Member Matters for September 27, 2015

HSTA in the News HSTA President Corey Rosenlee is featured inside today's Honolulu Star-Advertiser editorial pages.  Read Insight High-stakes testing has detrimental impact EES Clarification from the DOE Last week, some EES FAQs were provided for teachers.  The DOE has provided additional information on one question:  6. Question:  When is the IPDP due? A:  There is no specific due date for the IPDP. The IPDP should be addressed at the beginning conference. The EES Manual states "It is recommended to hold Beginning Conferences before the end of the first quarter". (Reference:  EES Manual, page 8, last sentence of the second paragraph.) 2015 Teacher Institute Day October 12-16, 2015 Find the agenda for your Institute day, read about the workshops, exhibits, and more online HERE>>> Do you know the history of HSTA's Teacher Institute Day? Retired HSTA Executive Director Joan Lee Husted tells the story HERE>>> http://tinyurl.com/2015HSTAInstituteDay

Professional Development Last week to apply! (Due by Thursday, October 1, 2015) Dear teachers, As you heard last week, we are incredibly excited to be partnering with our friends at BetterLesson to offer you a world-class instructional coach (for free!) during the 2015-16 school year with TeachCycle. This is the last week to apply so if you are in your first 5 years of the profession and an HSTA member, apply today! We'll be accepting applicants on a first come, first serve basis so get your application in quickly! The flyer is at this link: http://bit.ly/TeachCycleHI  This flyer can be shared on Lotus Notes. Last Chance for Fall 2015 HSTA PD Courses Please CLICK HERE for more information. Professional Development Website http://www.pd.hsta.org ___________________________ Talking About Ethnicity and Inequality in Education  November 7, 2015 8:30 a.m. Check-In 9:00 a.m. – 12:00 p.m. University of Hawaii Campus Center  PLEASE RSVP HERE http://goo.gl/forms/sxh3v8XIur by OCTOBER 16, 2015 to receive information about $5.00 registration process. Share this opportunity with a colleague HERE>>>

HSTA School Calendar Survey

School Calendar Survey

We are gathering preferences from our members regarding the school calendar.  We will share the results of this survey at the October 6, 2015 Board of Education meeting. Take the survey HERE>>> The survey closes at 5:00 p.m. on Friday, October 2, 2015. ~ Mahalo.

HSTA:  United in the pursuit of excellence for Hawaii’s public schools. Copyright © 2015 Hawaii State Teachers Association, All rights reserved. Mahalo for your engagement. Our mailing address is: Hawaii State Teachers Association 1200 Ala Kapuna Street Honolulu, HI 96819

Answers to frequently asked EES questions for SY 2015-2016

Answers to frequently asked EES questions for School Year 2015-2016. View this email in your browser Updates on Educator Effectiveness System HSTA would like to provide the following answers to members’ frequently asked questions regarding the Department of Education’s implementation of the Educator Effectiveness System (EES) for School Year 2015-2016.  These FAQs are based on some inquiries received during our statewide listening tour, school visits, and emails.  We hope these answers help clarify some of your questions. 1.  Am I supposed to receive a copy of the EES manual for this year?  A: Yes, Article VIII, D of the collective bargaining agreement requires teachers be “provided a personal copy of the (evaluation) instrument”.  All teachers should receive a hard copy of the manual from their respective administrator; teachers can also access a copy of the manual from the DOE intranet and the DOE’s public web page. http://www.hawaiipublicschools.org/DOE%20Forms/Educator%20Effectivness/EESManual.pdf 2.  How do I know if I am on the streamlined, standard, or enhanced system of evaluation?  A: Page 6 of the EES manual outlines the different types of evaluation.  The easiest way to determine your evaluation category is to check your rating from last school year.   If you were tenured and effective or better, you fall in to the group that is streamlined (which covers about 99% of tenured teachers).  You can also log into your PDE3 account and your category should be listed.  If you believe there is a discrepancy between what the EES Manual states your evaluation track should be and what is listed on PDE3, contact your evaluator to resolve the problem.  If there is not a satisfactory resolution at that point, contact your complex area's EES EO for assistance. 3.  What is an IPDP (individualized professional development plan)?  A: An IPDP, is a component of Educator Effectiveness System (EES). Appendix VI of the contract requires “all teachers will develop and maintain an individual professional development plan that identifies areas for targeted growth and learning”.   Teachers on streamlined evaluation will develop and submit these plans.It should be noted, regardless of the IPDP developed, tenured teachers rated effective or better in 2014-2015 will carry over their rating for the 2015-2016 school year.  4.  What is the purpose of IPDP? What is the difference between IPDP and EES? A: IPDP is a component of EES.   The administrator is supposed to support the process of a teacher using data to develop a professional development plan to work on over the course of the school year.   The teacher and administrator can set up future meetings and/or observations as need to help support that work throughout the year. 5. Can my administrator dictate the IPDP template, data, or items I plan to work on in the IPDP, and/or require the whole school to work on the same IPDP goals?  A: No. IPDP is teacher initiated and controlled.  Appendix VI of the contract states that the plan is “developed and maintained” by the teacher. Administrators should not be mandating the template, data, or plan.  The teacher selects the template or form of the plan.  The teacher selects the data used in developing the plan.  The teacher selects the areas of targeted growth for the plan.  However, it should be noted that a conference with the administration is required to discuss the plan and the administration can provide suggestions for improvements or changes to the IPDP and ultimately coordinate on the plan. The administrator/evaluator can recommend a school-designed plan or suggest a template, but they cannot make it a requirement for IPDP purposes.  Finally, the administration will verify in the PDE3 that there was an IPDP conference and the date of that conference in PDE3. 6. When is the IPDP due?  A: IPDP is due by the last day of 1st quarter (EES Manual, page 9). 7. I am concerned my principal will use any small reason to move from streamlined to a standard evaluation can they do that? A: No. Principals should not be using “standard” evaluations as a threat to get teachers to be compliant.   However, if performance deficiencies arise, the evaluator may put the teacher on a principal directed professional development plan (PDPDP) instead of leaving teacher on the IPDP. Two other options the evaluator may consider are to provide additional supports or put the teacher on the standard evaluation track, based on the professional judgement of the administrator (EES Manual, page 9).  To move a teacher from a streamlined to a standard evaluation the principal must meet with the teacher and have documented deficiency that warrants the movement (EES Manual page 42-43). If teachers are being threatened with movement for trivial reasons they should consult with their school grievance representative and/or HSTA UniServ Director. 8. My administrator is directing teachers on the streamlined EES to complete their own SLO/SSIO and/or participate in EES observations and/or produce a portfolio just like those on the standard or enhanced evaluation, is this right?  A: No.  The administrator should not be directing this type of work related to EES.  However, the administrator/evaluator can direct teachers to set learning objectives, participate in data teams and walkthroughs (page 6).  These items are not to be documented in PDE3 and cannot be used for evaluation purposes for teachers who are on the streamlined evaluation track.   The time needed to complete this type of work should be during the workday and the 21 hours of Job Embedded Professional development can be utilized for this type of work. 9. How will teachers know what grouping (streamlined or standard) they are assigned for school year 2016-2017? A: The group “A” and group “B” category transition schedule is still pending announcement from the DOE. 10. I still do not see my 3 PD credits posted in my PDE3 account for school year 2014-2015, who do I contact?  A: There could be a couple of reasons the credits didn’t post.   First check with your administrator to make sure your name was turned in as completing the 21 hours of PD in School year 2014-2015.   If you missed hours and didn’t make them up by the end of the school year you will not be awarded the credits.  For more information on this, see the following memo and FAQ issued by the DOE in August of 2014. http://www.hsta.org/images/uploads/21HoursMemo.pdf   http://www.hsta.org/images/uploads/21HoursFAQs.pdf  Secondly, there have been reports that some credits are not posting properly, call the Personnel Development Branch 441-8333 and report the problem, and ask for assistance in getting the issue resolved.  Finally, if you still have questions please consult with your HSTA UniServ Director. 11. What should I do if my administrator is not implementing the EES properly? A: The first step is to contact the school Association Policy Committee (APC) which includes the grievance representative.  The APC is made up of HSTA teachers at the school or worksite who meet with the Principal to discuss concerns or contract violations.  The APC meeting should help to determine if it is a misunderstanding or if a grievance is in order.  If a discussion with the administration does not resolve the matter, the APC and/or the teacher should consult with their HSTA UniServ Director.  The Complex Area EES Lead is also a key resource who should address EES implementation matters. 12. If teachers still need clarification and/or have questions on EES, what can they do?  A: Teachers can ask their principal, contact their Complex Area EES Lead, call the EES Help Desk 586-4072, contact their School APC members and/or contact their respective HSTA staff person (UniServ Director). If teachers do not know their UniServ Director they can contact HSTA at 833-2711 and ask for referral to the appropriate staff.   Neighbor island offices are as follows:  Maui 873-7788, Kauai 245-7396, Hilo 969-7492, West Hawaii Island 934-8031.   They can also email info@hsta.org with their name, school and contact information; the email can be forwarded to the appropriate staff member for follow up. --> HSTA:  United in the pursuit of excellence for Hawaii’s public schools. Copyright © 2015 Hawaii State Teachers Association, All rights reserved. Mahalo for your engagement. Our mailing address is: Hawaii State Teachers Association 1200 Ala Kapuna Street Honolulu, HI 96819

HSTA RA Meeting Notes, Sept. 17, 2015

HSTA RA Meeting Agenda Notes: September 17, 2015

Location: Kea’au High School

Pre-Meeting:

A Place in the Middle is a video resource produced in cooperation with PBS. It is currently being offered free!  It focuses on the story of a young Hawaiian girl’s struggle to be accepted regarding her particular gender roles within her school’s Hula Halau, and the greater culture she lives in.

Approved K-12, content applicable in Hawaiian Studies,  Social Studies, and LBGT Anti-bullying curriculum

Available for screening, free online at aplaceinthemiddle.org

Beginning of Meeting:

Announcements: 

Revision required regarding prior informational meeting minutes: It should be clarified In the minutes that Teacher Institute day will see the Hamakua chapter attached to the Hilo chapter for purposes of logistics. For documentation purposes, this revision was accepted.

Per Wilbert Holck (HSTA Executive Director): HSTA is assembling a task force to investigate cost effective solutions regarding air conditioning in Hawaii schools. Various Solar installation companies may offer solutions cheaper than ones currently being estimated by the state.

Also: HSTA is contesting the claim of ethics violations regarding “free” teacher accompaniment during/with student travel.

2016 Bargaining Considerations:

In the fall of 2016, all 14 public bargaining units contracts will expire; this circumstance is somewhat unprecedented, and is anticipated to incite a “feeding frenzy” regarding contract renegotiations. HSTA’s stance is that the union must prepare to stand firm in order to retain and allocate funds necessary for the advancement of public schools.

Teacher Institute Day General Schedule:

Waiakea Intermediate School’s date: October 14, 2015

Location:  Kea'au High school

Teacher institute day schedule:

7:15-8:15 – registration

7:30 – breakfast

8:45-9:45 – General Session

10:00-10:45 – Session #1

11:00-11:45 – Session #2

12:00-1:00 – Lunch

1:00-2:00 – Open University

Teacher Institute Day Expectations:

All Teachers are expected to attend the scheduled teacher institute day that pertains to them, as it is negotiated as a paid work day.

Teacher institute will also have tables to allow non-member teachers to sign up to join the union:

HSTA is asking that the head reps from each school assist in supporting the signups of new teachers; rosters will be provided for general sign-in, along with the status of the teacher in question. Runners will be available if notified, to offer the signup of new teachers at the membership table.

Tickets will be issued to all attending teachers: 1 for breakfast, 1 for lunch, and 1 for a new red T-shirt. Any T-shirt must be picked up by the teacher who will be wearing it; no proxy pick-ups. More information will follow prior to institute day.

WIS non-members:

Waiakea Intermediate currently has 7 teachers listed as Fee-Paying Non-Members. HSTA has given us the requisite paperwork and requested we contact these teachers and encourage them to sign up.

HSTA would like to remind all teachers to proudly wear red on Tuesdays in support of education.

Voting Information:

Next year, the 2016 NEA RA will be held in Washington, D.C.

This year the NEA chapter and state delegate voting process will be combined. Voting will be done through a polling site. Teachers will be able to request and complete absentee ballots.

Hilo/Waiakea Schools will likely host polling sites in those areas; polling will likely be based on attending school, not residence. More details will be released prior to voting in January.

HSTA State Priorities:

HSTA is holding the following priorities for state consideration (these are not the only priorities, but constitute the ones of primary importance):

1. Allocating funding to support a healthy teacher-student ratio (more classroom teacher positions)

2. Increasing teacher pay in the face of growing responsibilities

Testimonies may be requested by HSTA or the state; in any case, HSTA strongly recommends submitting testimonies, as the raw number of testimonies, (not specifically detailed or compelling ones) is what the state primarily examines when considering the extent to which a response is required.

In the prior year, the HSTA’s following priorities were successfully supported/responded to by the state:

Schedule waivers/exceptions regarding instructional minutes

Funding for School facility upgrades

Possible Payout Concerns:

The upcoming October “bonus” for teachers is a lump sum payout, not a salary increase, and should be reflected in teacher pay stubs for the October 5^th payout.

HSTA is concerned that teachers on unpaid leave (maternity or otherwise) may not receive this payout from the State. HSTA is willing to litigate if this occurs. HSTA is asking that if teachers in this situation do not receive the payout, that schools report it to the union.

Next Year’s School Calendar:

HSTA in currently in consult to make recommendations for next year’s school calendar. They will submit recommendations to the state in November.

PDP’s:

Per HSTA, Administrators do not have the authority to request revision or modification of an IPDP, provided the IPDP already meets all general criteria for acceptance. Admin may request that an individual PDP be adjusted in order to meet the criteria for acceptance, but they may not ask that something be added or changed simply because they would prefer to see it over something else in the plan.

Member Matters, Sept. 18, 2015

HSTA encourages you to celebrate Peace Day HSTA IN THE NEWS HSTA President Corey Rosenlee calls the Smarter Balanced standard an artificial number. He believes the low scores will hurt, not help students because more emphasis will be placed on teaching the test subjects to improve future results. “The pressure to get these higher scores oftentimes means that we ignore the whole child,” he said.  Read more HERE>>> Two neighbor island teachers wrote to the Honolulu Star-Bulletin this week about the impact an Ethics Commission advisory opinion has on students. Read more HERE>>> Join the conversation on these and other issues on Facebook. Can you help a colleague in need? Jo Kaupu from Waiakea High has had a reoccurrence of cancer.  She survived two surgeries, 16 chemo rounds, and 32 rounds of radiation.  Due to a major surgery in August, she is in desperate need of sick leave days. Jo is a single parent.  She is trying to keep up her strength for her two children while at the same time worrying about supporting her family. Despite her concerns about medical bills and normal monthly expenses, she is thankful for the incredible emotional and loving support from family and close friends. Any help colleagues can provide by donating sick days would be very much appreciated. The contact person for the leave share donations is Melissa Respicio.  Ms. Respicio is the SASA at Waiakea High: Melissa_Respicio@notes.k12.hi.us or, call 974-4888 ext.221.  Mahalo. HSTA Organizing Grant HSTA’s vision is “United in the Pursuit of Excellence for Hawaii’s Public Schools.”The purpose of the HSTA Organizing Grant is to encourage members, schools, and chapters to create opportunities for organizing projects to build deeper relationships within the HSTA and the community. Activities should also provide opportunities for identifying and engaging new members and leaders to carry forth the vision of HSTA. Any HSTA member is eligible to apply for an organizing grant. Download a grant application HERE>>> Grant Reporting Form Vote for ERS Teacher Trustee Watch your mail for State of Hawaii Employees' Retirement System (ERS) election information.  HSTA's nominee for the teacher trustee position is Logan Okita.  CLICK HERE to read more about Logan. Are you registered to vote? September 22, 2015 is National Voter Registration Day Celebrating Democracy in America Hawaii's Online Voter Registration System HERE>>> Register to vote, update your exisiting voter registration confirm your voter registration address, or request to vote by mail.

Professional Development Integrating Stock Market, Personal Finance, and Economic Concepts into the Classroom  Saturday, September 26, 2015 Saturday, November 7, 2015 Saturday, December 12, 2015 All Workshops are from 8:00 a.m. – 4:30 p.m. Find out more about this professional development opportunity and how to register HERE>>> Professional Development Website http://www.pd.hsta.org ___________________________ Talking About Race and Inequality in Education  November 7, 2015 9:00 a.m. – 12:00 p.m. 8:30 a.m. Check-In University of Hawaii Campus Center  PLEASE RSVP HERE http://goo.gl/forms/sxh3v8XIur by OCTOBER 16, 2015 to receive information about $5.00 registration process. 2016 National Geographic Bee Information and Deadlines Bring the exciting competition of the National Geographic Bee to your school! Take advantage of the early-bird registration (ends December 18, 2015); the $100 fee includes contest materials and prizes. The Geo Bee, designed to inspire students to be curious about the world, is open to students in grades four through eight. Important dates: August 18, 2015 – January 18, 2016 Enroll your school September 18, 2015 – February 5, 2016 Download Bee Materials and Hold Your School Bee February 5, 2016 Deadline for School Bee Champ to Take Online Qualifying - Test by 11:59 p.m. EST March 4, 2016 State Bee Qualifiers Announced April 1, 2016 State Bee Register for the National Geographic Bee competition at NATGEOBEE.COM Questions? Contact Hawaii’s National Geographic Bee Coordinator, Mary Frances Higuchi, atmfhiguchi@gmail.com. News you can use UniServ Directors By School 2015 Teacher Institute Agendas: October 12-16 Early-Career Teacher PD Opportunity Apply by September 24 September 2015 Peace Day Information HSTA 2016 Legislative Priorities Deadline to nominate: January 11, 2016 Friend of Youth Award Pono Award Resource: PBS Learning Media

Member Benefits Welcome HSTA's new Membership Services Specialist, AhLinn Yamane! HSTA ACCESS Membership Card More information HERE>>> NEA Member Benefits Turn your dues into cash. HSTA Enrollment Card - Join today to take advantage of additional benefits such as the $1 Million Educators Liability Insurance (EEL).

Listening Tour to Arrive in HILO on Tuesday, Sept. 8, 4 - 6 PM at ILWU Hall! Join us!

HSTA Hilo Chapter Listening Tour   

HSTA LISTENING TOUR
on
Tuesday, September 8 –4:00-6:00 p.m.
at
Hilo - ILWU Hall

Waiakea Intermediate School Teachers: We encourage you to come out for the Listening Tour ! Our HSTA State Officers Corey Rosenlee, Justin Hughey and Amy Perusso will be at the ILWU hall on Sept. 8th from 4 - 6 pm. 

The Officers are very interested in hearing from teachers. 

Some questions to consider:

·        What is your vision for Public Education in Hawaii? 

·        What are the impediments/challenges to that vision? 

·        How can we change this? 

·        Do you feel valued and connected to HSTA?  Why/Why not? 

See you all there! 

Our new HSTA Leadership Team says,

"School has started and we want to hear what’s on your mind.
What is your vision for public education in Hawaii? How can we make public education a priority in our state in order to create the schools our children deserve?

Please join us. Light refreshments will be provided."  

SAVE THE DATE! Mark your calendars.

See more at: http://www.hsta.org/index.php/news/join-a-listening-tour#sthash.bcALluNF.dpuf