Ethics Commission Update, 11-06-2015

Ethics Commission Update   As HSTA waits for the Hawaii State Ethics Commission’s decision on a petition for declaratory order filed on education travel August 15, 2015 the Ethics Commission, for the third time this year, is scrutinizing activities of public school teachers.  HSTA’s attorney, Colleen Hanabusa, believes that Ethics Commission Executive Director, Les Kondo,” is overstepping his authority” and “violating due process.” In an interview with the Honolulu Star-Advertiser, Hanabusa said “that Kondo is inappropriately interfering in issues covered by collective bargaining agreements between the DOE and teachers.” Even Superintendent Kathryn Matayoshi has criticized recent Ethics Commission opinions. The Ethics Commission opinions on education travel impacts students and families who have planned with teachers for months and years for trips. In addition to keeping classes waiting in limbo, some families will not be reimbursed for monetary investments made to date.  HSTA is prepared to work with our lawyer on next steps pending the Ethics Commission’s decision. To read the entire Honolulu Star-Advertiser article, please go to http://bit.ly/1P3omo1 See what two Hilo teachers say about education travel HERE>>> August 27, 2015 HSTA member email http://eepurl.com/bxjv41 Join the conversation on the Hawaii State Teachers Association Facebook Page https://www.facebook.com/HawaiiStateTeachersAssociation   Wear Your RED Shirts on Tuesdays Mahalo Chiefess Kapiolani Elementary School teachers for wearing HSTA pride and for your commitment to Hilo students.   Send your school pictures to info@hsta.org

Take Action Now It’s been 13 years and 302 days since No Child Left Behind – the main education law that governs our schools -- was signed into law. Everyone acknowledges that this law isn’t working for students. It’s done nothing to address students’ unequal access to opportunities like AP classes, art programs, and technology. It’s pushed out critical and creative thinking skills in favor of test prep. This is particularly a problem for our most vulnerable students.  Luckily, the current legislation being considered is a huge improvement over current law. Our challenge now is to get a final bill passed. We need Congress to act now, in the best interest of students, and pass a law that ensures equal opportunity and a high-quality education for all our students, regardless of their zip code. Email your representative now. It only takes a few minutes!   Enhancing the Curriculum Through the Arts  Professional Development Workshop for K-6 Teachers Text in Motion: Creative Approaches to Reading Comprehension PDE3 Course # AR180102, Section # 279048  Taught by Daniel A. Kelin, II and Maggie Costiga Details HERE>>>