2018 Legislative TENNESSEE EDUCATION ASSOCIATION Victories PUBLIC SCHOOL poster pg. 4-5 ADVOCATE LEGISLATIVE REPORT | May 7, 2018 | VOLUME 4, ISSUE 7 Final legislative day’s successful push for blanket TNReady protection Speaker Beth “It’s not about Republicans or negative consequences to teachers Harwell and Democrats, it’s about educators,” said stemming from use of the invalid data Minority Leader Rep. Matthew Hill (R-Jonesboro) on from this year’s test. Craig Fitzhugh the Nashville five o’clock news. Hill’s Key senators and the administration led the House in statement came during the final battle to were content with what had already bipartisan work remove remaining issues with TNReady passed. That is when TEA members data use, and highlighted TEA’s political sprang into action. efforts to build pro-public education majorities in the General Assembly. The last week of session saw the senate flooded with member calls telling “We know friends of education are on lawmakers how TNReady failures were both sides of the aisle,” said TEA lobbyist impacting their students and classrooms. Jim Wrye. “Watching a remarkable The Senate held a testing hearing, and united House push for fairness, and the House held a second emergency friends in the Senate ready to vote, committee hearing after fielding showed lawmakers not only want to hundreds of calls and emails. Social support teachers, they know teachers media efforts kept up a steady drumbeat will support them.” of issues and calls for action. The General Assembly had passed The House heard the teachers’ voice. legislation the previous week preventing decisions for teachers on termination On the session’s last day, the majority and compensation using TNReady House Republican Caucus held an scores. Yet there remained potential Hold-harmless cont. page 7 What is the With another failure, next step? time to reassess the One word: assessment system elections! Hold-harmless legislation is a temporary and superficial The victory of hold-harmless has solution for a much deeper-rooted problem. members and parents asking what the Teachers aren’t opposed to tests when used as tools to next step is in addressing the problems of TNReady, confusing accurately measure student performance and identify portfolios, discrepancies in state scores compared to ACT, and a problem areas. Teachers use tests in their classroom all variety of other critical Tennessee education issues. That step is the time. The problem occurs when standardized tests electing people ready to work on solutions. do not accurately measure anything, yet are used to This will be a watershed election year with a chance to elect a new make high-stakes decisions for students, teachers and governor who has tremendous power to change the direction of schools. education. More than one-third of the General Assembly seats “The root of the problem with Tennessee’s testing are open, and dozens more have competitive primaries. There are struggles is not about technology failures,” said TEA friends of education in every race. Critical elections cont. page 8 Reassessing the assessment cont. page 6 Driving state dollars to teacher paychecks New language inserted into the state budget should give local associations leverage to drive state dollars into paychecks. As part of the ongoing TEA pay effort, House Finance House Finance Ways chairman Rep. Charles Sargent (R-Franklin) & Means chairman placed the rider into the appropriations bill Rep. Charles Sargent stating “it is the legislative intent to provide (R-Franklin), led the a pool of funds for employee salary increases effort to get state Driving dollars into paychecks funds into teacher cont. page 7 paychecks THE STRONGEST VOICE FOR SCHOOLS AND EDUCATORS Dear State Representatives: Time to shift organized Thank you for listening! action to August elections By TEA President Barbara Gray By TEA Executive Director Carolyn Crowder

Dear Tennessee State Representatives, I view the end of the legislative session the same We have been through a lot together during the way I used to view the end of the school year past two years. We haven’t always agreed, but we when I was in the classroom. It’s a time for relief have accomplished a lot of great things together and celebration, but it’s also time for reflection. It in the best interest of our students. is a time to look back to identify the things that went really well and reflect upon the things that This session, though, you stepped up a in big you to improve on in the next year - or this case, way for all Tennessee students and teachers. the next legislative session. When reports started coming in about problems with TNReady on its very first day, you didn’t This was an unusual session for the association. turn to the Department of Education. You came Traditional private school vouchers and the usual straight to your teachers. Your constituents. You attacks on the association were dead and buried wanted to know directly from us what exactly before the session even started this year. It left us was happening in our classrooms back home in with an opportunity to focus our energy and organized action on other your districts. issues. We went into the session prioritizing a number of things, but two When the problems persisted the next day, and the day after that, and the that stick out are testing and school funding. day after that, you demanded answers from the state. The governor continued to honor his commitment to increase school After years of working funding and teacher pay. This year we saw an increase in funding for You took action - not as together, you understood programs like RTI, seat belts on school buses and school safety measures. the stakes were incredibly We also for the first time were able to insert solid language into the budget Republicans or Democrats, high for students, to direct districts to apply the 2 percent raise included in the state budget teachers and schools. to the local salary schedule, not just the State Minimum Salary Schedule but as a united body that Final report card grades, as in years past. This added language, supported by TEA’s government believes in public education. teacher evaluations and relations team, will go a long way toward making sure salary increases the priority school list actually show up in teacher paychecks. hung in the balance. You understood it wasn’t about escaping accountability, this fight was about fair The testing fight - what do I even say? It was intense. It was fast moving. accountability. You refused to let an unreliable, can’t-get-its-act-together It was the toughest fight of the session, but it was also one the highlights standardized test threaten your children and teachers back home. for me. Seeing our members, leaders and staff from all across the state organize and move into action so quickly was really something special. You listened. You took our calls, responded to our emails and made time to Senators’ voicemails were packed full of authentic, passionate messages sit down with us face-to-face to ensure you knew exactly what we needed to from educators back home sharing the real story of what was happening be free of the TNReady and TVAAS anvils hanging over us. with state testing. Those calls, the hundreds of emails and social media You took action - not as Republicans or Democrats, but as a united body posts, and legislative visits made the difference. That united action is why that believes in public education and in doing what is right for Tennessee’s students, teachers and schools will truly be held harmless from invalid students and teachers. TNReady scores this year. We were counting on you, and you came through. We recognize that you It’s another example of the took extraordinary steps to protect us and our students from this disaster of power that we have as a a test. You made us proud. Removing high-stakes united force advocating Now that we are free to breathe a sigh of relief for this year, it is time to turn for the great public decisions from state our attention to the future. schools our students and assessments for one year is Don’t cut off the lines of communication you have established with teachers teachers deserve. not the end goal. and parents in your district these past few weeks. Instead, use those It’s time now to turn that connections to dig deeper into how these high-stakes tests impact students energy and organized and teachers every year - not just the years with technical problems. action toward the primary election in August. Student stress and anxiety is at an all-time high. Teacher and parent trust in Removing high-stakes decisions from state assessments for one year is not this testing system is at an all-time low - though it was never very high to the end goal. The fight continues until all high-stakes are removed from begin with. standardized tests for good. Period. To accomplish that goal, we need to It is important to have assessments that give us a big-picture look at student elect true friends of public education to serve in every level of government, achievement statewide. We need that to be able to identify and quickly from the governor and Tennessee General Assembly, to your local county address those achievement gaps. It is important to evaluate teachers commissions and school boards. to ensure every student has a qualified, committed educator in each classroom. We must do these things, though, in way that truly measures The end of high-stakes decisions tied to standardized tests is within sight, student and teacher achievement. we can’t let up now! On behalf of TEA’s tens of thousands of members statewide, I invite you So, catch your breath for a minute and enjoy the wins of this legislative to work with us to identify fair, reliable and accurate ways to ensure our session, but then we all must get back up and set our sights on the primary students have the best public education possible. election. It is on us to get our friends, family members and colleagues to Sincerely, join us in voting for public education candidates. Barbara Gray, President Tennessee Education Association

TENNESSEE EDUCATION ASSOCIATION MANAGING EDITOR: Amanda Chaney DISTRICT 2 Michele Bowman (865) 679-6523 BLACK CLASSROOM TEACHER EAST Diamond Kelley (USPS 17201) Steve McCloud; Jim Wrye; TECHNOLOGY & PUBLIC SCHOOL ADVOCATE [email protected] DISTRICT 3 Robert Holder (865) 617-1179 (423) 510-1400 is published nine times, biweekly, mid-January through DISTRICT 4 Connie Mitchell (865) 609-1702 BLACK CLASSROOM TEACHER MIDDLE BUILDING OPERATIONS MANAGER: Galen Riggs; mid-May, by the Tennessee Education Association, ASSISTANT EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR: Jim Wrye DISTRICT 5 Jeanette Omarkhail (423) 413-9114 Brenda Munusamy (931) 433-0918 COMPTROLLER: David Shipley; UNISERV FIELD 801 Second Avenue North, Nashville TN 37201-1099. EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR & PUBLISHER: BLACK CLASSROOM TEACHER WEST Tiffany Reed MANAGERS: Karla Carpenter; Leigh Phillips; STAFF Periodicals postage paid at Nashville, TN, and additional Carolyn Crowder DISTRICT 6 Jennifer Eilender (931) 704-2487 (901) 412-2759 ATTORNEYS: John Allen, Virginia A. McCoy; offices. POSTMASTER: Send address changes to Tennessee Education DISTRICT 7 Jim Gifford (615) 430-6233 TENNESSEE EDUCATION ASSOCIATION DISTRICT 8 Fred Riley (615) 876-0009 STATE SPECIAL SCHOOLS Ginger Henderson GOVERNMENT RELATIONS COORDINATOR: Drew PUBLIC SCHOOL ADVOCATE, 801 Second Avenue Association DISTRICT 9 Stephen Henry (615) 519-5691 (865) 548-4615 Sutton; COMMUNICATIONS COORDINATOR: Amanda North, Nashville, TN 37201-1099. Periodical postage paid 801 Second Avenue North DISTRICT 10 Randall Woodard (615) 594-5632 NEW TEACHER Hope Shields (901) 239-1232 Chaney; COMMUNICATIONS COORDINATOR: at Nashville, TN, and additional offices. The subscription Nashville, TN 37201-1099 DISTRICT 11 Brandi Adams (731) 439-3476 ESP Sandra McDurmon (901)237-2866 Alexei Smirnov; INSTRUCTIONAL ADVOCACY & price of $6.89 is allocated from annual membership dues Telephone: (615) 242-8392, DISTRICT 12 Janis Carroll (731) 431-2387 TN NEA DIRECTOR Tanya Coats (865) 308-2787 PROFESSIONAL DEVELOPMENT COORDINATORS: of $258.00 for active members; $129.00 for associate, Toll Free: (800) 342-8367, (800) 342-8262 DISTRICT 13 Renee Baum (901) 604-2035 TN NEA DIRECTOR Karen Anderson (423) 741-9682 Rhonda Thompson; ADVOCACY HOTLINE education support and staff members; $16.00 for retired Fax: (615) 259-4581 members; and $10.00 for student members. Member of DISTRICT 14 Kenyon Cook (901) 605-7080 STEA MEMBER Celeste Randall (615) 335-0217 COORDINATORS: Forestine Cole, Gera Summerford & Website: www.teateachers.org State Education Association of Communicators (SEAC). DISTRICT 15 Neshellda Johnson (901) 857-6042 TN RETIRED Linda McCrary (615) 888-7026 Cynthia Wood. ADMINISTRATOR EAST Carrie Clabo (865) 603-3791 * Executive Committee Postmaster: Send address changes to BOARD OF DIRECTORS ADMINISTRATOR MIDDLE Margaret Thompson AT LARGE RETIRED DIRECTOR ON NEA BOARD UniServ Staff contact information PRESIDENT: Barbara Gray* (800) 342-8367 TENNESSEE EDUCATION ASSOCIATION (615) 649-1514 JoAnn Smith-Mashburn (423) 914-2818 can be found on page 6. PUBLIC SCHOOL ADVOCATE, VICE PRESIDENT: Beth Brown* (931) 779-8016 ADMINISTRATOR WEST Dennis Kimbrough 801 Second Avenue North, SECRETARY-TREASURER: Carolyn Crowder (901) 494-0105 TEA HEADQUARTERS STAFF Nashville, TN 37201-1099. (615) 242-8392 HIGHER EDUCATION Josephine McQuail EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR: Carolyn Crowder; ASST. DISTRICT 1 LaDawn Hudgins* (423) 384-3585 (931) 520-0449 EXECUTIVE DIRECTORS: Terrance Gibson;

State Community College. District 4 — Jason City, Loudon Co., Meigs Co., Morgan Co., Oneida, (615)476-3161 (Dalton), fax: (855)299-4968 fax: (844)270-8083; Assns: Bradford, Crockett Contact TEA White, KCEA, 2411 Magnolia Avenue, Knoxville, Overton Co., Rhea-Dayton Co., Roane Co., (Campbell), (855)299-5837 (Dalton); Assns: Dept. Co., Dyer Co., Dyersburg, Dyersburg State Tennessee Education Association TN 37917; (865)522-9793, fax: (865)522-9866; Scott Co., York Institute. District 9 — Jackie of Higher Ed., Metropolitan Nashville, TN School Community College, Gibson Co., Hardeman Co., 801 Second Avenue N., Nashville, TN 37201-1099 Assns: Knox, Pellisippi State Comm. College, UT- Pope, 2326 Valley Grove Dr., Murfreesboro, TN For The Blind, MTSU, Murfreesboro City, NSCC, Haywood Co., Humboldt, Lake Co., Lauderdale (615) 242-8392, (800) 342-8367 Knoxville, TSD. District 5— Tom Hopkins, P.O. 37128;phone: (615)898-1060, fax: (855) 301-8214, Rutherford, TSU. District 14 — Maria Uffelman, Co., Milan, Obion Co., Tipton Co., Trenton, FAX (615) 259-4581 Box 5502, Oak Ridge, TN 37831; (423)416-7330, Assns: Bedford Co., Bledsoe Co., Coffee Co., P.O. Box 99, Cumberland City, TN 37050; phone: Union City. District 18/19 — Keyth Harrison, fax: (855)301-8366; Assns: Alcoa, Anderson Co., Franklin Co., Grundy Co., Manchester, Marion Co., (931)827-3333, fax: (855)299-4925; Assns: Austin Memphis, TN; (901)305-2467, fax: (855)320- UniServ Coordinators Blount Co., Clinton, Etowah, Maryville, McMinn Moore Co., Motlow State Community College, Peay State University, Clarksville-Montgomery 8737;—Assns: Bartlett, Collierville, Fayette Co., District 1 — Harry Farthing, P.O. Box 298, Co. (except Athens City - see District 7), Monroe Sequatchie Co., Tullahoma. District 10 — Jeff Co., Henry Co., Houston Co., Paris, Stewart Co., Germantown-Arlington-Lakeland, Millington, Elizabethton, TN 37644; phone: (423)262-8035, Co., Oak Ridge, Polk Co., Sweetwater. District Garrett, P.O. Box 1326, Lebanon, TN 37088-1326; Weakley Co., UT-Martin. District 15 — Tim Southwest State Community College, University fax: (866)379-0949; Assns: Bristol, Carter Co., 6 — Shannon Bain, P.O. Box 3452, Lebanon, TN (615)630-2605, fax (855)320-8755; Assns: Clay Co., Greene, P.O. Box 354, Goodlettsville, TN 37070; of Memphis. District 18/19 — Karla Carpenter, Elizabethton, Johnson Co., Hancock Co., Hawkins 37088, phone: (615)547-7769, fax: (844)274-0765; Jackson Co., Macon Co., Pickett Co., Robertson phone: (615)864-1984, fax: (888)519-4879; UniServ Field Manager; UniServ Directors: Co., Kingsport, Northeast State Community Assns: Cannon Co., Cumberland Co., Cumberland Co., Smith Co., Sumner Co., Trousdale Co. District Assns: Benton Co., Central, Cheatham Co., Reginald Fentress, Tom Marchand, 6520 Stage College, Rogersville, Sullivan Co. District 2 — University, DeKalb Co., Lebanon, Putnam Co., 11/13 — Antoinette Lee, P.O. Box 1412, Antioch, Clarksburg, Decatur Co., Dickson Co., Hickman Road, Bartlett, TN 38134; phone/fax (901)379- Jennifer Gaby, P.O. Box 70, Afton, TN 37616; Van Buren Co., Warren Co., Wilson Co., White TN 37013; (615)308-5293, fax: (888)519-7331; Co., Humphreys Co., Huntingdon, Lewis Co., 6939; United Education Association of Shelby (423)234-0700, fax: (855)299-0723; Assns: Cocke Co., TTU. District 7 — Theresa Turner, HCEA Assns: FSSD, Williamson, TN Dept. of Ed. District McKenzie, Perry Co., West Carroll. District 16 County, www.unitedshelby.org. Co., Greene Co., East Tennessee State University, 4655 Shallowford Road, Chattanooga, TN 12 — Sue Ogg; P.O. Box 210486, Nashville, TN — Lorrie Butler, P.O. Box 387, Henderson, TN Greeneville, Hamblen Co., Johnson City, 37411; (423)485-9535, fax: (423)485-9512; Assns: 37211-0486; (615)856-0503, fax: (855)427-6660 38340; (731)989-4860, fax: (855)299-4591; Assns: Newport, Unicoi Co., Washington Co. District Athens City, Bradley Co., Chattanooga State — Assns: Fayetteville City, Giles Co., Lawrence Chester Co., Jackson-Madison Co., Jackson State www.teateachers.org 3 — Tina Parlier, P.O. Box 70288, Knoxville, TN Community College, Cleveland, Hamilton Co., Co., Lincoln Co., Marshall Co., Maury Co., Wayne Community College, Hardin Co., Henderson 37938-0288, (865)688-1175, fax: (866)518-3104; www.nea.org UT-Chattanooga. District 8 — Josh Trent, P.O. Co. District 11/13 — Mary Campbell, Susan Co., Lexington, McNairy Co., West Tennessee Assns: Campbell Co., Claiborne Co., Grainger Box 451, Livingston, TN 38570, (931)279-9530, Dalton, Metro Nashville, 531 Fairground Court, School for the Deaf. District 17 — Terri Jones, Co., Jefferson Co., Sevier Co., Union Co., Walters fax: (855)299-5674; Assns: Fentress Co., Lenior Nashville, TN 37211; (615)347-6578 (Campbell), P.O. Box 2140, Cordova, TN 38088; (901)258-3902, 110th General Assembly Legislative Roundup First testing reduction in years, clearing the clutter in 11th grade ASK A two year moratorium on expanding on the role and amount of assessments. It is TEA standardized tests has passed the General clear the General Assembly will demand to ANSWERS FROM THE EXPERTS Assembly with TEA backing. The passage be part of that discussion as well.” on the bill has been bolstered by the state’s The state assessment task force, which has AT THE TEA HOTLINE announcement of the elimination two state TEA representation, has been reviewing tests in the 11th grade. the entire assessment system. One area “Testing, and over-testing, has become an of agreement was the need to reduce the Q: When does a teacher become eligible for tenure? issue for parents and teachers,” said TEA number of exams in eleventh grade, to allow Executive Director Carolyn Crowder. “The juniors to concentrate on the ACT. The task A: Tennessee state law for tenure eligibility can be found in punishments for students, teachers and force recommended scrapping state end of TCA § 49-5-503 and TCA § 49-5-504. Essentially, a teacher who schools that come with state standardized course exams for English III and Chemistry, meets the following requirements must be considered for tenure testing are gaining awareness throughout and the commissioner announced their in a school system: the state.” decision in an April 9 press release. 1. holds a valid Tennessee teaching license The moratorium plants a strong flag by Teachers polled across the state the legislature that there are limits to overwhelmingly agreed the English III test 2. has completed a probationary period of five (5) school testing, and acknowledges issues of age needed to be eliminated. years or at least forty-five (45) months within the last appropriateness of standardized tests in seven years for which the last two (2) years have not been McQueen said in the 2019-20 school year in an interim position lower grade levels. the state will prioritize a dual-credit exam “We went through the issues of SAT10 and so students can earn college credit from 3. has received an LOE of 4 (above expectations) or 5 other instruments in earlier grades. The that class. The test is still being designed, (significantly above expectations) during the last two (2) drive for data and the penalties associated McQueen said. years of the probationary period with it were beginning to warp what we The state will also cut 78 minutes from its 4. is re-employed in the school system after the probationary needed to do for younger students in third- and fourth-grade English language period teaching and learning,” said Crowder. “It’s arts tests, the release said. Time spent on leave, except state-approved sick leave, shall not important that we have an honest discussion count toward the probationary period. There are exceptions to item 3) above for teachers on an extended approved leave, teachers who have had a change in School bus seat belts gets an appropriation employment assignment, or teachers whose evaluation data has A $3 million budget amendment by Gov. bus crash in 2016 that killed six students. been invalidated. There are also different guidelines for teachers Bill Haslam allows school districts to apply Favors pulled her seat-belt bill during the who have previously attained tenure. Be sure to consult your for funds to retrofit new school buses with final session of the 110th General Assembly TEA UniServ Coordinator with further questions. seat belts. citing a lack of support among fellow While there is no law requiring lap or lawmakers. shoulder belts on school buses, the newly “TEA supports measures to enhance Q: One of my fellow non-tenured colleagues said today that she established fund allows local school student safety, and we welcome the expected to receive a notice of non-renewal. Is there a certain date districts to make decisions to implement governor’s budget amendment,” said TEA by which the district has to send that notice? And if I don’t receive new technology, and is a first step toward President Barbara Gray. “The experts at one, does that mean I have a job for next school year? having a safer riding experience for the National Highway Traffic and Safety Yes to both questions. State law provides that a notice of Tennessee students. Administration say seat belts save lives in A: non-reelection must be received within five (5) business days both passenger cars and school buses. We Rep. Joanne Favors of Chattanooga, who following the last instructional day for the school year. As such, encourage local districts to apply for this is not seeking re-election, had originally after that deadline passes for your district, those probationary, funding to make their school buses safer filed legislation requiring seat belts on or non-tenured, teachers who have not received such notice can for our kids.” school buses after the tragic Woodmore reasonably assume they are reemployed for the following school year. ESP due process fight ends, to try again TEA’s continues to work to win back due The 2018 ESP Conference, which was Q: I am actively interviewing for several positions in two process rights for Education Support held at the TEA headquarters in April, neighboring school districts, but I do not want to jeopardize my Professionals. The conversation has reinforced the commitment of ESP current job by resigning before I receive another job offer. If I get gained more traction than in years past, members to more actively lobby our state an offer, I’d like to start at the beginning of the school year, so how proving that our strategy to elect public legislature for due-process rights and much advanced notice am I required to give my current district education-friendly candidates is working. other protections. before I can start? TEA is the only organization fighting “As education support professionals, A: Pursuant to state law, teachers on a continuing contract are to strengthen on-the-job protections we must stay involved and support required to give at least 30 days’ notice before the effective date for education support professionals, candidates who support all educators,” of their resignation. The law also requires that teachers hired including restoration of annual said Sandra McDurmon, ESP member in by other school districts must provide written proof to the new contracts and a show-cause hearing for Bartlett and TEA board member. “Had employer that timely notice of resignation was provided to the terminations. more ESPs been involved when we lost most recent employer. And, finally, upon receipt of a complaint “Many of our friends in the General our rights, we might have been able to from a school district that such notice requirements were not Assembly who were supportive of prevent it.” satisfied, the law gives the commissioner of education authority bringing back due-process rights for McDurmon said the 2018 election to suspend the licenses of those teachers who have breached their ESPs are retiring or not seeking re- provides a unique opportunity to contracts, and to assess financial penalties against the districts election this year,” said TEA Vice organize and strengthen ESP rights in that knowingly employed such teachers. President Beth Brown. “That’s why it Tennessee. is imperative every Education Support “In order to win back our rights, we are The TEA Advocacy Hotline Professional to ask their colleagues to asking every ESP member in Tennessee supports local leaders and building join TEA and vote in both the primary to invite their colleague to join TEA representatives in answering member and general elections in the coming and make sure their family members questions. If you have an employment- months. Most races will be decided in participate in this year’s elections,” she related question, please contact your the primary, so be sure to register to said. building rep or UniServ coordinator. vote by July 3 and pay attention to TEA’s election materials and mailers.” TEA Public School Advocate 3 Students, teachers and schools to be 20182018 TEATEA held-harmless from failed TNReady As TNReady troubles piled up just as the General Assembly was preparing to adjourn for the year, hundreds of TEA members and public education LegislativeLegislative supporters stood united in demanding students, teachers and schools be held-harmless from TNReady scores and the resulting TVAAS scores. The legislature heard the message loud and VictoriesVictories clear, passing two different pieces of legislation to ensure no adverse actions could be taken as a result of scores from the unreliable and invalid test. The legislation covers not only student grades and state takeovers of local schools, but also teacher compensation, evaluations and other punitive measures tied to these scores.

Legislature passes 2% teacher raise, budget School security by off-duty officers passes, language to drive raises into teacher paychecks an alternative to arming teachers TEA continues to work with legislators to find a solution Following the tragedy in Parkland, Fla., to teachers not receiving the full raises passed by the school safety quickly became the hot legislature. The General Assembly took an important topic in the legislature. TEA was able to step by placing into the appropriations bill: “it is work closely with legislators to defeat a the legislative intent to provide a pool of funds for bill that would have allowed districts to employee salary increases for teachers and other arm certain teachers, and instead, pass certified staff, effective July 1, 2018; provided, further, legislation to increase funding for off-duty that said increases will be allocated according law enforcement in schools. to the salary and compensation schedules The key now will be for districts to take of each Local Education advantage of the additional funding Agency.” and increase professional security in the district to better protect students and educators. The concern now is that if this is not fully implemented State increases public at the local level, some legislators will be back again next year with a stronger push to arm teachers. education funding, including RTI, student safety and teacher benefits Legislators reject proposal to The 2018-19 has a more the $240 million increase for K-12 funding. The funds will be used for a number of things, including RTI, school expand ineffective, unpopular bus seat belts, school safety measures and enrollment increases. The special ed voucher program increase will also cover investments in teacher benefits and retirement. A bill that would have massively expanded the The increased funding for RTI begins to address educators’ concerns special education voucher program was defeated. If that the program has been consistently under-staffed and under- passed, the program would have dramatically expanded resourced. what TEA and special education professionals across The approved 2 percent salary increase for teachers will also come from the state see as an attempt to undermine the gains of these funds. inclusion and would have posed a risk to students. Students, teachers and schools to be held-harmless from failed TNReady As TNReady troubles piled up just as the General Assembly was preparing to adjourn for the year, hundreds of TEA members and public education supporters stood united in demanding students, teachers and schools be held-harmless from TNReady scores and the resulting TVAAS scores. The legislature heard the message loud and clear, passing two different pieces of legislation to ensure no adverse actions could be taken as a result of scores from the unreliable and invalid State directed to re-evaluate test. The legislation covers not only Kindergarten/Pre-K portfolio student grades and state takeovers of local schools, but also teacher compensation, with teacher input, 2017-18 hold- evaluations and other punitive measures tied to these scores. harmless protects teachers Knoxville legislators Sen. Becky Massey (Pictured above with TEA member Natasha Patchen) and School security by off-duty officers passes, Rep. Eddie Smith took action when TEA shared an alternative to arming teachers the serious concerns of Knox Co. Kindergarten and Pre-K teachers over the new portfolio system Following the tragedy in Parkland, Fla., and clustered standards. Knox Co. teachers were school safety quickly became the hot shocked and disappointed to see the pilot program topic in the legislature. TEA was able to they largely supported drastically changed when it work closely with legislators to defeat a was implemented statewide. bill that would have allowed districts to Legislation passed to hold Kindergarten and arm certain teachers, and instead, pass Pre-K teachers harmless this year also directs legislation to increase funding for off-duty the state to re-evaluate its changes to the law enforcement in schools. piloted program and gather meaningful The key now will be for districts to take feedback from educators statewide to advantage of the additional funding determine the best way to move and increase professional security in the forward. district to better protect students and educators. The This fight will serve as a concern now is that if this is not fully implemented model to make positive at the local level, some legislators will be back again changes to portfolio next year with a stronger push to arm teachers. systems in other grades and subject Legislators reject proposal to areas. expand ineffective, unpopular special ed voucher program A bill that would have massively expanded the special education voucher program was defeated. If www.TEAteachers.org passed, the program would have dramatically expanded what TEA and special education professionals across the state see as an attempt to undermine the gains of inclusion and would have posed a risk to students. /TennesseeEA @TEA_teachers /TEA_teachers WHAT WE LEARNED ABOUT TNREADY IN COMMITTEE AND WHAT WE GOT PASSED Speaker Harwell called an emergency meeting of the Government Operations, Education Administration and Planning and the Education Instruction and Programs committees on April 19, grilling state officials about TNReady failures

Reassessing the assessment from page 1 President Barbara Gray. “The problem is that the state has WITH ALL OF THE TNREADY PROBLEMS, WILL TEST DATA BE VALID? wrapped up a deeply flawed The simple answer is no. Irregularities and There is no way to determine which students were test with things like student problems in this year’s test administration would advantaged or disadvantaged with problems grades, teacher evaluation and under normal circumstances be reported as major online, with printed versions of the test, or the compensation, and even the state’s testing breaches, invalidating scores. constantly shifting testing conditions. ability to takeover a local school. While technology upgrades are WHAT IS THE EXTENT OF HOLD-HARMLESS LEGISLATION PASSED? needed, I’d much rather the state fix its broken assessment system.” No adverse action may be taken against a No employment or compensation decisions teacher, student, school or system based on may be made using 2017-2018 TNReady data, TNReady issues go well beyond 2017-2018 TNReady data. including pay plans based on TVAAS scores. the mis-scored tests, technology glitches, and delays in data. There are fundamental WILL I GET A TVAAS SCORE THIS YEAR, AND MAY I USE IT? problems in the test data, TVAAS scores will be generated from this Teachers may use the TVAAS composite and what it says about our year’s invalid test. Each teacher will have score if it benefits them, but no adverse students, teachers, and access to a composite score of 2016-2017 action happens if evaluation scores drop schools. and 2017-2018 data. because of the TVAAS score. TEA sees three very big problems with TNReady: the validity of TVAAS data used in WILL MY STUDENTS’ GRADES BE AFFECTED BY TNREADY? evaluations; the stark contrast Each school board may determine what Students who took EOC tests in the fall Government Operations between high achievement TENNESSEE EDUCATION ASSOCIATION MANAGING EDITOR: Amanda Chaney DISTRICT 2 Michele Bowman (865) 679-6523 BLACKcommittee CLASSROOM chair TEACHER Rep. EAST Diamond Kelley (USPS 17201) Steve McCloud; Jim Wrye; TECHNOLOGY & PUBLICportion SCHOOL TNReady ADVOCATE scores shall be [email protected] in can have theirDISTRICT grades 3 Robert Holder adjusted (865) 617-1179 if a board (423) 510-1400 in ACT and graduation rates, is published nine times, biweekly, mid-January through DISTRICT 4 Connie Mitchell (865) 609-1702 BLACKJeremy CLASSROOM Faison TEACHER was MIDDLE BUILDING OPERATIONS MANAGER: Galen Riggs; mid-May, by the Tennessee Education Association, ASSISTANT EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR: Jim Wrye DISTRICT 5 Jeanette Omarkhail (423) 413-9114 skeptical Brenda Munusamy and (931)called 433-0918 for and the veryCOMPTROLLER: low proficiency David Shipley; UNISERV FIELD 801student Second Avenue North, grades, Nashville TN 37201-1099.from zero to 15EXECUTIVE percent. DIRECTOR & PUBLISHER:lowers TNReady to zero. BLACK CLASSROOM TEACHER WEST Tiffany Reed MANAGERS: Karla Carpenter; Leigh Phillips; STAFF Periodicals postage paid at Nashville, TN, and additional Carolyn Crowder DISTRICT 6 Jennifer Eilender (931) 704-2487 an investigation scores the state reported for all (901) 412-2759 ATTORNEYS: John Allen, Virginia A. McCoy; offices. POSTMASTER: Send address changes to Tennessee Education DISTRICT 7 Jim Gifford (615) 430-6233 TENNESSEE EDUCATION ASSOCIATION DISTRICT 8 Fred Riley (615) 876-0009 STATE SPECIAL SCHOOLS Ginger HendersonTennessee GOVERNMENT students; RELATIONS and COORDINATOR: the lack Drew PUBLIC SCHOOL ADVOCATE, 801 Second Avenue Association DISTRICT 9 Stephen Henry (615) 519-5691 (865) 548-4615 Sutton; COMMUNICATIONS COORDINATOR: Amanda North,WHAT’S Nashville, TN 37201-1099. THE Periodical postageEXTENT paid OF 801TNREADY Second Avenue North PROBLEMSDISTRICT 10 Randall WoodardAND (615) HOW594-5632 CANNEW TEACHER WE Hope ACT? Shields (901) 239-1232 of transparencyChaney; COMMUNICATIONS in the new COORDINATOR: testing at Nashville, TN, and additional offices. The subscription Nashville, TN 37201-1099 DISTRICT 11 Brandi Adams (731) 439-3476 ESP Sandra McDurmon (901)237-2866 Alexei Smirnov; INSTRUCTIONAL ADVOCACY & price of $6.89 is allocated from annual membership dues system. There have been widespread problemsTelephone: with (615) 242-8392, In committeeDISTRICT 12 Janis Carrolltestimony, (731) 431-2387 the state saidTN NEA teachers,DIRECTOR Tanya Coats (865) 308-2787 PROFESSIONAL DEVELOPMENT COORDINATORS: of $258.00 for active members; $129.00 for associate, both online and printed tests, affectingToll Free: (800) 342-8367,morale (800) 342-8262 principals,DISTRICT 13 Reneeand Baum directors (901) 604-2035 can reportTN irregularities NEA DIRECTOR Karen Anderson (423) 741-9682 Rhonda Thompson; ADVOCACY HOTLINE education support and staff members; $16.00 for retired Fax: (615) 259-4581 “It is time to ask fundamental members; and $10.00 for student members. Member of DISTRICT 14 Kenyon Cook (901) 605-7080 STEA MEMBER Celeste Randall (615) 335-0217 COORDINATORS: Forestine Cole, Gera Summerford & Website: www.teateachers.org Stateof Education students Association and of Communicators invalidating (SEAC). results. They have causedDISTRICT by 15 TNReady Neshellda Johnson via (901) 857-6042Nextera. ReportsTN RETIRED of Linda McCrary (615) 888-7026 questionsCynthia about Wood. our assessment continued through assurances from the state that IrregularityADMINISTRATOR invalidate EAST Carrie Clabo tests (865) 603-3791 for students, * Executive and Committee Postmaster: Send address changes to BOARD OF DIRECTORS ADMINISTRATOR MIDDLE Margaret Thompson AT LARGE RETIRED DIRECTOR ON NEA BOARDand accountabilityUniServ Staff system. contact informationThose PRESIDENT: Barbara Gray* (800) 342-8367 TENNESSEEproblems EDUCATION have been ASSOCIATION fixed, and shifting explanations in theory (615) a 649-1514 director may invalidate all JoAnn student Smith-Mashburn (423) 914-2818 questions need tocan be found front on pageand 6. PUBLIC SCHOOL ADVOCATE, VICE PRESIDENT: Beth Brown* (931) 779-8016 ADMINISTRATOR WEST Dennis Kimbrough on causation801 Second Avenue hasn’t North, helped. HouseSECRETARY-TREASURER: leaders have Carolyn Crowder tests. School (901) 494-0105 systems should review thisTEA optionHEADQUARTERS if STAFFcenter as we elect new state called Nashville,for a TNfull 37201-1099. comptroller audit (615) of 242-8392 the problems in theyHIGHER believe EDUCATION their Josephine students McQuail could notEXECUTIVE accurately DIRECTOR: Carolyn Crowder; ASST. DISTRICT 1 LaDawn Hudgins* (423) 384-3585 (931) 520-0449 EXECUTIVE DIRECTORS: Terrance Gibson; leaders,” said TEA Chief Lobbyist the system and its negative affects in schools and on demonstrate their knowledge. Jim Wrye. students.

State Community College. District 4 — Jason City, Loudon Co., Meigs Co., Morgan Co., Oneida, (615)476-3161 (Dalton), fax: (855)299-4968 fax: (844)270-8083; Assns: Bradford, Crockett Contact TEA White, KCEA, 2411 Magnolia Avenue, Knoxville, Overton Co., Rhea-Dayton Co., Roane Co., (Campbell), (855)299-5837 (Dalton); Assns: Dept. Co., Dyer Co., Dyersburg, Dyersburg State Tennessee Education Association TN 37917; (865)522-9793, fax: (865)522-9866; Scott Co., York Institute. District 9 — Jackie of Higher Ed., Metropolitan Nashville, TN School Community College, Gibson Co., Hardeman Co., 801 Second Avenue N., Nashville, TN 37201-1099 Assns: Knox, Pellisippi State Comm. College, UT- Pope, 2326 Valley Grove Dr., Murfreesboro, TN For The Blind, MTSU, Murfreesboro City, NSCC, Haywood Co., Humboldt, Lake Co., Lauderdale (615) 242-8392, (800) 342-8367 Knoxville, TSD. District 5— Tom Hopkins, P.O. 37128;phone: (615)898-1060, fax: (855) 301-8214, Rutherford, TSU. District 14 — Maria Uffelman, Co., Milan, Obion Co., Tipton Co., Trenton, FAX (615) 259-4581 Box 5502, Oak Ridge, TN 37831; (423)416-7330, Assns: Bedford Co., Bledsoe Co., Coffee Co., P.O. Box 99, Cumberland City, TN 37050; phone: Union City. District 18/19 — Keyth Harrison, fax: (855)301-8366; Assns: Alcoa, Anderson Co., Franklin Co., Grundy Co., Manchester, Marion Co., (931)827-3333, fax: (855)299-4925; Assns: Austin Memphis, TN; (901)305-2467, fax: (855)320- UniServ Coordinators Blount Co., Clinton, Etowah, Maryville, McMinn Moore Co., Motlow State Community College, Peay State University, Clarksville-Montgomery 8737;—Assns: Bartlett, Collierville, Fayette Co., District 1 — Harry Farthing, P.O. Box 298, Co. (except Athens City - see District 7), Monroe Sequatchie Co., Tullahoma. District 10 — Jeff Co., Henry Co., Houston Co., Paris, Stewart Co., Germantown-Arlington-Lakeland, Millington, Elizabethton, TN 37644; phone: (423)262-8035, Co., Oak Ridge, Polk Co., Sweetwater. District Garrett, P.O. Box 1326, Lebanon, TN 37088-1326; Weakley Co., UT-Martin. District 15 — Tim Southwest State Community College, University fax: (866)379-0949; Assns: Bristol, Carter Co., 6 — Shannon Bain, P.O. Box 3452, Lebanon, TN (615)630-2605, fax (855)320-8755; Assns: Clay Co., Greene, P.O. Box 354, Goodlettsville, TN 37070; of Memphis. District 18/19 — Karla Carpenter, Elizabethton, Johnson Co., Hancock Co., Hawkins 37088, phone: (615)547-7769, fax: (844)274-0765; Jackson Co., Macon Co., Pickett Co., Robertson phone: (615)864-1984, fax: (888)519-4879; UniServ Field Manager; UniServ Directors: Co., Kingsport, Northeast State Community Assns: Cannon Co., Cumberland Co., Cumberland Co., Smith Co., Sumner Co., Trousdale Co. District Assns: Benton Co., Central, Cheatham Co., Reginald Fentress, Tom Marchand, 6520 Stage College, Rogersville, Sullivan Co. District 2 — University, DeKalb Co., Lebanon, Putnam Co., 11/13 — Antoinette Lee, P.O. Box 1412, Antioch, Clarksburg, Decatur Co., Dickson Co., Hickman Road, Bartlett, TN 38134; phone/fax (901)379- Jennifer Gaby, P.O. Box 70, Afton, TN 37616; Van Buren Co., Warren Co., Wilson Co., White TN 37013; (615)308-5293, fax: (888)519-7331; Co., Humphreys Co., Huntingdon, Lewis Co., 6939; United Education Association of Shelby (423)234-0700, fax: (855)299-0723; Assns: Cocke Co., TTU. District 7 — Theresa Turner, HCEA Assns: FSSD, Williamson, TN Dept. of Ed. District McKenzie, Perry Co., West Carroll. District 16 County, www.unitedshelby.org. Co., Greene Co., East Tennessee State University, 4655 Shallowford Road, Chattanooga, TN 12 — Sue Ogg; P.O. Box 210486, Nashville, TN — Lorrie Butler, P.O. Box 387, Henderson, TN Greeneville, Hamblen Co., Johnson City, 37411; (423)485-9535, fax: (423)485-9512; Assns: 37211-0486; (615)856-0503, fax: (855)427-6660 38340; (731)989-4860, fax: (855)299-4591; Assns: Newport, Unicoi Co., Washington Co. District Athens City, Bradley Co., Chattanooga State — Assns: Fayetteville City, Giles Co., Lawrence Chester Co., Jackson-Madison Co., Jackson State www.teateachers.org 3 — Tina Parlier, P.O. Box 70288, Knoxville, TN Community College, Cleveland, Hamilton Co., Co., Lincoln Co., Marshall Co., Maury Co., Wayne Community College, Hardin Co., Henderson 37938-0288, (865)688-1175, fax: (866)518-3104; www.nea.org UT-Chattanooga. District 8 — Josh Trent, P.O. Co. District 11/13 — Mary Campbell, Susan Co., Lexington, McNairy Co., West Tennessee Assns: Campbell Co., Claiborne Co., Grainger Box 451, Livingston, TN 38570, (931)279-9530, Dalton, Metro Nashville, 531 Fairground Court, School for the Deaf. District 17 — Terri Jones, Co., Jefferson Co., Sevier Co., Union Co., Walters fax: (855)299-5674; Assns: Fentress Co., Lenior Nashville, TN 37211; (615)347-6578 (Campbell), P.O. Box 2140, Cordova, TN 38088; (901)258-3902, TEA making progress in driving state and local dollars to teacher paychecks For the first time, the General Assembly placed into key bills backed by TEA offering Other legislative leaders solutions to the problem of diminished the appropriations bill: “it is the legislative intent to teacher salary increases. on teacher pay issues provide a pool of funds for employee salary increases There was legislation floated to index for teachers and other certified staff, effective July the SMSS to the state appropriation for teacher pay for four years. Rep. Mike 1, 2018; provided, further, that said increases will be Carter and Sen. Todd Gardenhire, both allocated according to the salary and compensation from Hamilton County, sponsored a bill to require all state dollars to go only schedules of each Local Education Agency.” to certified personnel, and require a local match by the county government. Driving dollars into paychecks A bill by Sen. Brian Kelsey and Rep. from page 1 now raised enough awareness of the Rep. Mike Carter (R-Ooltewah) John DeBerry, both of Shelby County, for teachers and other certified staff, problem and its causes that the next to have the state comptroller’s Office of effective July 1, 2018; provided, General Assembly and administration Education Research and Accountability further, that said increases will be should make common sense changes to (OREA) investigate the salary issue was allocated according to the salary and solve it.” also proposed, but was a casualty in the compensation schedules of each Local Last year, House Speaker Beth Harwell last fight for hold-harmless legislation Education Agency.” and Chairman Sargent sent a stern at the end of the session. Nonetheless, letter to the state board of education This new language, approved by the it is expected that legislators will still to increase the State Minimum Salary House and Senate, is a clear directive Rep. John DeBerry (D-Memphis) request the study, as it’s not necessary to Schedule (SMSS) by four percent, to local systems that the recurring $55 pass a bill to do so. million appropriated for new salary the increase in the state budget. In The next steps are now at the local level. money needs to be placed spent on pay years prior, the board only raised the TEA is developing guidance for local raises. schedule by half the amount of the state appropriation, as recommended associations that outline this year’s “We’ve been working with legislators by the department of education for appropriation, as well as a review of to see why record investment in state local flexibility in using the money. how much more additional state dollars teachers salary funds haven’t made Moreover, back in 2014 the board have been sent to local systems, divided the impact they should have, and gutted the SMSS, reducing it from 20 Sen. Brian Kelsey (D-Memphis) by all certified personnel. there were several bills proposed this steps to three and five lanes to two. “Knowledge is power when it comes to year to address the issue, “ said TEA teacher salaries. What we saw was affecting local budget decisions, and we lobbyist Jim Wrye. “With this year’s “The minimum salary schedule played far less than what we should have will be working to see our locals have appropriation, Tennessee has increased an important role in not only raising expected.” the information they need,” said TEA recurring teacher salary dollars by the salaries of the lowest paid teachers, The board did increase the minimum government relations coordinator Drew $353 million over the past four years, it was a rising tide lifting all boats and schedule by four percent, and there Sutton. “The rider put into the budget is a 14 percent increase. In the past, that had impact for every teacher,” said was a notable impact across the state, an important step to make sure dollars would have translated into roughly Wrye. “The problem with trying to especially in many rural systems. go to where the General Assembly the same increase in the state average promote local flexibility in regards intended, into the family budgets of teacher salary. But it hasn’t, and we’ve to the SMSS is it reduced the state’s During the session, there were several leverage to getting those dollars into teachers.” After fight, final TNReady hold-harmless bill passes at the 11th hour Hold-harmless from page 1 Final hold-harmless: “Notwithstanding any law to the contrary, no adverse action may be overwhelming vote to have leaders do taken against any student, teacher, school, or LEA based, in whole or in part, on student what it took to protect educators and achievement data generated from the 2017-2018 TNReady assessments. For purposes of ensure fairness. Next, in a unanimous vote of every Democrat and Republican this section, “adverse action” includes, but is not limited to, the identification of a school as representative, the House halted the a priority school and the assignment of a school to the achievement school district.” state budget, delayed other legislation, and referred a new hold-harmless bill from evaluations completely, similar House Republican Caucus swings into action: Caucus leader to the Senate, sending a message to the language to what passed when the 15- Ryan Williams (R- Cookeville, left)) explains to the 70-plus governor and upper chamber that more 16 test crashed. members the Senate was not inclined for more hold-harmless needed to be done. House majority The Senate companion bill for the legislation. A vote to withhold the state budget was adopted, leader Rep. Glen Casada (R-Franklin) House hold-harmless was quickly and later executed by Majority Leader Rep. Glen Casada made the motion to hold the budget tabled by Senate Education chair Sen. (R-Thompson Station, right) himself. Delores Gresham. Many senators asked “Seeing the coordinated effort and for an opportunity to vote, knowing it a united House defend teachers was would pass easily. a remarkable event, and the leaders Then began hours of disagreements, on both sides of the aisle should be pressure and negotiation, against commended for the landmark work a backdrop of teachers calling for they did,” said Wrye. Photo Courtesy: change. House Minority Leader the Tennessean In a historic show of cohesion and Rep. Craig Fitzhugh (D-Ripley) and bipartisanship, a united Tennessee Republican Caucus Chair Rep. Ryan teacher in any way, whether it is based with TVAAS. House of Representatives originally Williams (R-Cookeville), with steady in state law, rules or policies, or in With the ongoing, repeated TNReady pushed legislation that would have pressure applied by Speaker Beth local policies and decisions. Required failures, teachers across the state are excluded test data from this year’s test Harwell (R-Nashville), got the Senate remediation, extra observations and ready to act to protect their students and administration to agree on an other professional penalties triggered and their profession from the disruption House Speaker Beth Harwell amendment Fitzhugh had written, by TVAAS data are eliminated, for this of continued testing meltdowns. pushed for a incorporating concepts outlined year or any future year that would use resolution to 17-18 test data. Minority Leader hold-harmless by TEA. The new bill passed both Craig Fitzhugh legislation chambers late Wednesday night, Added with the legislation passed last drafted the April 25th, as one of the last pieces week, it is a strong comprehensive hold- final “no of legislation of the 110th General harmless that will have a lasting impact adverse action” Assembly. language that in future years. Teachers will still be became the The key clause in the bill is “no adverse given a TVAAS score, but it must be hold-harmless action may be taken against any ignored if it would harm a teacher, but legislation. student, teacher, school, or LEA” using can still be used if it benefits them. TNReady data for 2017-2018 school TEA knows TVAAS is invalid for use year. TEA legal says the clear language in high-stakes decisions, regardless of means TVAAS scores linked to this whether the testing system functions or year’s failure cannot be used against a not, and this package of bills will only serve to shine a light on the trouble 2018 Open Primary Elections

Local elections critical Electing friends of public ed key to continued legislative success Critical elections actions committees, but where they are organized, TEA in fight for great from page 1 Government Relations will be in constant contact about “This is a really important opportunity for us to elect candidates and campaigns. public schools a governor and legislators who will listen to teachers It is important to note that members are encouraged to and parents about the issues our schools face, and participate and be active in any campaign they wish, and The August election is not just about the work with us on how we can move forward,” said TEA do not need to be a member of a local PAC. candidates running for state offices. Local President Barbara Gray. “We have done a lot of work in “We’ve had such great participation by members in elected officials also have a significant the past two election cycles to elect pro-public education candidates. That work has benefited us in fights like the past in the political process,” said Wrye. “If there is impact on teaching and learning one thing I know for a fact, is that when members are conditions in your district. hold-harmless. Now we have the opportunity to elect a governor who will take some common sense approaches engaged and active, there isn’t a candidate we can’t get “We talk a lot about the Tennessee to return professional control, improve funding and across the finish line.” General Assembly races, but we must also prevent privatization.” pay attention to the elections for county The next important date in the Tennessee election commissions, local school boards and calendar is the August 2 primary, with early voting open Early voting other local offices,” said TEA Executive Before you go from July 13 to July 28. open until July 30! Director Carolyn Crowder. “While the back to school, legislature sets state law, these local “It is important to remember that for the vast majority of General Assembly seats, the primary is the general go to the ballot box! governing bodies determine issues like election. Whoever wins the primary will be the next VOTE NOW! how school funds are allocated, the senator or representative,” said TEA Assistant Exec. of addition of any locally mandated tests, Elect REP. GaR Government Relations Jim Wrye. “These are often low y HICKs teacher salary and benefits, and more.” turnout elections making the teacher voice that much TENNESSEE HOUSE DISTRICT 9 The county commission, or in some more powerful. Members have done a great job turning Help us pack the statehouse with strong advocates for public education! cases the city council, is the local funding out in these primaries, Democratic or Republican, and The future of public schools is at stake in this election! it has made a huge difference in the political standing It is worth the time it takes to cast your vote for a body that approves the schools district’s friend of public education like Rep. Gary Hicks. He has of educators and public education. Now it will be a proven to be a strong supporter of our local public budget. It has the power to allocate or schools and the people who work in them. He deserves sprint to the upcoming primary. Get ready!” our vote! He opposes the attacks on our students, our cut additional funding requests by the profession and our association. We all need to vote in district. Electing candidates who believe TEA will be making endorsements of incumbents the primary, and get everyone we know to vote too! in the importance of properly funding who have strong voting records with the association our public schools is a critical part in and its members, and will be sending information to Every educator registered to creating great public schools. local associations on candidates and their positions. vote can and should vote in the GOP Primary! “Electing a strong slate of pro-public There are a few local associations with political education legislators is only half of the y Aug. 4 August battle,” Crowder said. “Educators Watch for mailers from TEA with information must organize at the local level to also on the state pro-public education candidates in PrimEarlyar voting open elect school board members and county your district. The example to the right is from until July 30! commissioners who recognize educators the 2016 primary. as the real experts on what students need to succeed.” Contact your TEA UniServ coordinator Tennessee General Assembly or local association leaders for information on how to get involved in Senate House of Representatives your local elections.

Up for re-election Not on 2018 ballot Open seat DEADLINE TO REGISTER TO VOTE : July 3 OPEN PRIMARY: August 2 EARLY VOTING BEGINS: July 13 Community schools push to continue in 2019 Legislature grants State Board new powers A pair of bills pertaining to teacher licensure action against a teacher, to Legislation that would have supported in the near future.” conduct and the ability of the state include reprimand and suspension. community schools as a means of school The bill was approved unanimously in board of education to take action Current law only empowered the improvement did not advance out of Senate Education, and easily passed out against a teacher’s license passed in the board to revoke a teaching license the finance committees this year, but the of the House Education committee. Once final days of the legislative session. under certain circumstances. The bill sponsors have vowed to continue it arrived in the Finance committees, HB2165/SB2013 (Goins/Gresham) new language will enable to board to to advocate for the model in the 111th however, it became tangled in the budget rewrites the Tennessee teacher code create rules governing the new types General Assembly. rules. Efforts were made to remove any of ethics, which was originally written of discipline. “Community schools have a proven track financial obligation on the part of the by TEA years ago and placed into state “Student safety is every teacher’s record and provide one more tool for state, but ultimately the bill could not law. The revised code contains new number one priority, but we still parents, administrators, and teachers to advance without being included in the language about sexual misconduct have concerns about bureaucratic serve our students’ diverse needs,” said budget. by teachers, but also inserts unrelated overreach and the potential for the Sen. Steve Dickerson (R- Nashville), the “We commend the excellent efforts of offenses such as false statements about state board to overrule local discipline Senate sponsor of the measure. “I would the bill’s sponsors, and hope to see this students or colleagues, test proctoring, decisions,” says TEA legal manager gladly introduce this bill again next year supported by the next administration,” and reporting breaches committed by Steve McCloud. “We will engage in and hope to get it over the final hurdle so said TEA Chief Lobbyist Jim Wrye. “This other teachers. the rule-making process and closely we can provide this option for more of approach is effective because it is done in monitor how this is implemented to Tennessee’s students HB2009/SB2011 (Goins/Gresham) partnership with a community, and TEA provides expands the powers of make certain the rights of teachers are will continue to promote this good work.” being respected.” 8 TEA Public School Advocate the state board of education to take