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
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