Building upon the successful State of Emergency Week of Action, CTA members continue to work with education and labor coalition partners in pressuring lawmakers to approve a state budget that protects funding for public education and other essential services by passing the temporary tax extensions. And while there have been some reports of progress, as tomorrow's June 15 budget deadline draws near, even the threat of not getting paid has not yet broken the legislative deadlock and special interest demands of some Republican lawmakers.

 

An estimated 50,000 Californians participated in various actions during May 9-13 as educators held teach-ins and grade-ins, walked neighborhoods and talked to parents, called lawmakers, held five statewide rallies, and took over the Capitol for a week. Some of us even engaged in acts of civil disobedience to stand up for our students and schools. The week and all the actions leading up to it changed the discussion in California and focused the public, the Legislature and the news media on the impact of the state budget cuts on schools, colleges and communities. Thousands of television, radio and newspaper stories ran across the state. Watch all of your great work in action in this video.

 

Earlier this month, State Council approved a second phase of the plan that concentrates actions in targeted legislative districts in hopes of getting the two Republican votes needed in both the Assembly and Senate. Sign up to be a CTA Summer Warrior to stay informed and involved. More than 100 CTA members joined other labor and community activists for precinct walks last weekend and another 300 members in those targeted districts have put up yard signs calling on their lawmakers to do the right thing for students. The Governor has proposed extending the taxes until an election can be held in the fall, but Republicans have again called for draconian reforms on pensions and long-term spending. Keep up the pressure, and keep the phone calls coming. CTA Take Action Hotlines: 1.888.268.4334.

 

It's equally important that we plan for the future and remember that the real goal is long-term, stable funding and a fair taxation system to achieve that. We must continue to educate colleagues and the public about tax fairness and the need for big corporations to pay their fair share.

The California Citizens Redistricting Commission has released draft maps for redrawing the state's legislative and congressional districts. The new boundaries will definitely mean changes. Some predict more competitive races, while others say Democrats could win more seats in Congress, Assembly and Senate - possibly capturing a two-thirds majority in the state Legislature. Meanwhile, Latino organizations say the proposed maps could dilute the power of the state's fastest-growing minority. The maps are subject to change until a final presentation on August 15. The new districts go into effect for the 2012 elections. Because of the many expected changes, State Council modified the candidate recommendation processes for the next election cycle.

 

Superintendent of Public Instruction Tom Torlakson and State Board of Education President Michael Kirst announced that California will join the SMARTER Balanced Assessment Consortium as a governing state. The consortium has the task of designing a new assessment system aligned to the Common Core State Standards. CTA supported the move to SMARTER Balance because the approach is more inclusive of teachers, but remains concerned about timelines and costs of developing the new testing system. The new assessments are supposed to be in place for the 2014-15 school year, which means curriculum, textbooks and professional development must be re-aligned before then.  Yes, this is a very ambitious timeline.

 

Anti-union organizers are gathering signatures for a new initiative that would restrict how teachers and union members participate in the political process. Billed as an initiative that would regulate political donations from both unions and corporations, this is just another "Paycheck Deception" measure that undermines union rights and attempts to silence our voices. Paid signature gatherers are circulating this initiative at local grocery stores. Do not sign the petition and keep it off the ballot.

 

Nearly 1,200 California educators and CTA members are getting ready to attend the National Education Association Representative Assembly in Chi-Town. California will again be the largest delegation at the national convention held over the July 4 weekend. Several issues will be discussed, including a new policy on teacher evaluation and a proposed early endorsement of President Obama. The CTA State Council voted against an early endorsement, citing concerns about Obama's top-down education agenda.

 

The reauthorization of ESEA is still stalled in Congress, with many predicting that if legislation does not move soon, there will be no changes in the federal law again this year. Secretary of Education Arne Duncan is pushing his Race to the Top agenda, while Republican leaders support increased flexibility and local control. Many states have filed for ESEA waivers, including waiving the requirement that all students must achieve 100% proficiency on math and reading by the year 2014. Secretary Duncan says he's open to some waivers as long as they come in "exchange for reform." Read more about CTA's and NEA's agenda for ESEA.

 

Registration is now open for CTA's summer leadership conferences. The Chapter Presidents Conference is July 18-22 at Asilomar in Monterey. All local presidents are encouraged to attend. That conference is followed by CTA's Summer Institute at UCLA in Los Angeles from July 31-August 5. Summer Institute offers a variety of trainings to help members build leadership skills and improve teaching and learning. Strands include professional development, school finance, essential bargaining, communications, health care and much more. Register today.

 

I want to sincerely thank each and every one of you for your commitment to California students, the goals of public education and to CTA. Let me say, from the bottom of my heart, it has been an honor and a privilege to serve as your CTA president. The last four years have been some of the most rewarding in my life. I could not have done it without your commitment and support. I have made so many wonderful friends from my work with CTA and I treasure you all. The future is YOURS! Go out there and continue the work of making it great.