Member Matters: HSTA president's end-of-school message, posted 5-26-2016

PRESIDENT'S MESSAGE To my fellow educators, As the school year comes to a close, I want to wish you all a great summer. I also would like to share the many ways we have worked effectively as a union for you over the past year. When school began late last summer, unions across the country faced a great challenge in the U.S. Supreme Court case Friedrichs v. California Teachers Association. Anti-union billionaires bankrolled the case. If they were successful, a victory for anti-union forces would have significantly impacted our ability to advocate for teachers and public education. However, the vacancy created by the death of Justice Antonin Scalia and the subsequent 4-4 decision by the court upheld the lower court’s decision in CTA’s favor, protecting unions for the time being. Regardless, the HSTA needs to show we are relevant and benefiting all our members. So here are some of our victories this year and goals for next year: The HSTA successfully lobbied and secured $100 million for air conditioning and heat abatement for hot classrooms. This funding will impact more than 1,000 classrooms, hundreds of teachers and tens of thousands of students across the state. Nationally, NEA along with other unions, lobbied for passage and approval of the federal Every Students Succeeds Act (ESSA), which allows states greater flexibility on testing and evaluations. Because of ESSA, HSTA was able to lobby the BOE to change its policy of using test scores on teacher evaluations. Student standardized test results are now no longer required to be used to evaluate teachers. We worked with the Legislature to allocate $500,000 for a pilot program in which some teachers will receive a debit card to purchase school supplies. HSTA successfully lobbied to expand the use of school impact fees, which developers have to pay when they build new housing developments. For the first time, those fees are no longer restricted to construction of new schools and can be used for improvements and repairs to existing schools. We began the Schools Our Keiki Deserve campaign and organized hundreds of teachers across the state to rally and testify for better schools for our keiki. Read the entire Schools Our Keiki Deserve here. HSTA also expanded our innovative professional development program, offering 27 course subjects taught by teachers to 950 other teachers across the state. Next school year, we will expand further with new courses about Next Generation Science Standards, assessment literacy, video as a professional tool, Habits of Mind as well as a new math offering. We have increased our member recognition and improved our relationships with businesses that want to recognize teachers. These community supporters have donated prizes such as Apple watches and Mokulele Airlines gift certificates during Teacher Appreciation Month. Still there is work to be done. Our efforts to address the state Ethics Commission concerns about educational travel and lift the restriction on teachers’ ability to travel with students at no cost died during the final days of the Legislature. However, lawmakers approved $400,000 for educational travel that the DOE can use for teacher travel costs. Our attempt to increase funding for our public schools with an excise tax increase also died in the Legislature this year. We knew this would be a long-term fight and we plan on continuing to pursue avenues to adequately fund public schools. The negotiations team has been meeting to continue work preparing for bargaining that begins this fall. The team has surveyed members and conducted focus groups to assess contract priorities. Be on the lookout for another final negotiations survey focusing on economic issues at the beginning of next school year. We have accomplished great things together as a union and working together, let's make further improvements next year. Have a wonderful summer. Aloha, Corey Rosenlee HSTA President Read the entire Schools Our Keiki Deserve here.

Copyright © 2016 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

Member Matters: Hard-to-staff bonus problems being fixed; candidate recommendations released; ESSA summit, town halls scheduled; more prizes awarded, posted 5-20-2016

Work begins on untying standardized tests from teacher evaluations  AINA HAINA (HSTA) -- The BOE voted unanimously Tuesday to approve the recommendation of the joint HSTA-DOE EES committee and stop requiring standardized test results to be tied to teacher evaluations. As a result of the relaxation of testing requirements, the DOE has begun work on specific EES changes for the 2016-2017 school year. HSTA is unsure if the DOE will announce EES changes before the teachers’ last day, May 27. The HSTA realizes that these changes are of great interest to our members and are an important part of recognizing that teacher evaluations should be supportive and not punitive. We will continue to press the DOE to announce EES changes as soon as possible. Among the options being considered are changes to the use of students’ standardized test results.  The collective bargaining agreement (See Appendix VI of the CBA, pages 103 to 112) says teacher evaluations must include “student growth as measured by statewide assessment.” Any change in that portion of the agreement would require an agreement between the BOE and HSTA to waive that requirement. In a DOE news release Tuesday, after the Board vote on the testing/evaluation issue, Superintendent Kathryn Matayoshi said, “These changes allow for flexibility and are the result of continuous improvement, analysis and collaboration over years. We will continue to focus on supporting the development of our teachers and advancing student learning.” Those remarks give HSTA and teachers across the state hope that positive changes will really happen. And we will be sure to keep you updated about progress on this important issue. Important update for teachers who receive hard-to-staff differential HONOLULU (HSTA) -- Hundreds of teachers in hard-to-staff areas may have recently received a personnel action form (Form 5) indicating the hard-to-staff differential would be $1,500, which was a mistake by the Department of Education. HSTA learned of the error Friday morning and notified the DOE, which will make corrections. The good news is that the mistakes will not affect teachers' paychecks. But these inaccurate forms will have to be corrected. Teachers will receive an additional Form 5 to correct the error, reflecting the proper amount for the hard-to-staff differential ($3,000 for full-time employees and $1,500 for half-time). This differential should be reflected in the June 20 paycheck In addition, the DOE made a separate error on the same Form 5 by not removing the one-time $2,000 lump-sum payment that teachers received last October. The teachers who were affected by that error will receive another Form 5 reflecting that the second lump sum was an error. The DOE hopes to get these corrected forms in teachers' hands next week.   HSTA reveals recommendations for Hawaii State House and Senate primary candidates HONOLULU (HSTA) -- The HSTA Friday announced its recommendations for Hawaii State House and Senate candidates in the upcoming 2016 primary election. “After many committee discussions, interviews and extensive research on the House and Senate seats up for re-election this year, the HSTA Board of Directors has agreed to recommend the following candidates who have been strong supporters of public education and are committed to creating a better future for our keiki,” said HSTA President Corey Rosenlee. The primary election will be held Saturday, Aug. 13, 2016. Click here to see HSTA's primary election recommendations   Teacher testimony needed at governor's education summit, ESSA town hall meetings WAIKIKI (HSTA) -- Gov. David Ige’s Every Student Succeeds Act team, which is working to develop a blueprint for public schools in Hawaii consistent with the Every Student Succeeds Act, holds a July education summit and eight town hall meetings in July, August and September. The Governor’s Education Summit will be held Saturday, July 9, at the Hawaii Convention Center in Waikiki from 8:30 a.m. to 3:30 p.m. HSTA would like teachers to speak out at these forums so that this important panel can hear the first-hand opinions of educators. “We need teacher views on a number of key topics, from teacher evaluation and testing/assessment to professional development and special education,” said Amy Perruso, HSTA’s secretary-treasurer and a social studies teacher at Mililani High School. The town hall schedule starts at Kapolei High School on Oahu and Kealakehe High School on Hawaii Island, Wed., July 27, from 5:30 to 7:30 p.m. Click here for an ESSA town hall schedule   More Teacher Appreciation Month winners announced KONA (HSTA) -- Congratulations to Matthew Rossman of Holualoa Elementary School on Hawaii Island, who is the winner of this week’s grand prize, an Apple Watch. HSTA is giving away prizes all month long to members across the state, as we say thank you for the hard work you do all year long. This week's other winners included: Jennifer Pimentel from Ewa Beach Elementary, who won two $100 Mokulele Airlines gift certificates donated by the airline Leinaala Salausa of James Campbell High School, winner of a $100 A Catered Experience gift certificate courtesy of the catering firm Cindy Fong of Hilo Intermediate School, who won a $25 Costco gift card, donated by Costco Victor Padilla of Dole Middle School, winner of a large Under Armour bag donated by Island Insurance Lin Hadama from Farrington High School, who won a desk placemat courtesy of HSC Office Products You can still enter the contest using the link below for a chance to win these prizes next week: A two-night stay at the Aston Waikiki Hotel $100 Visa cash card 2 $100 Mokulele Airlines gift certificates An Apple Watch Mahalo to sponsors Mokulele Airlines, Island Insurance, Wet-n-Wild Hawaii, A Catered Experience, Costco, 76 Gas Stations, HSC Office Products and Service Printers Hawaii for donating prizes HSTA will give away to teachers all month. No teacher dues were used for any of these prizes. Click here and enter to win Teacher Appreciation Month prizes   Know your rights: Teacher performance evaluation rating appeals process HONOLULU (HSTA) -- All Department of Education teachers will receive their final performance evaluation rating under the Educator Effectiveness System (EES) by the end of the school year. Teachers being rated less than effective must receive final notification no later than Friday, May 20..Last week's Member Matters erroneously reported the notification deadline was Wednesday, May 17. We apologize for the error. Under the collective bargaining agreement, teachers who receive a marginal or unsatisfactory rating may have certain due-process rights which allow them to appeal their rating. Non-tenured and tenured teachers rated marginal will not be eligible for pay increases. Tenured teachers may challenge a marginal rating exclusively through an expedited appeals process. If you have questions, please consult with your UniServ director. Click here for a summary of your performance evaluation appeals rights   Click here to see HSTA's primary election recommendations Click here for an ESSA town hall schedule Click here and enter to win Teacher Appreciation Month prizes Click here for a summary of your performance evaluation appeals rights

Copyright © 2016 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

Member Matters: BOE drops requirement to require test results in teacher evaluations, posted 5-17-2016

BOE dropping mandatory use of test results in teacher evaluations Dear Members: I am excited to announce the Board of Education Tuesday night, on the recommendation of the DOE and HSTA, voted unanimously to modify BOE policy 203.4, eliminating student assessment scores as a mandatory component of teacher evaluations. This change is the first step in what we hope will be many public education improvements that we look forward to under the federal Every Student Succeeds Act. Many teachers have told us how placing too much emphasis on one measurement of student success has had an adverse effect on learning.  We hope that moving away from an emphasis on standardized testing will free teachers to teach to the whole child, bringing back more social studies, Hawaiian studies, art, music, physical education and vocational education. The BOE voted for the changes Tuesday night, following recommendations of the HSTA-DOE Educator Effectiveness System Joint Committee. HSTA will now move forward, in consultation with the Department of Education, to determine what changes the superintendent will make to EES in the 2016-2017 school year. This policy change creates the opportunity for us to further push for removal of standardized test scores as part of teacher evaluation at the bargaining table later this year. The school year is coming to an end but HSTA’s work doesn’t stop. Over the summer, please be sure to check your email, HSTA.org and HSTA’s Facebook page for the latest updates about changes in EES and HSTA’s work with the governor’s ESSA task force. Aloha, Corey Rosenlee HSTA President   Read the report from the HSTA-DOE Joint Committee on the Educator Effectiveness System presented to the BOE Tuesday  Read the HSTA-DOE joint committee report on EES here   Read more about the DOE's recommended changes on teacher performance evaluations  See BOE proposal to change teacher evaluations here   Read the HSTA-DOE joint committee report on EES here See BOE proposal to change teacher evaluations here

Copyright © 2016 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

CTE Teachers needed for Summer Focus Group, email from R. Yamanaka, posted 5-16-2016

To: WIS CTE Teachers
From: Rae Yamanaka
Date: 5-16-2016
Re: HSTA CTE focus groups - Hilo chapter

Hi all,

We are still looking for CTE teachers who are interested in serving on a CTE focus group during the summer.  Please send in your name and contact information to Patty Arce at:  parce@hsta.org

Thanks,

rae

Rae A.Yamanaka

HSTA Hilo UniServ Director

Hilo Lagoon Centre

101 Aupuni St., ste.219

Hilo, HI  96720

Phone:  (808)935-9301 office; (808)365-6979 cell

Fax:  (808) 969-7492

Email:  ryamanaka@hsta.org

HSTA negotiated the first personal leave provision for public employees in1972.

SpEd teachers needed for Summer Focus Group, email from R. Yamanaka, posted 5-16-2016

To: WIS Special Education Teachers

From: Rae Yamanaka

Date: 5-16-2016

Re: SpEd teachers needed for summer focus group

THIS MESSAGE IS GOING OUT BCC TO ALL SLLS, PLEASE SEND TO YOUR SPECIAL EDUCATION TEACHERS.

Hi all,

HSTA’s Negotiations team has asked for teachers to step up and volunteer to be on the SpEd focus group for Hilo chapter.

Re:  HSTA Focus Groups for Hilo Chapter SpEd teachers

WHAT: Throughout the year and again at our HSTA Convention many concerns and issues from Special Education teachers were brought up.  HSTA is soliciting names for a SpEd focus group to work during the summer months.    HSTA will provide lunch or dinner, and mileage for participants.  We are looking for SpEd teachersrepresenting elementary, middle and high schools. 

WHEN:  Summer 2016

WHERE:   Hilo chapter focus group, meeting site to be determined

ACTION NEEDED: 

• Please send us their name, school, and contact information.
• Please inform them that either Ray or Patty will be contacting them for more background information, and to confirm their participation in a focus group discussion. 
• Because we are looking for a certain balance, not all that are referred to us will be invited to the focus group.

Should you have any questions, please let us know.  Thank you.

J

Ray Camacho / Patricia Arce

Negotiations Department

Hawaii State Teachers Association

1200 Ala Kapuna St.

Honolulu, HI 96819

(808) 833-2711 ext. 230

(808) 833-7106 Fax

Confidentiality Notice:  This e-mail message, including any attachments, is for the sole use of the intended recipient(s) and may contain confidential HSTA privileged information.  Any unauthorized review, use, disclosure, or distribution is prohibited.  If you are not the intended recipient, please contact the sender immediately by reply e-mail and destroy all copies of the original message. 

I am asking that you send this information out to your SpEd teachers and have them contact Patty Arce at: parce@hsta.org if they are interested in being part of a SpEd focus group this summer.

Thanks,

rae

Rae A.Yamanaka

HSTA Hilo UniServ Director

Hilo Lagoon Centre

101 Aupuni St., ste.219

Hilo, HI  96720

Phone:  (808)935-9301 office; (808)365-6979 cell

Fax:  (808) 969-7492

Email:  ryamanaka@hsta.org

HSTA negotiated the first personal leave provision for public employees in1972.

Member Matters: Important arbitration ruling; Schools Our Keiki Deserve is online; Enter to win teacher appreciation prizes, posted 5-14-2016

HSTA wins $150K in back pay, thousands more in salaries for UH Lab School teachers  MANOA (HSTA) – The Hawaii State Teachers Association has prevailed in a five-year fight to win back pay and raises for teachers at University Laboratory School, a public charter school. An arbitrator has awarded 19 teachers a total of $150,000 in back pay and 12 teachers step movements on the salary schedule worth nearly $40,000. The case began in 2011, when HSTA filed a grievance, challenging University Laboratory School leaders on initial placement of teachers on the HSTA salary schedule. A long legal battle ensued, with HSTA going to court to compel the school into arbitration. In a decision finalized this spring, an arbitrator issued a decision awarding back pay to former and current lab school teachers. Current teachers were also awarded salary increases of between 3 and 15 percent a year. “HSTA had to fight for years to ensure our members at this school were paid properly,” said HSTA President Corey Rosenlee. “These are modest increases that finally properly compensate the most senior faculty, some of whom have been been teaching for more than 20 years.” “It’s too bad school officials spent time, money and effort fighting what has long been owed to these hard working, veteran educators,” Rosenlee added. Know your rights: Teacher performance evaluation rating appeals process HONOLULU (HSTA) -- All Department of Education teachers will receive their final performance evaluation rating under the Educator Effectiveness System (EES) by the end of the school year. Teachers being rated less than effective must receive final notification no later than May 17, 2016. Under the collective bargaining agreement, teachers who receive a marginal or unsatisfactory rating may have certain due-process rights which allow them to appeal their rating. Non-tenured and tenured teachers rated marginal will not be eligible for pay increases. Tenured teachers may challenge a marginal rating exclusively through an expedited appeals process. If you have questions, please consult with your UniServ director. Click here for a summary of your performance evaluation appeals rights Schools Our Keiki Deserve publication available online HONOLULU (HSTA) -- Many thanks to HSTA Secretary-Treasurer Amy Perruso and the HSTA Speakers Bureau for producing Schools Our Keiki Deserve, a 28-page research-based publication that charts a path of improvement for public education in Hawaii. Among the topics covered: whole-child education, class size, funding, early childhood education, vocational education, quality facilities, small and rural schools, recruitment and retention as well as why Hawaii needs to end high-stakes testing. Here is the link to Schools Our Keiki Deserve. Apple Watch prize awarded, more prizes for teachers in weeks ahead HONOLULU (HSTA) -- Congratulations to the first HSTA Teacher Appreciation Month prize winner Kristen Lum Brummel, a resource teacher in the Honolulu District. She won an Apple Watch for tagging two favorite teachers, Cynthia Chang and Tracy Yamashiro, from Noelani Elementary School in Manoa. Lum Brummel is donating the Apple Watch to Noelani's silent auction fundraiser. Chang and Yamashiro won prizes too. Mahalo to them and all teachers for their hard work, and to sponsors Mokulele Airlines, Island Insurance, Wet-n-Wild Hawaii, A Catering Experience, Costco, and Service Printers Hawaii for donating prizes HSTA will give away to teachers all month. Click here and enter to win Teacher Appreciation Month prizes Leave share donations needed for Hilo member fighting cancer HILO (HSTA) -- Donna (Haraga) Banks from Hilo Union School on the Big Island has been undergoing ovarian cancer treatment since she had surgery in 2014. Rather than chemotherapy and radiation, she has chosen homeopathic and natural remedies. To care for herself and fight this disease, Banks has not been able to return to work. This lifestyle change has proven victorious and inspiring for her. However, the battle against this disease isn’t over yet. Can you please help? Any donations of leave share days would be greatly appreciated. The contact person for leave share donations is Chelsi Matsumoto, SASA at Hilo Union Elementary School.  You can call Chelsi at 808-933-0900, or email her at: Chelsi_Matsumoto@notes.k12.hi.us Click here for a summary of your performance evaluation appeals rights Here is the link to Schools Our Keiki Deserve. Click here and enter to win Teacher Appreciation Month prizes

Copyright © 2016 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

Know our contract: Check out sheet and assistance with moving, email posted 5-12-2016

To: WIS Faculty

Re: Checking out sheet and assistance with moving of supplies

From: D. Anderson

Aloha, Faculty,

At Leadership, we were informed specifically that your red "Checkout Sheet" may be completed in advance of our final day without students on Friday, May 27.  We hope this encourages you as needed to get a jump on tasks.

        Did you know, contractually, "When given reasonable advance notice by the teacher, the Employer shall, within operational limitations, provide appropriate assistance in the moving and arranging of classroom furniture, equipment and boxes of supplies (Z. NON-PROFESSIONAL DUTIES, p. 24)."  For teachers wanting disposal or transfer of inventory, whether you're moving rooms or not, advance paperwork completion assists us (including your DH) with helping you. We're trying to improve management of our Library Storage, especially as UPLINK will have their own portable next year.
        If we can support you in your planning & preparation for next year's assignments, please let us know!
Always,
Debbie