an option on HB 192, by Alonzo, D-Dallas, requires a ment, may not require a classroom teacher essential knowledge and skill covered, and the Texas Higher Education Coordinating any leave form an employee is required to HB 2656, by Miller, R-New Braunfels, re- student to be excused to appear at a gov- to assign a minimum grade for an assign- include appropriate training for teachers. A Board to establish at institutions submit. constitutes the Teacher Retirement System ernment office to complete paperwork for ment without regard to the student’s quality panel of experts will have to make a recom- of higher education to improve the instruc- of Texas board to include eight members or application for U.S. citizenship or take part HB 2512, by Aycock, R-Killeen, provides of work and may allow a student a reason- mendation before an approved electronic tional skills of certified teachers and train trustees; two will be members of the retire- in a U.S. naturalization oath ceremony. Also that a school district grievance policy must able opportunity to make up or redo a class textbook or instructional material can be students enrolled in a teacher preparation ment system who have retired, and one will included are absences for persons with permit an audio recording to be made at assignment or examination for which the removed from the approved list. program to perform at the highest levels in have demonstrated financial expertise. autism spectrum disorder to receive a gen- any meeting or proceeding at which the student received a failing grade. mathematics, science and technology. erally recognized service with a health care HB 4435, by Allen, D-Houston, requires substance of the grievance is investigated or HB 3347, by Truitt, R-Southlake, autho- practitioner. HB 2542, by Eissler, R-The Woodlands, au- the principal of an academically unaccept- discussed. The implementation of this pol- rizes the Teacher Retirement System of EMPLOYEES thorizes a school district to excuse a stu- able campus to attend the School Leader- icy may not result in a delay of any timeline Texas to make a one time payment to quali- HB 281, by Anchia, D-Dallas, allows fed- HB 709, by Rose, D-Dripping Springs, pro- dent from attending school for not more ship Pilot Program for Principals. provided by the grievance policy and does fied retired public school employees in an eral or state funds to be used for a grant vides for a stipend under the District than two days during the student’s junior or not require the district to provide the amount not to exceed $500. Funding is program for school-based health centers. SB 90, by Van de Putte, D-San Antonio, re- Awards for Teacher Excellence program for senior year to visit an institution of higher equipment for the employee to make a dependent on a ruling by the Attorney moves barriers for military children caused a teacher who holds advanced certification HB 1297, by Hochberg, D-Houston, allows education to determine whether the stu- recording. General. by frequent moves and deployment of their from an organization that certifies at least for a flexible school day program for stu- dent is interested in attending the college or parents. 2,500 teachers in the each HB 2730, by Kolkhorst, R-Brenham, in- HB 3480, by Truitt, R-Southlake, amends dents who as a result of attendance require- .

8 TSTA ADVOCATE SUMMER 2009 9 High School celebration of Black His- tory Month brought an enthusiastic re- sponse from the student body.

NOTICE OF FILING DEADLINE FOR NEA DIRECTOR Nominations are open for NEA Direc- tor for Texas, Place 1. The election for this position will be held at the April 2010 annual convention. The individ- ual elected will serve a three-year term beginning September 1, 2010. For fur- ther information or to request a filing form, contact TSTA’s Center for Execu- tive and Governance, 316 West 12th Street, Suite 510, Austin, Texas 78701, or (877) ASK-TSTA, ext. 1514 or 1510. Nominations are due at TSTA by Sep- tember 15, 2009.

NOMINATIONS DUE FOR ESP AWARD CELEBRATING BLACK HISTORY MONTH: NEA Secretary-Treasurer Becky Pringle visits North Lamar ISD. TSTA is accepting nominations for the Ronnie Ray ESP Advocate of the Year LEGISLATIVE CONCERNS TOP Martinez; and TSTA Board of Directors award, which recognizes one educa- TSTA CONVENTION AGENDA ESP at large members Linda L. Estrada, tional support professional whose ac- Delegates called their members of Con- Raymond Flood and Lee Terrazas. View tivities reflect the contributions of ESPs gress about Social Security concerns, the photo album on our website, to public education. Nominees should were updated on the Texas legislature www.tsta.org. demonstrate outstanding accomplish- and heard from Congressman Al Green ments in one or more of the following and Houston Mayor Bill White at the BLACK HISTORY MONTH BRINGS areas: (1) support of the day-to-day ed- April TSTA state convention in Houston. NEA OFFICER TO TEXAS ucational process; (2) professional “While we’re not where we used to be, achievements in his/her classification; Judge Scott McDowell received the where we need to be, we’ve come a (3) involvement in the promotion of Frank J. Tejeda Award for Public Ser- long way,” NEA Secretary-Treasurer public education in the community; vice for his work on behalf of children, Becky Pringle told North Lamar High (4) involvement in the local, state or public schools and the North Lamar School students at two February as- national association; and (5) enhance- Reward Yourself Today. Education Foundation, which provides semblies celebrating African-American ment of the ESP image within the asso- scholarships for graduating seniors. achievement. Standing below an over- ciation, work site or community. Nom- Expedite your reservations. Enjoy faster rentals. Earn Hertz #1 Awards. Elsewhere in this issue of the Advocate sized portrait of the nation’s first inations must be submitted by a TSTA are articles about Lee Terrazas, who regional or local affiliate. The nominee Rent as a Hertz #1 Club member and you can enjoy all of these benefits, plus African-American president, painted by automatic NEA member discounts, when CDP# 50655 is included in your profile. was named TSTA Ronnie Ray ESP Ad- North Lamar students, underscored must be a TSTA educational support professional member for three years as vocate of the Year, and Claire Anderson, Pringle’s message of encouragement. To learn more about Hertz #1 Awards, and to enroll in #1 Club, visit who received the Ermalee Boice In- of January 15, 2009. Nomination forms www.hertz.com/join. structional Advocacy Award. TSTA also Alluding to racial issues that sometimes are available online at www.tsta.org or recognized outstanding communication still arise locally in the may be requested from the TSTA Cen- For reservations: visit hertz.com, call 1-800-654-2200 or call your travel agent. efforts with School Bells for the media town of Paris, Pringle told students and ter for Executive and Governance by and Pride in Communication Awards staff that “challenges present an infinite email ([email protected]) or by phone for local and regional associations. number of opportunities.” Diversity’s (800) 324-5355, ext. 1510. Submis- challenges offer opportunities to better sions should be sent to the ESP Award Delegates elected NEA directors our own lives and the lives of others, Committee, c/o TSTA President, 316 Frances A. Smith, Place 1, and Evelina she explained. West 12th Street, Austin, Texas 78701. hertz.com Loya, Place 2; TSTA Board of Directors The deadline for submitting nomina- Hertz rents Fords and other fine cars. ® Reg U.S. Pat. Off. © 2008 Hertz System, Inc. 005-08 HZ480509 supervisor at large member Jose Luis Pringle’s appearance at the North Lamar tions is 4:45 p.m. on September 30.

10 TSTA ADVOCATE SUMMER 2009 11 PLANNING PERIOD for temporary disability any time the edu- ASK OUR LEGAL TEAM Each classroom teacher is entitled to at cator’s condition interferes with perfor- least 450 minutes within each two-week mance of regular duties. The educator may period for instructional preparation, in- not be terminated while on TDL. Preg- cluding parent-teacher conferences, evalu- nancy is a condition which may qualify an Five Rights ating students’ work and planning. The employee for temporary disability leave. A planning period may not be less than 45 board of trustees may establish a maximum minutes, and it must be held within the in- length of TDL, but the maximum may not You Should Know structional day. During the planning pe- be less than 180 days. riod, a teacher may not be required to par- ticipate in any other activity. Professional leave: The board of trustees BY JOEY MOORE, TSTA GENERAL COUNSEL AND DIRECTOR OF LEGAL SERVICES may grant a developmental leave of ab- In Strater v. Houston ISD, the court said, sence for study, research, travel or other ap- I frequently present employee rights workshops to TSTA members. I am constantly sur- “The statute clearly relieves the teacher of propriate purpose to an employee who is Be aware of prised to hear that many school employees are unaware of the rights and protections af- any duty during this period of time and employed in a position that requires a forded to them under the law. prohibits the district and its administration teaching certificate and has served in the the rights and from requiring the teacher to engage in any same school district for at least five years. protections school All education professionals should at least be aware they have the following five rights: other activity the administration deter- The leave may be granted for one school mines to be useful and important.” TSTA year at half pay, or for a half a school year employees are ASSAULT LEAVE believes that this means teachers cannot at full pay. If employees are interested in entitled to under Any employee of a school district who is physically assaulted while performing his or her be required to participate in team meetings and eligible for professional leave, they regular duties is entitled to up to two years paid leave to recuperate from all physical in- or ARD meetings during their planning should check the district’s local policy to the law. juries sustained as a result of the assault. periods. see if it grants such leave.

Days of leave taken for assault leave may not be de- FINALITY OF GRADES Religious observance: While not a form of ducted from the employee’s accrued personal leave. A teacher cannot be required to change a leave, school districts are prohibited from Knowing your legal However, the employee has the responsibility to request students’ examination or course grade un- denying an educator a salary bonus or sim- rights is half the assault leave. If the request is not made by the employee, it less the district’s board of trustees deter- ilar compensation based on attendance be- is unlikely that the district will voluntarily place the employee mines the grade is arbitrary, erroneous or cause the educator was absent for observa- battle. With this on assault leave. The district has the right to investigate the as- in conflict with the district’s grading policy. tion of a holy day. The religious observance knowledge, you sault to determine if assault leave is appropriate. A determination by the board is final and must be for a religion whose place of wor- ship is exempted from property taxation. have the power to A person is “physically assaulted” if the person causing the cannot be appealed. Further, the Educa- tors’ Code of Ethics states, “Educators may injury could be prosecuted for assault, meaning the Jury duty leave: The district may not dis- make positive not falsify records, or direct or coerce oth- conduct of the person was done intentionally, know- charge, discipline, reduce the salary of or ers to do so.” changes for ingly or recklessly. It is still considered an assault even otherwise penalize or discriminate against if the person causing the injury could not be prose- yourself and your PROTECTED TYPES OF LEAVE an employee because of the employee’s cuted because of age or mental incapacity. There are several statutory forms of leave compliance with a summons to appear as a colleagues. For employees should be aware of. Here are juror. For each regularly scheduled work- DUTY-FREE LUNCH more information, just a few: day on which a non-salaried employee Classroom teachers and full-time librarians are entitled to serves in any phase of jury service, the dis- call the TSTA at least a 30-minute lunch period free from all duties and State minimum personal leave: All trict shall pay the employee the employee’s Help Center at responsibilities connected with the instruction and super- district employees shall receive at least five normal daily compensation. An employee’s vision of students. In fact, the school district cannot even personal leave days per year. These days accumulated personal leave may not be (877) ASK-TSTA. require the teacher to remain on campus or school prop- may be accrued without limit and are reduced because of the employee’s service erty during this time. transferable among districts. The board in compliance with a summons to appear of trustees may adopt a policy governing as a juror. There are a few exceptions to this rule, though. If neces- an employee’s use of leave but may not sary due to a personnel shortage, extreme economic condi- restrict the purposes for which the leave While there are many other rights and pro- tions or an unavoidable or unforeseen circumstance, a district may be used. tections for public school employees in may require a classroom teacher or librarian to supervise students state and federal statutes, these are com- during lunch, but not more than one day per week. (Notice statewide Temporary disability leave: “Full-time mon issues that arise on campuses testing is not one of these exceptions!) educators” are entitled to a leave of absence throughout the state.

12 TSTA ADVOCATE SUMMER 2009 13 Bullying also affects the students who wit- • Consider using cooperative learning pro- CREATING SAFE CLASSROOMS ness the incidents. It can give rise to a cli- jects in which students must work to- mate of fear and anxiety in school, distract- gether to attain success. ing students from their schoolwork and impeding their ability to learn. According • Give out courtesy awards to younger to a recent study, about 10 percent of stu- students for such actions as helping a BEHAVIORAL SIGNS Bullying Prevention dents are afraid during much of the school classmate with an assignment, comfort- While teachers are the ing someone who is upset, inviting a day. Students who witness their classmates adults at school who spend BY DR. KENNETH SHORE, SCHOOL AND FAMILY PSYCHOLOGIST being victimized wonder, “Am I going to be new student to join in a game or coming the most time with their stu- next?” The possibility of being bullied may to the defense of a child who is being dents, it is unrealistic to ex- pect that they will notice cause these bystanders to live in a state of bullied. every bullying incident that fear and focus on little else. This is hardly • Establish a box that students can place takes place with their stu- surprising when you consider that children dents. Bullying incidents notes in complimenting their classmates surveyed rated bullying the worst experi- often occur outside the for something they said or did. At the ence of childhood other than the death of a classroom. end of the week read these notes to the loved one. In addition, victims of bully- class. ing often fail to report inci- BULLY-PROOFING YOUR dents to teachers because • Name a “student of the week” and then they are not confident CLASSROOM develop a poster about him that includes teachers will take their con- The most effective way to deal with bully- positive comments from classmates. cerns seriously or they fear ing is to prevent it from happening in the retaliation. As a result, bully- ing is a problem that some- first place. The following are some specific • Have a class meeting periodically in times escapes detection by teaching strategies to bully-proof your which students gather in a circle and teachers. classroom. compliment or express appreciation to a This makes it all the more classmate. Only allow positive comments important that teachers be Foster a climate of cooperation and caring. Children surveyed and make sure that all students are ac- on the lookout for behavioral You can help to prevent bullying by the rated bullying the knowledged at least every other meeting. signs suggesting that a child tone you set in your classroom. More specif- You may need to get the ball rolling by is being bullied, such as: ically, you can send an anti-bullying mes- worst experience being the first to talk about an act of • frequent school absences sage by reinforcing acts of kindness and kindness by a student. • anxiety or fearfulness dur- of childhood other communicating values of tolerance, respect ing class than the death of and responsibility. • Have a courtesy display on the bulletin • difficulty focusing board. When you observe an act of kind- • unusual sadness a loved one. The most effective way to foster a caring at- • withdrawal from peers ness by one of your students, describe • a decline in academic per- titude in your classroom is to model this the act with the student’s name on a 3 x 5 formance behavior yourself by relating in a warm, card or a heart-shaped piece of paper and • not eating lunch sympathetic way with your students with- • avoidance of certain tack it to the display. Encourage students out talking down to them. As the saying school areas Being taunted or attacked physically can be one of the most to tell you about actions of classmates for goes, example is the best teacher. • clingy behavior painful experiences of childhood and can leave lasting psychological posting on the display, or have them • frequent visits to the school nurse Here are some specific strategies for pro- write out the cards and submit them to scars. Victims of bullying may experience anxiety, low self-esteem, • torn clothing or bruises moting a cooperative and caring climate in you. This may give rise to a chain reac- depression and in some cases even suicidal thoughts. They may your classroom: tion of compliments that has a conta- Of course, the more of these gious effect on your class. behaviors exhibited by a come to view school, where most incidents of bullying take • Avoid sarcasm or put-downs of any kind. student, the more reason to Catch the bullying student being kind. suspect bullying. place, as an unsafe, anxiety-provoking environment and may be If you are taking a child to task for mis- behaving, you can talk to him in a firm Make a special effort to find something afraid of attending. Some may even refuse to go to school rather manner and get your point across with- positive to say about students who are out being rude or impolite. prone to unkind behavior, even if it is a than face the ordeal of bullying. In fact, a study by the National small gesture. As an example, you might Association of School Psychologists estimates that 160,000 children • Incorporate into your classroom lessons praise a student if you see him/her acting activities that promote understanding of in a caring or helpful manner to a class- miss school every day for fear of being bullied. students who are different. mate. Describe the specific behavior that

14 TSTA ADVOCATE SUMMER 2009 15 you observed as you praise him/her. should do if they are bullied or they specific concerns they have. Tell speak English as a second language or Have them tally the results and pre- Encourage bystanders to bullying to Do this publicly (unless you think it see a classmate being bullied. them the best time to do this. are new to the school. Students who sent them in the form of bar graphs, take action. While you may not would be embarrassing) to encourage are isolated from their classmates are using percentages. In addition to rais- always observe bullying incidents, the • Tell your students that you will take other children to engage in similar acts If you are not comfortable holding a particularly vulnerable to being bul- ing their awareness about bullying, likelihood is that some of your stu- reports of bullying seriously and of kindness. As an example, you might classroom meeting, you may want to lied. You can reduce their chances of this will help them practice and dents will. These witnesses can thus there will be consequences for stu- say to a student: “Seth, it was so nice of invite a school counselor or school psy- being a victim by helping them become apply math skills in a meaningful way. play a valuable role in reducing dents who engage in this behavior. you to sit with Julio after he hurt him- chologist to conduct the meeting with more connected to and involved with bullying behavior. They can do this by self on the playground. That was a very After you have made these points, en- you. You may also want to attend a their peers. As examples, you might in- • Draw a large picture of a child on the telling the bully to stop what he is blackboard, then ask your students to caring thing to do.” gage your students in an age-appropri- staff development workshop on this tegrate them into activities (especially doing, by distracting the bully by ate discussion to help them understand topic. on the playground), pair them with describe the characteristics of a bully getting him to focus on something else, Hold a classroom meeting early in how bullying can be hurtful. Some students who are likely to be accepting as you write them on the picture. This by reaching out to the victim in Role-play social situations with your the year to discuss bullying. This is possible topics: and make sure they sit with other chil- exercise will help to communicate friendship or support, and most students. Consider having students as- an activity that all teachers can do with dren during lunch. what is appropriate and inappropriate importantly by informing a school • You might ask them to talk about their classes, even with students as sume the roles of bully, victim and by- behavior and also convey what chil- staff member. Tell them that doing times they have been bullied (without young as five or six. It may be difficult stander and give them common social Inform other school staff about po- dren think of bullies in the hope that nothing is saying to the bully that it is mentioning names) and to describe to find time to hold these meetings, es- situations where bullying might occur tential bullying situations. If you be- it will discourage potential bullies. okay to hurt other students. Also make how it felt. In this way you are helping pecially at the middle school level, but and have them act them out. come aware of a bullying incident in the point that if they laugh at the to promote empathy, an important ele- Closely supervise areas where bully- it is likely to be time well spent. Just your classroom, make sure to inform bully’s behavior or go along with his ment in preventing bullying. The following are some situations that other personnel who come into contact ing is likely. Bullying often takes place actions, they are contributing to the discussing the problem of bullying you might have students role play: with your class will raise their aware- with the students, including special bullying. subject teachers and paraprofessionals, ness of the issue and help to decrease Ask the class why • a student calls you a name You can help Because students may be reluctant to bullying incidents. You may want to re- so they can monitor their behavior. inform an adult for fear they will be • a student cuts in front of you in line visit the issue of bullying at periodic Present classroom lessons that have seen as a tattletale, it is important to class meetings throughout the year. they think students prevent bullying • a student takes the ball away from a bullying theme. You have a range of stress to them that telling an adult about bullying is vastly different from You might begin the meeting by show- you on the playground opportunities to integrate bullying into bully. The reasons by being especially tattling on a student. You might make your academic lessons. Here are some ing your class a video or having them • a classmate doesn’t let you join in a the point that telling is what you do to examples: read a story about bullying. Then fol- they offer may game during recess vigilant and get someone out of trouble and tattling low this up with a class discussion. • Read a book to your students about a is what you do to get someone in trou- Consider seating your students in a cir- After the role play, have your students deter some students child who is bullied (or if old enough visible during ble. Make sure they know that if they cle so that everyone can see each other. talk about how they felt and what they have them read it aloud) and then do come to you with a report of bully- While you want to encourage discus- might have said or done differently. In from acting in lead your students in a discussion of less structured ing that you will keep their name sion, begin by making some key this way, students can have a chance to how a victim of bullying might feel, anonymous. points, including the following: try out their own responses and hear this way. why bullies might behave that way, activities. what their classmates might say and One way of doing this is to have a box how the victim might respond to the • Describe what you mean by bullying, do. Give them feedback by having in your classroom where students can bully and how other children might deposit notes about any concerns they perhaps offering examples. • Consider volunteering your own them consider whether their response in areas of the school that have mini- help the victim. Books about bullying have. It is better if the box is not re- school experiences when you or a is likely to get their point across with- mal supervision such as the play- • Make it clear that bullying behavior can be comforting to students who stricted to issues of bullying so that classmate was bullied. out angering or provoking the other ground, the lunchroom, the bathroom of any kind is unacceptable and not have been victims and can spark students submitting bullying concerns student. If you find that younger stu- and even the back of the classroom. permitted in school while stating an • Ask the class why they think students ideas about how they might handle a cannot be identified. dents are unable to role play these While some of these areas are outside underlying value, namely, that all bully. The reasons they offer may difficult social situation in the future. situations, you might act them out of your control, you can help prevent A school and family psycholo- children are to be treated with deter some students from acting in using puppets and then engage them • After talking with your class about bullying by being especially vigilant gist with over 30 years of experience, Dr. respect. this way. in a discussion. what bullying is and is not, present and visible during less structured activ- Kenneth Shore has written six books, in- • When you describe to your students • Discuss the importance of supporting some scenarios to your students and ities. As an example, if you are a mid- cluding “Elementary Teacher’s Discipline Closely monitor students who are at your classroom rules, make sure that classmates who are targets of bullying ask them whether or not they meet dle school teacher, you may be able to Problem Solver,” and appeared on various high risk for being bullied. Children “No bullying” is among them. (You while stressing the importance of in- the definition of bullying. deter bullying in the hallway by stand- television and radio programs. He has also might post these rules next to the forming an adult. are more prone to being bullied if they ing in your classroom doorway as stu- developed a bullying prevention program • Have your upper elementary or mid- clock so your students see them are withdrawn from their classmates, dents are changing classes. Similarly titled “The ABC’s of Bullying Prevention,” often.) • At the end of the discussion, tell your stand out in some way (for example, they dle school class design a survey you need to scan your classroom regu- which is available as a book or DVD. students that you are available to are short, overweight or have an accent), about bullying and then have your larly during unstructured activities to Email him at [email protected] or visit • Inform your students what they talk with them privately about any attend special education programs, students complete it anonymously. detect possible peer problems. http://drkennethshore.nprinc.com.

16 TSTA ADVOCATE SUMMER 2009 17 NEA’S KEYS TO EXCELLENCE Improving Schools Pflugerville Stakeholders Make a Plan with NEA’s Help

WHY TSTA/NEA? “KEYS is the first

us to analyze that and respond to it,” Ein- time we have used falt said. any of TSTA/NEA instructional tools. As teacher Scott Galler put it, “You gave us People have com- the tools. We’ll go build the house.” mented that more Nacson said NEA will be closely watching real conversations Pflugerville’s progress. “We’re very interested about changes in tracking the changes that occur. We’ve needed on their Watch for a trailer of seen success in many, many places,” he said. In Green Bay, , it significantly in- couldn’t really share the data,” said Laurie campuses have creased indicator scores and student Einfalt, Pflugerville ISD human resources NEA’s new KEYS KEYS is already making a difference. “Staff happened than with achievement. In Springfield, Massachu- director. “DeAnn Henley, president of have earned a place at the table to make training video, shot setts, it’s enabled the local association and Pflugerville Educators Association, spoke any other survey.” Year, said. “To see it finally together—where real change on their campuses,” Henley school district to finally work together. with me about the KEYS instrument, how are the concerns and where is everything said. “The Campus Advisory Council plan DeAnn Henley, in Pflugerville, at the it really had the power to reflect teacher going right?—it really lays the information is based on KEYS data, as is campus and Pflugerville Educators KEYS, Keys to Excellence for Your Schools, voice and went so far beyond campus cul- NEA Representative out so we can go back and ask our staff, ‘This professional development. Staff reference Association president is NEA’s comprehensive, research-based, ture, looking at so many variables that con- Assembly this July. data-driven program for continuous school tribute to high performing schools.” is obviously an area we all feel needs some KEYS data at district meetings.” improvement, the result of a 15-year col- attention, so what can we do?’ Our campus Going through the KEYS process has been laboration of educators, school district ad- “We had a lot of members complaining as a whole felt teacher mentoring was very good for the local association, as well, she ministrators, parents and business and they had no opportunity for input on deci- low; if it’s not being provided by the district, community leaders—everyone with a stake sions at their campus or district level,” what can we do as a campus to meet the said. “We have experienced a large growth in improving public schools. Henley said. “When the district began talk- needs of those teachers?” in membership this spring. We have also ing about doing some form of survey again, gained active members. “KEYS helps members create better working PEA asked to be part of the process of “I don’t know how you find out what the environments and do a better job,” NEA’s choosing a tool. It was a chance to give climate on your campus is in any other “There were members who belonged to the Jacques Nacson said. “It’s a very good prod- everyone a voice, as opposed to bringing way” than the KEYS survey, Kurt Wrinkle, organization but didn’t participate in any- uct. We’ve tested it against other products on 24 grievances from throughout the district.” principal of Pflugerville High School, said. thing,” Henley said. “They stepped up and the market, and it constantly comes out tops.” “You can go out and ask a person how he took on the job of being a building repre- The school board approved KEYS and in feels about his campus, and he can give sentative for the KEYS teams. Many of More than 600 school communities have February, NEA sent Nacson to help stake- you his opinion, but with KEYS, you’ve got these people have become ‘key’ members.” used the program since 1996; Pflugerville holders take the first step: find out what’s your entire campus and some of the com- began the process this spring. working and what isn’t. munity members and staff saying, ‘This is FIND OUT: how our campus is.’ It gives you a better • About KEYS www.keysonline.org “We had done the organizational health in- They were impressed. “They asked questions picture than just one person’s opinion.” ventory and, while we felt we got some that have never been asked of the school or • About the NEA Foundation good results from that, there was so much of the community about the individual cam- “KEYS is a wonderful opportunity for the www.neafoundation.org secrecy involved in that instrument. You pus,” Cindy Ward, district Teacher of the district to hear the collective voice and for • About other NEA programs www.nea.org

18 TSTA ADVOCATE SUMMER 2009 19 ESP OF THE YEAR

Technically, Terrazas is a physical education A recent example of the cadre’s work: “One assistant, responsible for helping coaches day, I got a call from custodians who were with daily classroom activities such as set- working in a closed building without air up, teaching assistance, student discipline conditioning, running water or toilet facili- and parent contacts. Her other duties in- ties,” Terrazas said. “I called an assistant su- clude morning and afternoon crossing perintendent, and the next day the district guard duty, lunch playground duty and after provided ice chests of water and Gatorade; school detention. During her 25 years, she the supervisors hooked up a portable with has substituted for all grade levels. a new refrigerator and microwave; and the custodians were given longer breaks and an In the evening, she studies early childhood extended lunch.” education at the University of Texas at El Paso. Her goal is to complete her education Terrazas finds the time to be involved at WHY TSTA/NEA? degree in early childhood through fourth the state and national levels of TSTA/NEA grade and teach at Ascarate Elementary. as well. She is a member of the TSTA Board “I work hard to of Directors, has been a delegate to the educate those in my “Lee is a leader in the workplace because she TSTA and NEA conventions, went to two community about routinely takes the initiative to start pro- national NEA conferences for education jects that might otherwise go undone, and support professionals and attended the the value of the ESP, then she gives 100% of herself to that effort,” NEA Minority Leadership and Western Re- and I work hard to “My involvement TSTA President Rita Haecker said. “Her gift gion Leadership Conferences. politically empower with TSTA/NEA is the ability to turn ordinary circum- my ESP members. stances into extraordinary opportunities.” She also has attended TSTA’s legislative and has made me a political action training, been a legislative TSTA/NEA is the best vehicle to accomplish strong advocate That’s why she was named this year’s TSTA cadre participant and worked hard for the Ronnie Ray Education Support Professional TSTA-Political Action Committee with this work.” for students, Advocate of the Year, and she is TSTA’s both her actions and her dollars, as a con- Lee Terrazas, Ysleta nominee for NEA ESP of the Year. tinuing contributor. Working polls and Teachers Association teachers and phone banks, she has helped elect pro-ed- education support “Lee strives to make parents and grand- ucation local school board candidates. parents feel welcome, and she encourages professionals.” them to become involved,” Haecker said. “It doesn't matter where I am or who I am “She especially loves her students and goes with, if I hear that someone is with the out of her way to build their self esteem school system, I invite them to join the and make sure each and every child feels strongest association in the world. It is easy important and successful, because, as she for me to advocate for public schools when Taking the Initiative says, ‘each child’s personal best is different.’” I have the knowledge and the support of a great team!” Education Support Professional of the Year Gives100% As a member of the YTA member rights cadre for three years, Terrazas has pro- FIND OUT: tected her colleagues as well. While helping parents and children cross the street safely each morning, Lee Terrazas prac- • How to nominate someone for the TSTA Ron- tices conversation skills with the ones she knows are trying to learn English. It’s just the nie Ray ESP Advocate of the Year Award “My involvement with TSTA/NEA has http://www.tsta.org/news/current/awards.shtml way she is. made me a strong advocate for students, • About the March NEA ESP Conference in Las “With her daily job and attending school by night, she still finds time to help everyone else, teachers and education support profession- Vegas http://www.nea.org/grants/31430.htm too,” Arlinda Valencia, former Ysleta Teachers Association president, said. als,” she said. “Helping members to feel comfortable and confident knowing that • How to be a TSTA-Political Action Committee For 25 years—three generations—Terrazas has tried to make every child at Ascarate Ele- TSTA/NEA is there to support them is what continuing contributor http://www.tsta.org/leg- mentary in Ysleta ISD feel important and successful. makes me proud.” islative/update/pac.shtml

20 TSTA ADVOCATE SUMMER 2009 21 ERMALEE BOICE AWARD

“Claire is fiercely protective of her students Advocacy Award she received in April, said while at the same time expecting them to she also is an invaluable part of the North rise above their individual problems and Lamar TSTA/NEA local association. use academics as the catalyst to help them “Claire has been instrumental in promoting escape whatever has been dealt them,” the organization at all levels,” Winfrey said. teacher Stephen Smallwood said. “As a graduate of TSTA’s Ambassador Acad- “When young mothers return to my emy, she has added her new expertise to classroom after being taught by Claire, I everything from recruiting new members notice that there is strength and wisdom and planning districtwide inservice presen- that hadn’t been there before. She has WHY TSTA/NEA? tations, to organizing local political action instilled them with responsibility and con- committees. She is the go-to person for “The political scene vinced these youngsters that life is not a anything we need; if she doesn’t know how is the arena, and dress rehearsal.” to do it, she will find someone who does.” political action is the When she took the position of homebound vehicle to success. Anderson said she loves the leadership ac- instructor, Anderson rewrote the job de- My local, state and tivities, political discussions and network- scription, Dr. Linda Winfrey said. “Claire national associations ing she’s experienced while attending NEA has brought the program to a whole new conferences. allow me, a rural level. She believes that students at home girl, have even more of a need for a good “I am unable to contain my enthusiasm a front-row seat in teacher. After all, how will they otherwise when I return from an association event. keeping our public be prepared to return to the classroom, and My professional membership in TSTA al- how will they be prepared for TAKS? school system lows my knowledge base to increase at viable.” warp speed,” she said. “Opportunities “That’s why you will see Claire Anderson abound for emerging leaders and passion- Claire Anderson, North sitting in a chemistry class, brushing up on ate ‘politickers.’ These events make me Lamar TSTA/NEA the content that one of her students needs. proud of my profession and ready to work And that’s why you will also see her sitting “When young harder. An Advocate in Every in any number of math classes and attend- mothers return to ing conferences,” Winfrey said. “She is the “While in college, I belonged to TSTA/NEA my classroom after epitome of a professional educator, one and didn’t get involved. My first year of being taught by Sense of the Word whose focus is always on what is best for teaching was no different — I was a ‘dues students.” Claire, I notice that payer’ only,” Anderson said. “Not now, though. I’m going for the gusto, protecting there is strength and Above the door to Claire Anderson’s office are the words “Against All Odds.” Anderson believes listening to her students one of the most precious rights granted by wisdom that hadn’t is almost as important as teaching them. our government: a free public education for “As the homebound teacher for our district, it says it all for me. Many of our students have “What will students remember? Will they been there before.” ALL children.” beaten the odds just to be able to receive my services,” Anderson said. “I strive to find ways remember the facts we taught them or the Stephen Smallwood, to reach them and rekindle their desire to learn and love school. Widening the lens through labs we conducted? Maybe. But they will North Lamar TSTA/NEA FIND OUT: which my students peer and creating an atmosphere that lets them find their voice is my president definitely remember how we encouraged • How to nominate someone for the TSTA passion.” them with a glance, a moment listening, a Ermalee Boice Instructional Advocacy Award bright smile and an open heart,” she said. http://www.tsta.org/news/current/awards.shtml Some of her students are battling life-threatening illnesses; some face the challenges of teen • How to apply for the TSTA Ambassador Acad- parenthood. But Anderson believes that every one of her North Lamar ISD students can Anderson’s colleagues, who nominated her emy http://www.tsta.org/inside/calendar/ succeed academically, no matter the odds. for the TSTA Ermalee Boice Instructional ambassador.shtml

22 TSTA ADVOCATE SUMMER 2009 23 ACTING LOCALLY

Reading Across America On or around March 2, many TSTA ing a Thing One costume, read • NEA-Dallas President Dale Kaiser locals observed NEA’s Read Across “The Best Nest.” Slider Middle reads at Henderson Elementary. America, the annual celebration held School’s advanced mariachi group on Dr. Seuss’ birthday to promote entertained. • Hurst-Euless-Bedford ISD librari- reading. In the photos, clockwise ans put on their hats. Third from • Spring Branch Education Associa- from above: left on the bottom row is Marcia tion donated books to Houston Ju- Zorn, TSTA building representative • TSTA President Rita Haecker nior Achievement for use in their and librarian at Shady Oaks Ele- (above) and Vice President Jason Biztown simulated city “book mentary, who presented $400 Hillman (page 25) read to Metz El- store.” Thousands of Houston chil- worth of TSTA local support mate- ementary students at the invitation dren participate in Biztown, which rials to all district elementaries. of Education Austin. gives elementary students an op- • In Socorro, National Junior Honor portunity to learn about econom- FIND OUT Society, student council and ics, civics, finance and cooperation speech members distributed book- by participating in a mock city set- • About NEA’s Read Across America marks, pencils and stickers. Board ting for a day. Pictured from left to and get ideas for promoting reading year round www.nea.org/readacross president Karen Blaine read right are: SBEA Board Member “Green Eggs and Ham” while Stacey Thomas, Bryan Plocek of Ju- • How to download a free digital wearing a “Cat in the Hat” hat, and nior Achievement and SBEA Board book each month from kidthing board member Tanya Loya, wear- Member Janie Walton. http://www.kidthing.com/nea

24 TSTA ADVOCATE SUMMER 2009 25 Mattie Ford, Betty Jo Brown, Fran Valenzuela, Frank Colbert Jr., Johnetta Locals in Action Williams and Letha Grace McCoy rep- resented Texas at the NEA-Retired DEER PARK Western Regional Conference in Port- land, . We got the latest infor- Two flags are now permanently housed in the Deer Park ISD mation on issues relating to retired administration building, next to a plaque that says they were school employees, including the news donated by TSTA Region 3C. The group donated the U.S. that our Social Security concerns for the repeal of the Offset/Windfall Provi- and Texas flags in appreciation for being allowed to use the sions are being heard. building for meetings. TSTA Region 3C President Gordon The TSTA-Retired Annual Meeting and Gauthier presents the plaque to Superintendent Arnold Adair. TSTA State Convention in Houston were well attended. Thanks to JoAnn Peschel for arranging two workshops relating to health care and to Liz Picone, NEA LAREDO ESPS Member Benefits, for updating us on our benefits. TSTA members came to Austin during Spring Break to

We also thank our Retired delegates, lobby the legislature on education issues. Shown in the Nancy Calfee, Paul Haupt, Barbara photo are education support professionals from Laredo Effenberger, Ann Price Ouzts, Johnetta who met with TSTA President Rita Haecker at headquar- Williams, Gladis G. Wallace, Jerry Watkins, Fran Valenzuela, Bobbie ters before heading across the street to the Capitol. Duncan, JoAnn Peschel, Betty J. Brown, Connie DeLuna, Jay-Ann Rucker, Eddie Spence, Earl Dredge, Frank Colbert Jr. and Letha Grace McCoy for representing our members at the TSTA Convention. REGIONS 2C & 2D Letha Grace McCoy, Fran Valenzuela “Enlightened Leadership,” a book by Ed Oakley and Doug and Johnetta Williams are our TSTA-R delegates to the NEA-Retired Annual Krug, was the focus of a retreat for Regions 2C and 2D in Meeting and NEA Representative As- Marble Falls this spring. TSTA staff members Jason Wylie, sembly in San Diego this summer. Fran Valenzuela hopes to represent NEA-Re- Chris Vargas, Gonzalo Becerra-Weir and Antonio Galindo tired on the NEA Resolutions Commit- also covered relational organizing, member benefits, orga- tee. The NEA-R Annual Meeting will MARDI GRAS IN KINGWOOD meeting, and there are many opportu- nizational development and membership recruitment. present issues relating to the retired In the top photo, Be a Teacher Club nities to work with the community. needs, and our delegates will be a part President Karen Behrend drives a deco- of the NEA RA representing the Retired rated golf cart in the Lone Star College- NEWS FROM TSTA-RETIRED in the business of the NEA. Kingwood Mardi Gras parade February Attention, Pre-Retired Life TSTA-Re- COLLEGE STATION 24. The Be a Teacher Club is TSTA-Stu- tired/NEA-Retired Members: Did you Finally, I want to thank you. I have dent Program’s chapter at the college. retire this year? If you did, you will truly appreciated your support and College Station Education Association participated in Ana Silva, wearing a hat, walks behind need to contact TSTA Membership votes to give me the opportunity to Bryan's march and rally to commemorate the birthday of the golf cart. ([email protected]) and activate your Re- represent TSTA-Retired. Serving as a Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. Shown are CSEA members tired membership. Congratulations! board member, secretary/treasurer, vice Below, Vice President Lisa Armstrong president and president have been Lucious Clemmons, Gwen Elder and Bobby Slovak (far signs up members during Club Rush in TSTA-Retired officers for 2009-10 will such honors. Trying to meet your March. To accommodate student sched- be President Johnetta Williams, Vice right) with students from A&M Consolidated High School. needs and moving TSTA-Retired for- ules, the Be a Teacher Club meets the President Jay-Ann Rucker, Secretary ward to being a stronger association first Monday of every month at 12:30 Bobbie Duncan, Treasurer JoAnn have been my goals. p.m. and the first Thursday at 4 p.m. Peschel and Immediate Past President Guest speakers are featured at each Letha Grace McCoy. —Letha Grace McCoy

26 TSTA ADVOCATE SUMMER 2009 27 TSTA-STUDENT PROGRAM Meet Chris Padron He’s the New President of the TSTA-Student Program

WHY TSTA/NEA? “As members of TSTA/NEA, we fight for the rights of TSTA-Student Program’s officers for 2009-10 are, teachers, the rights left to right on the preceding page, Vice President Angela Hammonds of State University, of our students and President Chris Padron of - Clear Lake and Secretary Nicole Smith of Texas A&M the improvement University. Shown presenting workshops at the of public schools group’s March 27-29 state convention in Austin are Rose Champion of the University of Texas at and instruction. I “The power Brownsville and Bryan Weatherford, TSTA What's your background? tential. When I graduated from high Leadership Development UniServ Specialist. am very proud of the people is I was born in Houston but raised in school, I heard someone calling my name. I to say I belong to Pasadena. After I got through with my ba- looked up and to my surprise, it was Mrs. amazing: 3.2 me now as a student, I know that they will TSTA/NEA.” sics at San Jacinto College-Central Campus Kerber. She was there to see me graduate. affect my profession as a whole and my fu- million members in Pasadena, I transferred to the University Chris Padron, University of Why did you join TSTA-Student Program? ture career as a teacher. of Houston-Clear Lake. I complete my first Houston-Clear Lake is a huge number, I first joined TSTA-Student Program during year there this summer. What do you want to accomplish as my spring semester at San Jacinto College. and to be a part TSTA-Student Program president? Why do you want to teach? My mathematics professor, Mrs. Eska, an- college peers across the state of Texas. I My goal as president is to help the Student of that NEA voice I want to be a bilingual education teacher nounced that she was an advisor for TSTA- also enjoy the district and state conven- Program strengthen in the way it functions because I believe that bilingual education is SP, and she invited our class to a meeting. I is truly something tions that are offered through TSTA-SP (build better communication routes key for English speakers and non-English went, not knowing what to expect. She special.” with the help of TSTA, because the work- through state, district and local officers and speakers alike. Learning two languages and talked about the TSTA-SP state convention shops that we attend are very informative members), strengthen the membership learning how to excel in each language aca- and encouraged us to become members. So tools for our future careers. count and help the Student Program be- demically makes people in our society I did. The state convention made a huge come the most crucial tool that college stu- more marketable in terms of job opportu- impression on me, and I have been want- Why is it important to join a dents need to have as they pursue their de- nities, and it helps break down language ing to be involved with TSTA ever since. professional association? gree in education. barriers that exist, especially in certain No matter what career path people choose areas of Texas. What do you like about TSTA and NEA? to follow, it is always important to find and What's the SP theme for the The power of the people is amazing: 3.2 belong to a professional association. As next school year? My inspiration to become a teacher came million members is a huge number, and to members of TSTA/NEA, we fight for the The theme for this year is "I teach! What is from my intermediate school teacher, Mrs. be a part of that NEA voice is truly some- rights of teachers, the rights of our students your super power?" It means teachers are Kerber, who is also a TSTA member! She thing special. Personally, I enjoy all the net- and the improvement of public schools and super heroes just like doctors, lawyers, po- was the first teacher to show me that she working opportunities that I have through instruction. I am very proud to say I belong litical leaders and many other profession- cared for her students' success, and she TSTA, and I enjoy meeting new people to TSTA/NEA because even though some of als. Teachers possess super powers to help helped all of us in our class reach our po- from all levels of NEA, TSTA and my own the things we are fighting for may not affect students succeed academically and in life.

28 TSTA ADVOCATE SUMMER 2009 29 is, all professional development decisions ment. Because of this, TEA requires that IN THE CLASSROOM come from the CAC. Though the range of every district design and implement an this group’s power is limited to the build- improvement plan. The plan includes ing, the CAC’s power runs very deep. Join many things, such as dropout prevention, this committee if you can. If you do not classroom management policies and have time, or if you are not allowed to achievement gap issues. In other words, join, make sure your voice is heard by decisions may come from the school board, talking to your colleagues that are on your but the DAC ensures the board’s decisions school’s CAC. (and the administration’s performance) are reported publicly. Your School’s Parent Teacher Association: Parents have a large input on how a school Texas Education Code charges the DAC is run. The officers in your building’s Par- with, “establishing and reviewing the dis- ent Teacher Association (PTA) or Parent trict’s and campuses’ educational plans, Teacher Organization (PTO) are among the goals, performance objectives, and major most powerful outside forces on your classroom instructional programs.” The school. Typically, their suggestions are taken DAC is a powerful committee, with author- Teachers are busy seriously, and their meetings are regularly ity over the entire district. There are a lim- attended by the school’s chief administrator. ited number of spots on this committee people, and these available to teachers, and you may have to meetings and Your presence at meetings shows important wait a few years to secure a place on the people that you care about parents’ roles in committee. Just remember this: if you committees take their children’s education. This can lead to aren’t on the DAC, you should let your positive connections with powerful people. ideas be known to someone who is. more time from a

There are There is another very important fact about School Board Meetings: You may not find busy schedule. your PTA or PTO: they often have money committees and yourself on any of the above committees, Nevertheless, they Gaining aVoice to disburse. Bake sales, raffles, flower sales but it makes sense to attend at least one or boards that meet and other fundraisers are designed specifi- two school board meetings per year. School are real opportunities Use District and Campus Committees to Improve Your Life, Career cally to put funds into your school, but board meetings take two forms. The first is at the campus and to have a say in how members are often unsure about the best the typical meeting, where board members district level that have BY DR. PAUL HENLEY, TSTA TEACHING AND LEARNING SPECIALIST place to disburse those funds. If you are at take final votes on important issues. The your school and your a meeting when funding decisions are second kind of meeting is less formal. That a significant impact Many teachers believe that too many others make all the decisions that are most crucial in made, you have a strong chance of gaining meeting is called a board workshop. district work. Life is accomplishing their jobs. Often they are correct. Daily classroom activities, in large part, are the supplies and materials that you want on your career. controlled through mandates from the Texas Education Agency (TEA) and the United for your classroom. You can join the PTA Each type of meeting takes place once per run by the people States Department of Education. On top of that, teachers are bound by policies set at the or PTO for less than $10. After all, you are month. Prior to the meeting, the board will who show up. Make district level and rules at the campus level. the T in the PTA. post its agenda on the district’s website. That is the easiest way to determine which sure you do that! Despite all the controls on your teaching, there are some key opportunities for you to be- DISTRICT LEVEL DECISIONS meetings you should attend. If there is come one of the decision-makers in your career. There are committees and boards that The District Academic Advisory Coun- something on the agenda that you feel meet at the campus and district level that have a significant impact on your career and give cil: In general, school decisions (including should include your input, you are allowed you the opportunity to have input on your day-to-day situation. Joining these groups, or your salary) are made by your local school to speak to the board at a regular meeting even giving members your input, can give you a voice in the control of your classroom. board. However, the State of Texas requires as a member of the public. Testimony is every district to report their situation and usually limited to three minutes, so keep CAMPUS LEVEL DECISIONS progress to a group that represents teach- any testimony to 450 words or so. The Campus Advisory Council: Texas Education Code mandates that schools practice ers, administrators, specialists, parents and These meetings are also a time to meet site-based decision making. Each campus has its own steering committee, called the Cam- community members. That group is called board members and determine which pus Advisory Council (CAC). Among other things, this group is charged with: the District Academic Advisory Council, or members are “teacher-friendly.” Attending DAC. A DAC should meet monthly. • Assessing the school’s current academic performance board meetings allows you to get to know • Setting campus performance objectives Each year, TEA produces reports on every the board members…and have them get to • Creating a plan to meet these objectives, including timelines, staff needs and other resources public school district in Texas. It doesn’t know you. School board meetings matter. matter how academically strong a district They have a very strong impact on your Perhaps most important, the CAC has sole authority over campus staff development. That may be; there is always room for improve- salary, benefits and working conditions.

30 TSTA ADVOCATE SUMMER 2009 31 For the latest news, go to www.tsta.org. Nonprofit Org. U.S. Postage Texas State Teachers Association PAID 316 West 12th Street Texas State Austin, Texas 78701 Teachers Assoc.

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