LOUISIANA ASSOCIATION OF EDUCATORS

The LAE Fund for Children & Public Education Endorses Tara Hollis for Governor

2011-10-08T14:36:00.001-05:00

The LAE Fund for Children & Public Education Endorses Tara Hollis for Governor

Hollis' Extensive Knowledge and Experience as a Public School Educator Places Her Ahead In Candidate Screening Process

BATON ROUGE, LA
– October 8, 2011 – The LAE Fund for Children & Public Education (LAE-FCPE) – the political action committee for the Louisiana Association of Educators – has endorsed Tara Hollis for Governor of Louisiana.

The decision to endorse Hollis was made by a screening committee made up of LAE local presidents and executive committee members from across the state. The committee interviewed four of the 10 candidates - Ron Ceasar, Tara Hollis, 'Niki Bird' Papazoglakis, Ivo 'Trey' Roberts - who are vying for the state's top office.

The Fund for Children & Public Education interview team ultimately decided to recommend Hollis for the position. Her extensive knowledge and experience as a public school educator placed her ahead during the candidate screening process. LAE-FCPE Chairperson Joyce Haynes praised the committee on their decision.

"This is an extremely important election and members of the LAE-FCPE took this process very seriously," said Haynes. "The future of Louisiana relies on the policies enacted by the individual who is elected to this position. We feel as though Mrs. Hollis is a true supporter of public education and is someone who will to make the children of Louisiana her first priority."

Each candidate went through an extensive screening process where they were asked to answer a questionnaire exploring their views on teacher accountability, charter schools, teachers' retirement and state funding. The candidates then met with members of the LAE-FCPE, where they were given an opportunity to elaborate on their questionnaire answers, as well as their campaign platforms.

"We appreciate the initiative that these men and women are taking by running for this very important office," said Haynes. "We chose the individual whose platform was most in line with our values as educators."

The 2011 gubernatorial primary is set for October 22^nd. We hope that Ms. Hollis will be able to win enough votes to effectuate a runoff - which is scheduled for November 19^th.

For more information visit www.lae.org. For contact with Joyce Haynes, LAE-FCPE chairperson please call or email Ashley Davis at ashley.davis@lae.org.

LSUnited member and professor Wilfred Major talks about Faculty Senate resolution - The Daily Reveille - Louisiana State University

2011-10-07T08:13:00.000-05:00

LSUnited member and professor Wilfred Major talks about Faculty Senate resolution - The Daily Reveille - Louisiana State University

Jindal declines debate invitation

2011-10-06T13:08:00.001-05:00

Jindal declines debate invitation

Michelle Millhollon

Advocate capitol news bureau

Gov. Bobby Jindal won't participate in a candidate forum hosted by a teachers' union that recently opposed one of his key education initiatives.

Ashley Davis, spokeswoman for the Louisiana Association of Educators, said Wednesday that the nine other candidates in the governor's race have agreed to participate in the debate.

The debate, which will focus on education and revenue, is scheduled for 7 p.m. wednesday at the Bo Campbell Auditorium in the Cox Communications Academic Center on the LSU campus.

Jindal referenced past disputes with the Louisiana Association of Educators when asked about the debate at a news conference on school scores.

The LAE represents about 20,000 teachers and other school personnel.

"It doesn't surprise folks I don't always agree with the LAE," the governor said Wednesday afternoon. "I don't think they've ever endorsed me any time I've run. That's OK — still happy to sit down and talk with them."

The LAE is critical of a Jindal-backed law that will link annual teacher evaluations in part to student achievement.

Timmy Teepell, the governor's campaign advisor, said the debate will not have a wide enough audience to warrant the governor's participation.

"Yep, we declined. Because it is not televised statewide, the people of Louisiana won't see it," Teepell wrote in an email.

Teepell recently expressed disappointment through Twitter that WWL-TV in New Orleans is not holding a gubernatorial debate. He said earlier that he encouraged WWL-TV to allow the governor to debate a field of little-known candidates.

Nine people are running against the governor in the Oct. 22 primary: Democrats Cary Deaton, Tara Hollis, "Niki Bird" Papazoglakis and Ivo "Trey" Roberts, Libertarians Scott Lewis and David Blanchard, Leonard "Lenny" Bollingham, Ron Ceasar and William Robert "Bob" Lang, who do not have a party affiliation.

None is well-financed or well-known, giving the governor little opposition to his re-election bid.

The LAE debate may be the only one in the governor's race.

Jindal said Wednesday afternoon at his news conference that Teepell had not seen the LAE's invitation.

"We'll be happy to look at the invitation," the governor said.

Davis said after the news conference that Jindal's executive assistant, Kelley McCormick, had already declined on the governor's behalf.

The governor's press secretary, Kyle Plotkin, blamed the confusion on the LAE approaching Jindal's state office, rather than his campaign office.

Papazoglakis said Jindal does not want to defend a record that includes opposing a cigarette tax increase and supporting college tuition hikes.

"His performance has been atrocious. The numbers speak for themselves," she said.

Papazoglakis said she still will participate to let voters know there are other choices.

"He's cowardly," Deaton said.

He said Jindal is backpedaling on agreeing to debate even minor candidates in the governor's race.

Deaton said a Houma television station wanted to host a debate but nixed the idea after speaking to the governor's staff.

Members of the Louisiana Association of Educators’ Political Action Committee Interview Gubernatorial Hopefuls

2011-10-05T08:16:00.001-05:00

Committee Meets with Four of the 10 Candidates Vying for Louisiana’s Top Leadership Position

BATON ROUGE, LA– October 3, 2011 – Members of the Louisiana Association of Educators’ political action committee – the LAE Fund for Children & Public Education (LAE-FCPE) – met over the weekend to interview the contenders vying for Louisiana’s top office. Of those running, LAE-FCPE members met with Ron Ceasar of Opelousas, Tara Hollis of Haynesville, Androniki “Niki Bird” Papazoglakis of Baton Rouge, and Ivo “Trey” Roberts of Gretna.

“This is an extremely important election and members of our political action committee are taking this process very seriously,” said LAE-FCPE Chairperson Joyce Haynes. “The future of Louisiana relies on the decisions made and the policies enacted by the individual who is elected to this position. We would really like to see someone who is a supporter of public education – someone who is going to make the children of Louisiana a priority.”

Each candidate went through an extensive screening process where they were asked to answer a questionnaire exploring their views on such issues as teacher accountability, charter schools, teachers’ retirement, privatization and state funding. The candidates then met with nearly 20 members of the LAE-FCPE, where they were given an opportunity to elaborate on their questionnaire answers, as well as their campaign platforms. Committee members reviewed each candidate and will soon make a recommendation to the full LAE-FCPE. The decision to endorse is forthcoming.

“The candidates we met with interviewed well and we appreciate the initiative that each is taking by running for this very important office,” said Haynes. “If we do decide to endorse, we will go with the individual whose platform is most in line with our values as educators.”

The 2011 gubernatorial primaries will take place on October 22nd. If needed, a runoff is scheduled for November 19th.

For more information visit www.lae.org or contact Ashley Davis at ashley.davis@lae.org.
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Gubernatorial Debates

2011-10-05T07:41:00.002-05:00

The Louisiana Association of Educators in conjunction with several education and community organizations

Invites you to attend the

Gubernatorial Debates
Hosted by Louisiana Education Stakeholders

Wednesday, October 12, 2011
7:00 to 9:30 p.m.

Cox Communications Academic Center
On the LSU Campus
http://www.acsa.lsu.edu/

These debates will be covered by the major electronic and print media in the Baton Rouge Metropolitan area and will be co-sponsored by numerous organizations including the following:

• Louisiana Association of Educators (LAE)
• Coalition for Louisiana Public Education (The Coalition)
• Louisiana School Board Association (LSBA)
• American Association of University Personnel (AAUP)
• American Association of University Women (AAUW)
• Louisiana State University Faculty Senate
• LSUnited

All candidates for the office of governor have been invited to participate.
For more details on this event, please contact either:

Dr. Michael Walker-Jones, Executive Director, at 225-343-4243 or mwalkerjones@lae.org
Ms. Ashley Davis, LAE Communications Specialist, at 225-343-4243 or Ashley.davis@lae.org

Conference Call with Vice President Biden

2011-09-11T21:28:00.001-05:00

Following President Obama’s speech to a joint session of Congress, Vice President Biden would like educators to join him for a conference call on Monday, September 12 to discuss the Administration’s commitment to preventing educator layoffs.

Please encourage all NEA members to take part in this important conversation and share this call-in information with your colleagues. Please distribute this information far and wide.

Date of Call: Monday, September 12, 2011
Start Time: 5:00PM Eastern (please plan to dial in 5-7 minutes early)
Call Number: (800) 260-0719
Participant Access Code: 216646
NOTE: This call is closed to press.

About the American Jobs Act & Teachers: As many as 280,000 education jobs are on the chopping block in the upcoming school year due to continued state budget constraints. These cuts could have a significant impact on children’s education, through the reduction of school days, increased class size, and the elimination of key classes and services. The President’s plan will support state and local efforts to retain, rehire, and hire early childhood, elementary, and secondary educators (including teachers, guidance counselors, classroom assistants, afterschool personnel, tutors, and literacy and math coaches). These efforts will help ensure that schools are able to keep teachers in the classroom, preserve or extend the regular school day and school year, and also support important after-school activities. To watch the President’s speech or to find out more, click here:

http://www.whitehouse.gov/blog/2011/09/08/american-jobs-act

http://www.educationvotes.nea.org/2011/09/08/obama-jobs-program-would-boost-education/

What Do You Think?

2011-02-09T13:28:00.003-06:00

Teachers’ Colleges Upset by Plan to Grade Them
By TRIP GABRIEL
Published: February 8, 2011

Grades are the currency of education — teachers give them to students, administrators grade teachers and states often assign grades to schools.

Now U.S. News & World Report is planning to give A through F grades to more than 1,000 teachers’ colleges, and many of the schools are unhappy, marching to the principal’s office to complain the system is unfair.

Numerous education school deans have protested that the ratings program’s methodology is flawed since the program was announced last month. In a letter last week, officials from 35 leading education colleges and graduate schools — including Columbia, Harvard, Michigan State and Vanderbilt — denounced an “implied coercion” if they do not cooperate with the ratings.

U.S. News and its partner in the ratings, the National Council on Teacher Quality, an independent advocacy group, originally told schools that if they did not voluntarily supply data and documents, the teacher quality group would seek the information under open-records laws. If that did not work, the raters planned to give the schools an F.

That got the attention of educators.

Brian Kelly, the editor of U.S. News, said the push-back from education schools was evidence of “an industry that doesn’t want to be examined.”

“These teacher-education programs are hugely important and not very well scrutinized,” Mr. Kelly added. “This is coming at a time when you have this tremendous national push for improvements in teacher quality: Who’s teaching the teachers?”

But in response to the criticism and to many schools’ refusal so far to cooperate, Mr. Kelly rescinded the plan to flunk schools for which data could not be obtained.

“We regret that language,” he said Tuesday. “It’s really not the way we want to be doing business.”

Education schools have faced criticism frequently over the years. They are faulted by a recent wave of education advocates as emphasizing education theory over hands-on classroom training, and as graduating teachers with weak academic skills.

The federal education secretary, Arne Duncan, has said that many, if not most, teacher-training programs are mediocre. “It is time to start holding teacher-preparation programs more accountable for the impact of their graduates on student learning,” Mr. Duncan said in a speech in November.

Kate Walsh, the president of the National Council on Teacher Quality, said that school principals were “deeply dissatisfied with the quality of candidates coming through their doors.” Ms. Walsh said that rating education schools would be valuable in teacher recruitment.

The project, which will cost $3.6 million and be completed next year, is being underwritten by education foundations including the Carnegie Corporation and the Eli and Edythe Broad Foundation.

The education deans who have voiced objections do not echo the familiar complaint of college presidents about U.S. News rankings — that they have turned undergraduate admissions into an arms race.

Rather, the deans object that the teacher quality council’s methods for arriving at ratings are not transparent enough and are not supported by research. To arrive at its ratings, for example, the group has requested detailed information about courses, textbooks and admissions selectivity.

“Nobody’s against being evaluated or having good reliable information available to the public about how we can prepare better teachers,” said Mary Brabeck, dean of New York University’s school of education. “But what will we know if everybody uses the same textbook? What will that tell us about how you prepare highly effective teachers?”

Sharon P. Robinson, president of the American Association of Colleges for Teacher Education, said the ratings were focusing on superficial “inputs” rather than “outcomes,” like how well teacher graduates perform in the classroom.

“We have serious skepticism that their methodology will produce enough evidence to support the inferences they will make,” said Dr. Robinson, who has advised her 800 member schools that the U.S. News project is “not worthy of your involvement.”

Ada Beth Cutler, dean of the education college of Montclair State University, said she would not cooperate, based on her earlier negative experience with a National Council of Teacher Quality survey. That convinced her that the group “has little interest in making responsible and evidence-based judgments,” Dr. Cutler said.

“There are a significant number of teacher-preparation programs in the country doing an outstanding job,” she added. “A large number are doing an O.K. job, and a smaller number ought to be shut down. But given the current climate, which is extremely critical of university-based teacher preparation, it would be terrible to put out results that are not valid and reliable and based on un-vetted criteria.”

Ms. Walsh, whose group was founded “to provide an alternative national voice to existing teacher organizations,” according to its Web site, said that short of sitting in on a college’s classes for a year, her evaluation methods are sound.

She called the colleges’ critique of her focus on course content “a bit of a red herring.”

“What they want us to do is hold off until a perfect assessment is in place,” Ms. Walsh said.

In response to the criticism, her group has scheduled a Webinar on Wednesday to explain its methodology, for which 450 educators are signed up.

The ratings system, which will employ 17 standards, was field-tested in smaller studies the teacher quality group did in Texas and Illinois.

The Illinois ratings, which gave high marks to only a handful of 53 schools in the state, were criticized on release last year even by some schools that earned good grades.

An alliance of organizations representing education schools said in a statement at the time that grading them based on textbooks and course descriptions was like “evaluating the quality of restaurants by only requesting that menus be mailed to the evaluator — without sampling the food or visiting the site.”

Penelope L. Peterson, dean of the education school at Northwestern, whose school got an A minus, the highest grade in the state, said she would participate in the national ratings, despite some misgivings.

Dr. Peterson learned last year that it was better to ensure that Ms. Walsh’s group got the information it sought than to have it rely on what is publicly available on a Web site. Had Northwestern not provided extra information, Dr. Peterson said, it would have received a zero on four of the evaluation standards.

But Deborah Curtis, dean of the education college at Illinois State University, took away the opposite lesson from her efforts to communicate directly with Ms. Walsh’s research staff.

“They did not want facts,” Dr. Curtis said. “They had their own preconceived notions.” She said the teacher quality group, whose advisory board includes advocates for charter schools and alternative-teacher training programs like Teach for America, is biased against traditional teacher colleges.

It did not listen to Illinois State’s efforts to clarify its data, Dr. Curtis said, and so the education school, the largest in state with 5,000 students, stopped cooperating.

Its grade was an F.

A version of this article appeared in print on February 9, 2011, on page A16 of the New York edition..

LAE BARGAINING TRAINING

2011-02-07T19:35:00.002-06:00

INTRODUCTION TO BARGAINING

A la Louisiane

February 11-12, 2011

Baton Rouge, Louisiana

Friday Night Dinner: 7:00 – 9:00 pm

Ralph & Kacoo’s

6110 Bluebonnet Boulevard, Baton Rouge, LA

Saturday: 8:30 am - 2:30 pm

LAE Office

8322 One Calais Avenue

Baton Rouge, LA 70809

If you plan to attend, please RSVP directly to me via email: aurelia.young@lae.org

2011 LAE LEGISLATIVE/MEMBERSHIP REGIONAL CONFERENCE

2011-02-07T18:42:00.000-06:00

MARK YOUR CALENDAR TO ATTEND THE 2011 LAE LEGISLATIVE/MEMBERSHIP REGIONAL CONFERENCE

Join us at our Regional Conference to be held on March 29, 2011, at the Marriott, 5500 Hilton Ave, Baton Rouge, Louisiana , from 5:10 p.m.-7:00 p.m.

We need you to attend this conference and hear President Haynes address the major issues affecting public education (Funding & Retirement).

Learn how it is more important than ever to belong to LAE, the only organization fighting to preserve public education.

Space is limited. RSVP by March 4, 2011, by calling 800-256-4523, ext. 105

Important LAE Dates to Remember

2011-02-06T07:54:00.003-06:00

Dates to Remember

Southeast Regional Conference: Feb. 4th – 6th;

LAE Board meeting: Feb. 18th – 19th;

Read Across Louisiana: Feb. 26th;

Annual ESP Conference: March 11th – 13th;

National Black Issues Conference: March 25th– 27th

2011 NEA Higher Education Conference
Friday, March 25, 2011 8:00 AM - Sunday, March 27, 2011 1:00 PM (Eastern Time)
The Boston Park Plaza Hotel & Towers
50 Park Plaza at Arlington Street
Boston, Massachusetts 02116

READ ACROSS LOUISIANA 2011

2011-02-06T07:51:00.000-06:00

Read Across Louisiana 2011

Don’t forget to mark your calendar for READ ACROSS LOUISIANA 2011. On Saturday, February 26th LAE and Louisiana Public Broadcasting are set to host a fun-filled day of reading, educational activities and giveaways. Be sure to check out the celebrations happening in your area on the 26th. So far we’ve confirmed the following location hosts: The Mall of Louisiana in Baton Rouge, The Prien Lake Mall in Lake Charles, The Mall of Acadiana in Lafayette, The Boardwalk in Bossier City, The Alexandria Mall in Alexandria and The Pecanland Mall in Monroe.

NEA BLACK CAUCUS

2011-02-06T07:39:00.001-06:00

NEA BLACK CAUCUS

The Black Issues Conference has been scheduled for March 25 – 27, 2011 in Baton Rouge, Louisiana. We are working to plan an informative and exciting conference for you. Look for details in the near future. A registration form is attached and will be available online at www.neablackcaucus.com. Please print it out, complete it legibly and mail to Gary Melton, Treasurer. Please register early. If you miss it, you’ll miss a treat!!!!

NEA Black Caucus

2011-02-06T07:32:00.001-06:00

NEA BLACK CAUCUS

ANNUAL BLACK ISSUES CONFERENCE
March 25-27, 2011
Drury Inn & Suites Baton Rouge
7939 Essen Park
Baton Rouge, LA 70809-7438
Ph: 225.766.2022 or 800.378.7946

Please mail registration form and check or money order payable to NEA Black Caucus to:
Gary Melton, NEA Black Caucus Treasurer
2412 Lahn Lane
Mays Landing, NJ 08330
Phone: 609.742.0795
Fax: 609.343.7408
Conference Attendee Registration:
Name: ________________________________________________________________________
Region: _______________________________________________________________________
Address: ______________________________________________________________________
City: _________________________________________State: _______________Zip:_________
E-mail: _______________________________________________________________________

Conference Fees: NEA BLACK CAUCUS MEMBERS: $130.00; NON-MEMBERS & GUESTS: $150.00
LATE REGISTRATION FEE: $175.00 CONFERENCE DEADLINE FEB. 24, 2011
Please enclose check or money order payable to: NEA Black Caucus. A fee will be charged for returned checks.

You may call the hotel our use the following link to reserve your hotel room:
www.druryhotels.com click on Book It Fast then enter group number 2107078.
(Room rates per night: DOUBLE - $80.00 KING - $90.00)

Booth/Vendor Registration: Please send the following registration form and check or money order to the address above.
Name: ________________________________________________________________________
Company: _____________________________________________________________________
Address: ______________________________________________________________________
City: ________________________________________State: ______________Zip: ___________
E-mail: _______________________________________________________________________
Vendor Fees: $100.00 per table on or before Feb. 24, 2011; $150.00 per table after deadline.

This form is available on our website: www.neablackcaucus.com

GO VOTE!

2010-11-02T08:26:00.001-05:00

TODAY IS ELECTION DAY - GO VOTE!

Today, November 2^nd, is Election Day! Make sure to get out and vote. Here is some important information you can use to ensure you'll be ready to vote for LAE Fund for Children and Public Education's recommended candidates.

LAE Fund for Children and Public Education recommends:

Charlie Melancon for U.S. Senate
Joseph Cao for U.S. Congress 2^nd Congressional District

Election Day voting

Polls will be open from 6:00 a.m. until 8:00 p.m.

Please remember that identification is required:

A driver's license,
A Louisiana Special ID, or
Some other generally recognized picture ID that contains your name, address, and signature.
Voters who have no picture ID may bring a utility bill, payroll check or government document that includes their name and address but they will have to sign an affidavit furnished by the Elections Division in order to vote.

ELECTION DAY - NOVEMBER 2, 2010

2010-11-01T22:15:00.001-05:00

What's At Stake?

Election Day is here. Did you know that there are 37 Governors races, 37 U.S. Senate Races, 435 U.S. House Races, and dozens of ballot measures and initiatives that would affect public education, students, and educators? The number of governorships up for election is more than the nation has ever seen in a single year. 6,118 state legislative seats will be chosen in 46 states. In most states, it will be the governors and state legislators elected who will draw the lines of congressional districts that will stand for the next decade.

Visit NEA's Education Votes website for tools and resources to help education voters stand up for students and public education.

Developing plans for Today, Tomorrow and Beyond

2010-11-01T19:02:00.001-05:00

You are cordially invited to the LAE Headquarters and the Condo Clubhouse for a "Survive & Thrive" conversation with the LAE President.

THEME: Action Starts Here: Developing plans for Today, Tomorrow and Beyond

WHO: New Presidents and Experienced Presidents

WHY: Training, dialog around local issues and sharing ideas

WHEN: November 21 – 22, 2010

WHERE: Baton Rouge Headquarters

Condo Clubhouse

TIME: November 21, 2010, beginning at 12:00 noon

November 22, 2010, ending by 2:00 p.m.

ISSUES: Presidents' Essential Binder

How Presidents' Survive & Thrive

STATE FUNDING: Hotel accommodations for November 21, 2010, at the Drury Inn

All Meals

LOCAL FUNDING: Travel expense

Please let RSVP to Laurie Guillot at laurie.guillot@lae.org if you are able to attend by November 10, 2010.

We hope that you will take advantage of attending this special meeting designed specifically for LAE Local Presidents.

Plenty of food, fun and conversation

Letter from Joyce Haynes, LAE President / Vote Charlie Melancon for US Senate

2010-11-01T18:58:00.001-05:00

Letter from Joyce Haynes, LAE President

Vote Charlie Melancon for US Senate

Dear LAE Member,

Your vote makes a difference. The LAE Fund for Children and Public Education recommends that you vote Charlie Melancon for U. S. Senate on November 2nd. We need Melancon in the U.S. Senate as another vote to help protect the Louisiana Public School system. As employees of the public schools, we know best what it will take to improve and reform our system.

Charlie Melancon will be our ally. Melancon has proven that he will help keep our schools open, provide federal funding to protect jobs for teachers and education support professionals, and ensure that every child has access to a great public school.

Charlie Melancon voted as a member of congress to provide federal funding to prevent 2,200 educators in Louisiana from being laid-off. Charlie was there to support us by fighting against school voucher schemes and privatizing ESP jobs. Charlie was there to support us by opposing the use of test scores as the primary means of evaluating teachers.

Now Charlie needs our support. Please join me in voting for Charlie Melancon on Tuesday, November 2nd. Together, we can elect a U.S. Senator who shares our belief in great public schools for every child.

Joyce Haynes, President
Louisiana Association of Educators

Jazz Funeral for Higher Education - The Daily Reveille

2010-10-12T10:08:00.000-05:00

Jazz Funeral for Higher Education - The Daily Reveille

Carla Lowe Lobbies at the White House - July 2010

2010-10-04T16:36:00.000-05:00

Mrs. Lowe went to Washington

2010-10-04T16:29:00.001-05:00

Laid-off St. Helena Central High guidance counselor urges Sens. Landrieu and Vitter to save education jobs

By: Stacy Grissom

WASHINGTON—With the start of school just around the corner, many educators are in serious planning mode for the upcoming school year. That's not the case for Carla Lowe, a guidance counselor who was recently laid-off from St. Helena Central High in Greensburg, La. Rather than heading back to her high school, she is headed to the nation's capitol to urge Louisiana Sens. Mary Landrieu and David Vitter to pass the "Education Jobs Fund," a $10 billion emergency aid package that would help keep teachers in classrooms and provide educational support services targeted to low-income and at-risk students.

Without this infusion of money into state education budgets, the National Education Association (NEA) estimates up to 130,000 educators across the nation could lose their jobs. In Louisiana, the bill could bring $147 million, funding some 2,242 jobs. The House passed a similar measure before the Fourth of July recess.

When Lowe, who lives in Kentwood, La., with her husband and seven-month-old son, was told that her contract would not be renewed, she worried both about her students and her family.

"My students need me and other educators to be with them in school, not on the unemployment line," said Lowe. "My community needs me to be able to pay my mortgage, and my family needs health insurance and groceries. Louisiana has been through so much these last few years so I hope that Sens. Landrieu and Vitter will get behind this bill because this is one disaster that can be avoided."

WHO: Carla Lowe of Kentwood, La., laid-off guidance counselor at St. Helena Central High School

WHAT: Lowe is traveling to Washington, D.C., meeting on Capitol Hill with Sens. Mary Landrieu and David Vitter to urge their support for a $10 billion emergency aid package to save education jobs.

WHY: This bill could help keep upwards of $130,000 educators in the classroom. NEA estimates the bill would bring $147 million to Louisiana, funding some 2,242 jobs.

WHEN: Wednesday, July, 21, 2010

WHERE: Capitol Hill in Washington, D.C.

For more resources on education funding, please go to www.nea.org/funding

For more information on saving educators' jobs, visit www.educationvotes.nea.org/

Follow us on twitter at www.twitter.com/NEAMedia

# # #

LSUnited and LAE gears up ‘Defend Public Education Day at LSU

2010-10-04T15:46:00.002-05:00

LSUnited and LAE gears up 'Defend Public Education Day at LSU

(Baton Rouge) Louisiana educators will remind elected officials that public higher education is an engine of economic growth that benefits all communities at large during "Defend Public Education Day," October 7, 2010 at Louisiana State University. The event will use the sacred Louisiana tradition of a jazz funeral procession to illustrate how the current budget crisis facing higher education results in "loss" of funding, educators, and access for working families.

The historic actions and protests of last Fall and Spring demonstrated that Louisiana students, teachers, staff and communities stand in solidarity to fight against the cuts, layoffs, fee hikes that shrink access to public education and services.

In addition to LSUnited and LAE, Proud Students, LSU Graduate Student Association, and the LSU Faculty Senate, with the support of concerned students and faculty, sponsor this event.

WHO: Joyce Haynes, LAE, Patricia O'Neill, LSUnited, Ryan Orgera, LSU Graduate Student Association and Bradley Wood, Proud Student Organization

WHAT: Defend Public Education Day

WHERE: October 7, 2010, Louisiana State University Parade Grounds, 12pm Noon

WHY: The event will use the sacred Louisiana tradition of a jazz funeral procession to illustrate how the current budget crisis facing higher education results in "loss" of funding, educators, and access for working families.

Education Jobs Bill

2010-08-04T16:31:00.001-05:00

NEA Alert:

Thanks to you, the Senate cleared a key hurdle to save 138,000 education jobs. Read more at educationvotes.nea.org and keep up the fight!

This morning, the U.S. Senate voted to move forward on a bill that would save 138,000 educators' jobs jeopardized by state budget cuts. By a vote of 61-38, senators voted for cloture, which allows debate on legislation containing $10 billion for education jobs funding to proceed.

"The educators, students and parents who have fought hard for crucial funding are now one step closer," NEA President Dennis Van Roekel said. "This bill is fully offset, and will actually reduce the budget deficit over the next ten years. It's a no-brainer."

According to a National Education Association analysis, the fund will preserve the jobs of approximately 138,000 educators. Both the education jobs funding and the FMAP extension are fully offset, The Congressional Budget Office confirmed yesterday that H.R. 1586 will actually reduce the budget deficit by $1.4 billion over the next decade.

NEA and a coalition of more than 180 education and community groups continue to push for a real, unobstructed vote on the education jobs fund in the Senate. The White House, House Speaker Nancy Pelosi (D-CA), and Reid have all expressed their desire to pass this critically needed legislation before Congress leaves for recess.

Email your Senators and urge them to vote yes on final passage of the education jobs bill.

Urge your Senator to vote “YES”!

2010-08-04T08:26:00.001-05:00

NEA ACTION ALERT!!!!!!!

Senate vote expected on $10 Billion for Education Jobs tomorrow morning.

The federal "Jobs Bill" is still very much alive and we need as much visible and vocal support as we can muster. This bill could save the jobs of some 135,000 educators and extend enhanced Federal Medical Assistance Percentages (FMAP) for six months.
We need to make sure that Senators Landrieu and Vitter "Do the Right Thing" and help keep public school employees working.

Phone calls & emails to Senator Landrieu and Senator Vitter DC will aid our effort in showing support. Please encourage colleagues, friends and family to help.

Urge your Senator to vote "yes" by calling (866) 608-6355.

Urge your Senator to vote YES on cloture and YES on the bill for the sake of compassion and sound economics. By voting YES, they will help:

Contain class size and sustain vital programs in our nation's schools. Without this bill, many students, especially the most vulnerable, will have bigger classes (35 to 40); no after-school programs; and no art, music, physical education, reading specialists, librarians, technology experts, nurses, or counselors.

Keep Americans working instead of raising the unemployment rate. For every 100,000 education jobs that are lost, local communities will lose an additional 30,000 private sector jobs, according to the Economic Policy Institute.

Add not one penny to the federal deficit. Both the Federal Medical Assistance Percentages (FMAP) and education jobs provisions of the bill are fully offset.

CONTACT YOUR SENATORS TODAY!

2010-07-30T14:41:00.002-05:00

The vote is Monday August 2

SENATE VOTE SCHEDULED FOR MONDAY ON EDUCATION JOBS

This week, Senate Minority Leader Mitch McConnell (R-KY) blocked the Senate from voting on an education jobs amendment as part of a larger bill on small business. But, Majority Leader Harry Reid (D-NV) has scheduled another vote for Monday evening, August 2. The package being considered will provide $10 billion to save over 135,000 education jobs. It will also provide funds for Medicaid to help prevent more deep cuts to the programs that serve our most vulnerable populations.

We are facing an education crisis, with hundreds of thousands of educators being laid off, class sizes growing, and programs critical to students' success being cut or eliminated. Our students' education and the future of our nation are at stake! EVERY VOTE COUNTS and every Senator needs to hear a strong message of support. Tell your Senators to stand up for what is right!

CONTACT YOUR SENATORS TODAY:

E-mail your Senators. Tell them to VOTE YES on a $10 billion education jobs package (H.R. 1586).
Call 1-866-608-6355 to contact your Senators. You will hear talking points and will be connected to the United States Capitol Switchboard – ask for one of your Senators. Tell your Senator that public education faces a budget catastrophe and that he/she should VOTE YES on a $10 billion education jobs fund. Remember to call back to speak with your other Senator.
Ask your colleagues, friends, and family to call and e-mail the Senate too.

Education Jobs

2010-07-28T21:37:00.000-05:00

"Urgent Vote on Education Jobs"

The U.S. Senate will vote IMMINENTLY on an amendment to the small business bill (H.R. 5297) that would provide $9.7 billion to save approximately 135,000 education jobs jeopardized by state and local budget cuts. This amendment is fully paid for and is DIFFERENT than the House-passed education jobs fund.
Contact your Senator NOW. Urge your Senator to vote YES to education jobs amendment to the small business bill (H.R. 5297)."

LOUISIANA TO RECEIVE $67.6 MILLION TO TURN AROUND ITS PERSISTENTLY LOWEST ACHIEVING SCHOOLS

2010-07-22T15:23:00.001-05:00

Office of Communications & Outreach, Press Office

400 Maryland Ave., S.W.

Washington, D.C. 20202

FOR RELEASE:

July 2, 2010

Contact: Sandra Abrevaya

press@ed.gov or (202) 401-1576

LOUISIANA TO RECEIVE $67.6 MILLION TO TURN AROUND ITS PERSISTENTLY LOWEST ACHIEVING SCHOOLS

U.S. Secretary of Education Arne Duncan today announced that Louisiana will receive $67.6 million to turn around its persistently lowest achieving schools through the School Improvement Grants (SIG) program. These funds are part of the $3.5 billion that will be made available to states this spring from money set aside in the 2009 budget and the American Recovery and Reinvestment Act.

"When a school continues to perform in the bottom five percent of the state and isn't showing signs of growth or has graduation rates below 60 percent, something dramatic needs to be done," said Duncan. "Turning around our worst performing schools is difficult for everyone but it is critical that we show the courage to do the right thing by kids."

The $67,608,523 made available to Louisiana is being distributed by formula to the state and will then be competed out by the state to school districts. In order for a school district to apply for these funds, it must have a state-identified "persistently lowest achieving" or a Tier III school -- a school that has failed to meet annual yearly progress for two years and is not identified as a persistently lowest achieving school.

However, Tier III schools can only receive funds once all of the state's persistently lowest achieving schools have received funds. Louisiana's application, which includes its list of persistently lowest achieving schools, as defined by the state, can be found here: http://www2.ed.gov/programs/sif/summary/index.html.

School districts will apply to the state for the funds this spring. When school districts apply, they must indicate that they will implement one of the following four models in their persistently lowest achieving schools:

• TURNAROUND MODEL: Replace the principal, screen existing school staff, and rehire no more than half the teachers; adopt a new governance structure; and improve the school through curriculum reform, professional development, extending learning time, and other strategies.

• RESTART MODEL: Convert a school or close it and re-open it as a charter school or under an education management organization.

• SCHOOL CLOSURE: Close the school and send the students to higher-achieving schools in the district.

• TRANSFORMATION MODEL: Replace the principal and improve the school through comprehensive curriculum reform, professional development, extending learning time, and other strategies.

Once schools receive SIG funds, they will be able to begin to spend them immediately to turn around schools this fall. States may apply to the Education Department for a waiver to allow them to spend funds over a three-year period. An additional $545,633,000 has been provided for SIG in 2010 and will be awarded to states to fund additional schools in the 2011-12 school year. The department has also made a request for an additional $900 million for the program in the 2011 budget.

###

LAE Lobby Day - May 27, 2010

2010-07-15T18:19:00.002-05:00

LAE Lobby Day - May 27, 2010

2010-07-15T18:15:00.003-05:00

Message from Joyce Haynes, LAE President

2010-05-28T18:16:00.001-05:00

Dear LAE members,

Thank you for making Lobby Day a huge success.

LAE has done itself proud this week. Many hundreds of members have telephoned and e-mailed their legislators, and on Thursday, some 200 teachers and education support professionals came in person from every corner of the state to voice their views on important education bills at issue before the legislature.

Members who traveled to attend this week's postponed hearings have, by and large, expressed their resolve to return with more colleagues next week. As of now, the legislative calendar calls for HB 1368 to be heard by the Senate Education Committee on Friday, and for HB 1229 to be heard by the House Retirement Committee on Wednesday afternoon.

HB 1229 will be heard in the House Retirement Committee on Wednesday, June 2, 2010, upon adjournment of the House Chambers. We are requesting LAE members to meet at the Capitol Steps at 4:00 p.m. on Wednesday afternoon and join us to lobby against HB 1229.

HB 1368 will be heard in the Senate Education Committee on Friday, June 4, 2010, at 9:00 a.m. We are requesting all LAE members to meet at the Capitol Steps at 8:00 a.m. on Friday, June 4, 2010. We will then proceed to the Senate Education Committee room.

It is very important that LAE members show up in opposition to these bad bills. Please coordinate participation within your locals and let your area UniServ Director know that your local will be represented next week.

For more information, please contact the LAE office at 225-343-9243.

Thanks to all who have joined this effort! Your involvement counts!

Joyce Haynes, LAE President

LAE LOBBY DAY

2010-05-26T16:23:00.004-05:00

LAE Lobby Day

Leading up to the HB1368 hearing on Thursday, May 27th, LAE needs your help to unleash an overflow of educator voices against this anti-public education bill!

Take action NOW and pledge to do these three things:

(1) Spread the word. Call, e-mail, text your colleagues and encourage them to contact their state senators and vote "no" against HB 1368.

(2) Lend your voice. Make calls to your legislators.

(3) Be a part of the "pack." Join your fellow LAE members from all across the state as we "pack" the hearing room. Get the latest news and talking points beforehand at LAE LOBBY DAY.

WHAT: LOBBY DAY (Theme: "Don't waive our rights")

WHEN: THURSDAY, MAY 27, 2010 – 8:00 A.M.

WHERE: CAPITOL STEPS

(Important: Please dress in black)

If we're going to counter this anti-public education climate, we must wage "LAE power" against Jindal-power. Stay tuned to CapWiz and your e-mail on how you can help in the fight to protect Louisiana public schools!

YOUR RIGHTS, YOUR RETIREMENT AT ISSUE ON THURSDAY!

2010-05-25T15:23:00.002-05:00

YOUR RIGHTS, YOUR RETIREMENT AT ISSUE ON THURSDAY


We expect action on two bad bills, HB 1368 and HB 1229, in the Legislature on Thursday. Lawmakers need to hear from you before they vote. HB 1368 would allow superintendents to apply for and receive waivers of most Louisiana education laws and state board policies. This includes rules ensuring sick leave, class-size limits, group health insurance coverage, and reduction in force protections. The bill has passed the House, and will be heard Thursday in the Senate Education Committee. Tell the committee members to oppose HB 1368. Call or email one or more of these Senators today: Senator Ben Nevers (Chairman) (985) 732-6863 neversb@legis.state.la.us Senator Eric LaFleur (Vice-Chairman) (337) 363-5019 lafleure@legis.state.la.us Senator Conrad Appel (866) 946-3133 appelc@legis.state.la.us Senator Jack Donahue (985) 727-7949 donahuej@legis.state.la.us Senator Yvonne Dorsey (225) 342-9700 dorseyy@legis.state.la.us Senator Ann Duplessis (504) 243-7795 lasen2@legis.state.la.us Senator Gerald Long (318) 628-5799 longg@legis.state.la.us 2. HB 1229 is scheduled for its first hearing in the House Retirement Committee on Thursday. This bill would replace elected board members of the Teachers Retirement System of Louisiana (TRSL) with political appointees who would control the investments of all four state retirement plans. LAE has long opposed any legislation that would dilute membership control of TRSL investments and has opposed consolidation of the assets of TRSL with any other retirement system. TRSL is currently among the most stable pension funds in the nation. Make sure the members of the House Retirement Committee hear from you by phone before Thursday's vote. Ask them to oppose HB 1229. The Committee members are: Rep. Kevin Pearson, Chair (985)646-6487 pearsonk@legis.state.la.us Rep. Jean Doerge, Vice Chair (318)371-3092 larep010@legis.state.la.us Rep. Patrick Cortez (337)993-7430 cortezp@legis.state.la.us Rep. George Gregory Cromer (985)645-3592 cromerg@legis.state.la.us Rep. Hollis Downs (318)251-5039 larep012@legis.state.la.us Rep. Reed Henderson (504)278-6599 hendersr@legis.state.la.us Rep. Frank Hoffmann (318)362-4130 hoffmanf@legis.state.la.us Rep. Juan LaFonta (504)282-0265 larep096@legis.state.la.us Rep. Jack Montoucet (337)783-2999 montoucj@legis.state.la.us Rep. J. Rogers Pope (225)667-3588 poper@legis.state.la.us Rep. Joel Robideaux (337)984-1091 larep045@legis.state.la.us

A+PEL Backs Teacher Assessment

2010-05-25T13:05:00.003-05:00

A+PEL doesn't have a clue!!!! If you are a member of this organization…..think twice.

The Advocate Newspaper; Published: May 25, 2010 - Page: 6B

The Associated Professional Educators of Louisiana (A+PEL) has a long history of supporting Louisiana educators who are committed to providing students the best possible education. We support legislation that empowers educators and gives them the appropriate tools to best serve their students. To that end, A+PEL supports HB1033, value-added legislation under consideration by the state Senate, which will spur efforts to have an effective teacher in every classroom.

For more than 30 years, 98 percent of all Louisiana teachers receive "satisfactory" ratings under the current teacher evaluation system, even in schools where students consistently fail to meet basic academic standards. As educators, we cannot sit idly by while over 200,000 schoolchildren — one-third of all Louisiana schoolchildren — are performing below grade level. HB1033 addresses this disconnect and establishes a more quantitative and less subjective evaluation system for all educators.

Despite widespread misinformation, HB1033 does not impact teacher pay nor does it rely solely on student test scores. Instead, the bill requires value-added assessment that levels the playing field by focusing on student growth rather than achievement. Using a complex statistical analysis of test scores, it tracks individual student improvement year to year and uses that progress to estimate the effectiveness of individual teachers, principals, and schools. This model of teacher assessment is growing nationwide, and research has shown that HB1033 is on track with what other states are already doing. Further, the value-added model has been successfully used in 75 schools in Louisiana for the past three years.

For subjects and grades where tests or value-added data are not available, the state Board of Elementary and Secondary Education will determine other measures of student growth that will be just as quantifiable as those in tested grades and subjects. Additionally, the assessment data will be useful for educators, helping to identify and focus on specific professional development activities that will give them meaningful opportunities to improve their instruction and impact student learning.

As a professional educators' organization, A+PEL seeks to strike the delicate balance between the needs of educators and the needs of students. The data clearly show that we need to improve how we are educating children, and Louisiana voters are demanding it. Elected officials are showing the political will to challenge the opposition and make decisions that put children first. We are indeed at a tipping point in education. As educators, we firmly believe that we must be part of the solution.

Kathy Campbell, executive director
Associated Professional Educators of Louisiana Baton Rouge

Bills of Interest

2010-05-25T11:53:00.001-05:00

Bills of Interest

The table provides a summary of education bills and LAE's position. Additional information can be found at: http://www.legis.state.la.us/

Prepared by LAE's Government Relations Department - March 31, 2010

HOUSE and SENATE BILLS 2010

HB 49	HUTTER	SUPPORT	APPROPRIATIONS: Provides funding to the St. Bernard Parish School Board to assist with the payment of Office of Group Benefits insurance premiums for certain employees
HB 177	POPE	SUPPORT	EDUCATION: Requires the state to pay the transportation costs for students attending approved nonpublic elementary and secondary schools.
HB 210	LEGER	NEUTRAL	EDUCATION: Establishes and provides for LA Statewide Education Facilities Authority.
HB 216	FOIL	OPPOSED	EDUCATION: Provides for a school choice pilot program for certain students with exceptionalities.
HB 251	SMITH, P	SUPPORT	EDUCATION: Requires the state superintendent of education to possess certain qualifications at the time of appointment by BESE.
HB 388	SMITH, P	SUPPORT	EDUCATION: Provides relative to teachers transferring to a charter school from a local school system.
HB 399	PEARSON	OPPOSED	EDUCATION: Exempts, under specified fiscal conditions, a local school board from complying with the requirement that the board grant certain requests for sabbatical leave.
HB 400	PEARSON	OPPOSED	EDUCATION: Exempts, under specified fiscal conditions, a local school board from complying with the requirement that the board permit certain employees to take up to 90 days of extended sick leave.
HB 405	DIXON	NEUTRAL	EDUCATION: Requires BESE to adopt rules and regulation for the use of seclusion and physical restraint of students.
HB 420	LEGER	OPPOSED	EDUCATION: Provides relative to charter school funding.
HB 421	JACKSON, M	NEUTRAL	EDUCATION: Provides relative to the authority of a local school board to deny admission or readmission to school of certain students.
HB 422	DOWNS	NEUTRAL	EDUCATION: Provides relative to children exempted from the compulsory school attendance law.
HB 433	HARDY	OPPOSED	EDUCATION: Requires BESE to establish a uniform grading scale for use in public schools.
HB 681	HARDY	NEUTRAL	EDUCATION:Provides that the conduct of extracurricular interscholastic activities in public schools are subject to BESE regulation by rule adopted in accordance with the APA.
HB 682	HARDY	NEUTRAL	EDUCATION: Requires local public school boards to provide transportation to certain students in BESE-approved alternative education programs for suspended or expelled students.
HB 709	BROSSETT	NEUTRAL	EDUCATION: Provides relative to the New Orleans Center for the Creative Arts. (NOCCA)
HB 732	NORTON	MONITOR-OPPOSED	EDUCATION: Prohibits corporal punishment in public elementary and secondary schools.
HB 739	HOFFMAN	NEUTRAL	EDUCATION: Provides relative to the employment as a full-time teacher of a member of the Teachers' Retirement System of LA who is retired.
HB 1006	HARRISON	SUPPORT	EDUCATION: Provides that the state superintendent of education shall be elected rather than appointed.
HB 1016	WILLIAMS	NEUTRAL	EDUCATION: Requires proof of annual physical examination and a physician's authorization as a condition of a child's participation in physical activity.
HB 1029	HOFFMAN	SUPPORT	EDUCATION: Provides relative to instruction in Civics and Free Enterprise.
HB 1033	HOFFMAN	OPPOSED	EDUCATION: Provides relative to evaluation and assessment programs for teachers and administrators.
HB 1049	HARRISON	OPPOSED	EDUCATION: Provides relative to public/private partnerships between school boards and the private sector.
HB 1128	LEGER	SUPPORT	EDUCATION: Provides relative to charter schools.
HB 1135	GREENE	NEUTRAL	EDUCATION: Provides school start and end dates for public and approved nonpublic schools.
HB 1154	CARTER	OPPOSED	EDUCATION: Provides for the creation and establishment of the LA Charter Schools Commission and for the transfer of certain BESE powers, duties, and authority to the commission.
HB 1170	LANDRY	OPPOSED	EDUCATION: Disqualifies commercial diver's license holders from operating school buses after conviction of DWI offenses.
HB 1180	SMITH, P	MONITOR-SUPPORT	EDUCATION: Authorizes local public school boards to use state funds to purchase instructional technology and related hardware.
HB 1209	JONES, R	OPPOSED	EDUCATION: Creates the LA Educator Professional Practices Commission to investigate complaints and allegations of educators sexual misconduct in schools with authority to suspend or revoke teaching and principal's certificates subject to appeal to BESE.
HB 1225	DIXON	MONITOR-SUPPORT	EDUCATION: Provides relative to BESE standards for approving alternative schools and alternative education programs for students suspended or expelled from public K-12 schools.
HB 1239	DIXON	NEUTRAL	EDUCATION: Requires the State Board of Elementary and Secondary Education to adopt rules and regulations relative to the physical abuse of public school teachers and employees by students.
HB 1250	CARTER	MONITOR- OPPOSED	EDUCATION: Provides relative to permanent teachers and procedures for termination.
HB 1368	SMITH, J	MONITOR- OPPOSED	EDUCATION: Authorizes BESE to exempt a school board from certain laws, rules, and regulations pursuant to a request and proposal for increasing quality of instruction and academic achievement from the school board.
SB 11	APPEL	OPPOSED	RETIREMENT: A Constitutional Amendment to provide for forfeiture of retirement benefits by public officials and employees who are convicted of felony acts associated with their positions.
SB 12	APPEL	OPPOSED	RETIREMENT: Requires forfeiture of retirement benefits by any public employee or elected official who is a member of a public retirement system and is convicted of certain state or federal felony acts associated with his office.
SB 13	GAUTREAUX	SUPPORT	RETIREMENT: Allows garnishment of Louisiana public retirement or pension system, plan, or fund benefits of an elected official to pay fines or retitution imposed for a felony associated with his office.
SB 66	MORRELL	SUPPORT	EDUCATION: Created a charter school enrollment perference for neighborhood students.
SB 74	MORRELL	SUPPORT	EDUCATION: Provides for the creation of community advisory committees for schools in the Recovery School District.
SB 83	APPEL	NO POSITION	EDUCATION: Expands the test type options used in grades three, fix, six, seven and nine as part of LEAP.
SB 100	GAUTREAUX	OPPOSED	ORDERS: Provides for a five-year final average compensation period in the Parochial Employees' Retirement System.
SB 157	MURRAY	SUPPORT	EDUCATION: Requires binding arbitration for certain disputes between the Recovery School District and a charter school or a local school board.
SB 191	GAUTREAUX	MONITOR-SUPPORT	RETIREMENT: Provides relative to compliance with applicable federal tax qualification requirements for Teachers' Retirement System of Louisiana, Louisiana School Employees' Retirement System, and State Police Pension and Retirement System.
SB 240	MURRAY	SUPPORT	EDUCATION: Allows the Orleans Parish School Board to exclude certain costs from the amount of local funds that it would otherwise be required to transfer to the RSD.
SB 258	MURRAY	SUPPORT	FINANCE: Provides for eligibility of New Orleans School Board retirees to participate, as a group, in insurance sponsored by the Office of Group Benefits.
SB 274	HEITMEIER	NEUTRAL	RETIREMENT: Requires a charter school teacher who is an active member of the system to remain an active member for the duration of employment at the charter school under certain circumstances.
SB 307	GAUTREAUX	NEUTRAL	RETIREMENT: Excludes pay to school bus drivers for certain school-related extracurricular activities performed under private contracts from the definition of earnable compensation.
SB 315	MORRISH	NEUTRAL	RETIREMENT: Authorizes certain person who entered the Deferred Retirement Option Plan of the system before July 1, 2001, to have their pre-DROP retirement benefits recalculated at an accrual rate of 3 1/3% per year under certain circumstances.
SB 344	DUPPESSIS	OPPOSED	EDUCATION: Provide relative to submission and review of charter school proposals and charter renewals.
SB 353	NEVERS	SUPPORT	EDUCATION: Requires a vote of the people before any local revenues can be transferred or allocated to a charter school.
SB 422	NEVERS	SUPPORT	EDUCATION: Provides relative to the functions and duties of the state superintendent of education.
SB 485	MORRELL	SUPPORT	EDUCATION: Provides relative to the provision of special education and related services in charter schools.
SB 489	NEVERS	SUPPORT	EDUCATION: Requires the Department of Education to reimburse local school boards for salary supplements paid to certain nationally board certified school personnel.
SB 490	NEVERS	SUPPORT	EDUCATION: Provides that Career Diploma Curriclum end-of-course exam questions reflect course content and method of instruction.
SB 491	NEVERS	SUPPORT	EDUCATION: Requires the state superintendent of education to secure funding to provide an annual increase of at least 2.75% in the MFP.
SB 492	NEVERS	SUPPORT	Brings the governing boards of charter schools under the financial disclosure requirements of the Ethics Code.
SB 495	NEVERS	SUPPORT	EDUCATION: Provides relative to the duties, functions, and responsibilities of BESE.
SB 517	WALSWORTH	OPPOSED	EDUCATION: Recognizes that a diploma issued to a student who has successfully completed an approved home study program carries the same privileges as one issued by a public school or a private school.
SB 527	BROOME	MONITOR - SUPPORT	EDUCATION: Requires local school districts to provide certain classroom management training to school personnel.
SB 522 533	MICHOT LAFLEUR	NO POSITION	EDUCATION: (IDENTICAL BILLS) Requires BESE to increase the availability of electronic textbooks and instructional materials.
SB 553	LAFLEUR	MONITOR - SUPPORT	EDUCATION: Requires BESE to develop an early high school graduation policy.
SB 594	GAUTREAUX	MONITOR - SUPPORT	RETIREMENT: Relative to public retirement systems, provides to investments.
SB 602	GAUTREAUX	OPPOSED	ORDERS: Relative to Louisiana State Employees' Retirement System, Teachers' Retirement System of Louisiana, and Louisiana School Employees' Retirement System, places restrictions on participation in the Deferred Retirement Option Plan.
SB 628	DUPLESSIS	OPPOSED	EDUCATION: Provides relative to student suspensions and expulsions.
SB 632	GAUTREAUX	NEUTRAL	RETIREMENT: Provides a regular schedule for permanent benefit increases for retirees of the state retirement system.
SB 658	HEBERT	MONITOR - SUPPORT	EDUCATION: Requires the Dept. of Education to ensure that the amount it annually expends for certain salaries does not exceed the amount expended by the department of salaries in such category in effect on January 1, 2007.
SB 694	GAUTREAUX	SUPPORT	RETIREMENT: Requires membership in the Teachers' Retirement System for charter school teachers.
SB 695	DUPLESSIS	OPPOSED	EDUCATION: Authorizes BESE to exempt a school board from certain laws, rules, and regulations pursuant to a request and proposal for increasing quality of instruction and academic achievement from the school board.

HB1033 becomes better with amendments

2010-05-24T00:52:00.001-05:00

HB1033: Bad bill becomes better with amendments that make it more fair to teachers

HB1033 moved one step closer to becoming law, as it passed out of the Senate Education Committee and onto its next stop, debate on the Senate floor.

LAE continues an around-the-clock effort to lobby lawmakers against this recycled element of Governor Jindal's failed Race to the Top application. But LAE members can be proud to know your calls and e-mails did make a difference.

A lone vote against HB1033 was cast by Senator Yvonne Dorsey. Even though LAE strongly opposes HB 1033, we thank Senator Ben Nevers for championing our campaign against this bad bill by sponsoring amendments that:

expand targeted population beyond teachers to now include administrators and educators at charter schools;
enlarge oversight committee so that now half will be teachers, and allow each "interest group" to select its own representative;
require a report to the education committee, at least 60 days prior to the 2011-2012 regular session, on the status of the development of the value-added assessment model.

Thank Senator Dorsey (225-342-9700 or dorseyy@legis.state.la.us) and Senator Nevers (985-732-6863 or neversb@legis.state.la.us).

Teacher Rights are Under Fire! Take Action at LAE Lobby Day, Thursday, May 27, 2010, 8:00 a.m., on Capitol Steps. Your participation is vital!

2010-05-21T16:19:00.004-05:00

Teacher Rights are Under Fire! Take Action at LAE Lobby Day, Thursday, May 27, 2010, 8:00 a.m., on Capitol Steps. Your participation is vital!

HB1368: Grassroots action needed NOW to amplify anti-1368 campaign.

HB1368 goes before the Senate Education Committee next week. While LAE mobilization activities like the legislative conferences, information mailers and "thank you" newspaper ads have been hugely successful, our friends at the Capitol have advised LAE to turn up the heat.

HB 1368 would provide your superintendent the opportunity to cut things he or she sees as "red tape" as part of a "reform plan" for your schools. Under this bill, the "red tape" your superintendent could waive includes:

extended sick leave, sabbatical leave, and assault leave;
student discipline laws and the teacher bill of rights;
personnel files law;
tenure rights;
reduction-in-force policies;
student-teacher ratios; and
hourly wage and salary schedules.

In return for the freedom from "red tape," at least half of the schools covered by waivers would have to either close, replace most of the staff, or convert to charters. As there is no increased funding from the state to reward "highly effective teachers" or to provide high-quality professional development for "ineffective teachers" as called for in the bill, the money would have to be made up on the local level.

Leading up to the HB1368 hearing on Thursday, May 27th, LAE needs your help to unleash an overflow of educator voices against this anti-public education bill!

Take action NOW and pledge to do these three things:

(1) Spread the word. Call, e-mail, text your colleagues and encourage them to contact their state senators and vote "no" against HB 1368.

(2) Lend your voice. Make calls to your legislators beginning this weekend.

(3) Be a part of the "pack." Join your fellow LAE members from all across the state as we "pack" the hearing room. Get the latest news and talking points beforehand at LAE LOBBY DAY.

WHAT: LOBBY DAY (Theme: "Don't waive our rights")

WHEN: THURSDAY, MAY 27, 2010 - 8:00 A.M.

WHERE: CAPITOL STEPS

(Important: Please dress in black)

If we're going to counter this anti-public education climate, we must wage "LAE power" against "Jindal-power." Stay tuned to CapWiz and your e-mail on how you can help in the fight to protect Louisiana public schools!

NEA invites you to "Speak Up For Education & Kids National Call-In Day"

2010-05-21T07:46:00.001-05:00

On May 26, NEA is asking everyone who cares about the future of public education in America to call their members of Congress and ask them to add the education jobs fund to the emergency funding bill. The number to call is 866-608-6355.

Schools in nearly every region of the country are dealing with a funding crisis, and 300,000 educators are facing layoffs. If we don't fix this funding gap by adding the education jobs fund to the emergency funding bill, our students will face overcrowded classrooms, program cuts and the loss of essential services.

On May 26, make sure your voice is heard. Call 866-608-6355 and ask your members of Congress to take action and protect public education!"

Event: Speak Up For Education & Kids National Call-In Day
Start Time: Wednesday, May 26 at 8:00am
End Time: Wednesday, May 26 at 6:00pm
Where: Nationwide

NEA’s Green Across America—A Lot of Green for Grants!

2010-05-20T16:26:00.002-05:00

NEA's Green Across America—A Lot of Green for Grants!

Engage and inspire your K-12 students to increase sustainable, earth-friendly behavior in their neighborhoods and communities.

Earn a grant of up to $1,000 to implement your innovative education program, activity, lesson, or event to excite students about going green, caring for the earth and creating a sustainable future.

The Green Across America Program is sponsored by Target, which proudly supports K-12 schools through innovative giving programs.

For complete rules and instructions on how to apply online, visit www.neamb.com/green.

Note: All applications must be submitted online by July 30, 2010.

A+PEL endorses teacher evaluation bill

2010-05-20T16:21:00.000-05:00

A+PEL endorses teacher evaluation bill
Written by Walter Pierce
Wednesday, 19 May 2010

The Associated Professional Educators of Louisiana on Wednesday announced its endorsement of House Bill 1033, a controversial proposal to tie teacher evaluations to student performance. A+PEL’s endorsement breaks rank with the powerful Louisiana Association of Educators, a 3.2 million member affiliate of the National Education Association and the state’s largest teacher union.

“For more than 30 years, 98 percent of all Louisiana teachers receive ‘satisfactory’ ratings under the current teacher evaluation system, even in schools where students consistently fail to meet basic academic standards,” the A+PEL endorsement reads in part. “As educators, we cannot sit idly by while over 200,000 school children — one-third of all Louisiana school children — are performing below grade-level. HB 1033 addresses this disconnect and establishes a more quantitative and less subjective evaluation system for all educators.”

The A+PEL endorsements follows an open letter issued last week by LAE calling on House members to reject HB 1033, saying the legislation would “undermine efforts to recruit and retain the best teachers in Louisiana, especially in our high-needs schools.” The LAE letter goes on the characterize the bill’s mechanism for teacher evaluation as “a complex, vague and unproven system would put teachers in jeopardy of losing their jobs — and even their teaching licenses — without taking into account the many factors affecting student performance that are beyond the control of even the best instructors.”

A+PEL, which says it is not a teacher union, says the aim of the bill is good and its evaluation methodology is legitimate: “Using a complex statistical analysis of test scores, it tracks individual student improvement year to year and uses that progress to estimate the effectiveness of individual teachers, principals, and schools. This model of teacher assessment is growing nationwide, and research has shown that H.B. 1033 is on track with what other states are already doing. Further, the value-added model has been successfully used in 75 schools in Louisiana for the past three years.”

SB 632 hits your pocketbook, hurts your retirement!

2010-05-17T23:55:00.001-05:00

At a time when Governor Jindal is proposing no salary increases for public school employees, SB 632 would require us to contribute at least an additional two percent of our salary (three percent for those belonging to the Louisiana School Employees' Retirement System) towards retirement.

That would raise the employee contribution rate to a total of 10 percent. And what would school employees receive in return? An average, annual cost-of-living adjustment in retirement of just one percent.

SB 632 is bad for school employees now, and devastating to our future!

Contact your senator and tell him/her to protect Louisiana public schools and employees, and vote "NO!" on SB632

Senator Robert Adley (318) 965-1755 adleyr@legis.state.la.us
Senator John A. Alario (504) 340-2221 alarioj@legis.state.la.us
Senator "Jody" Amedee (225) 644-1526 amedeej@legis.state.la.us
Senator Conrad Appel (866) 946-3133 appelc@legis.state.la.us
Senator Sharon Weston Broome (225) 359-9352 lasen15@legis.state.la.us
Senator Norby Chabert (985) 858-2927 chabertn@legis.state.la.us
Senator Joel T. Chaisson (985) 764-9911 websen@legis.state.la.us
Senator Sherri Smith Cheek (318) 687-4820 smithcheek@legis.state.la.us
Senator Dan Claitor (225) 765-0206 claitord@legis.state.la.us
Senator A.G. Crowe (985) 643-3600 crowea@legis.state.la.us
Senator Jack Donahue (985) 727-7949 donahuej@legis.state.la.us
Senator Yvonne Dorsey (225) 342-9700 dorseyy@legis.state.la.us
Senator Ann Duplessis (504) 243-7795 lasen2@legis.state.la.us
Senator Dale M. Erdey (225) 686-2881 erdeyd@legis.state.la.us
Senator "Nick" Gautreaux (337) 740-NICK (6425) 1-866-740-NICK (6425) gautreauxn@legis.state.la.us
Senator D. A. "Butch" Gautreaux (800) 562-3204 lasen21@legis.state.la.us
Senator Elbert L. Guillory (337) 943-2457 guillorye@legis.state.la.us
Senator Troy Hebert (337) 365-8484 hebertt@legis.state.la.us
Senator David Heitmeier (504) 361-6356 heitmeid@legis.state.la.us
Senator Lydia P. Jackson (318) 676-7029 jacksonl@legis.state.la.us
Senator Robert W. "Bob" Kostelka (800) 508-5572 kostelka@legis.state.la.us
Senator Eric LaFleur (337) 363-5019 lafleure@legis.state.la.us
Senator Gerald Long (318) 628-5799 longg@legis.state.la.us
Senator Robert "Rob" Marionneaux (225) 637-3623 lasen17@legis.state.la.us
Senator Daniel "Danny" Martiny (504) 834-7676 martinyd@legis.state.la.us
Senator Joe McPherson (318) 484-2211 lasen29@legis.state.la.us
Senator Michael J. "Mike" Michot (337) 262-1332 lasen23@legis.state.la.us
Senator Jean-Paul J. Morrell (504) 284-4794 morrelljp@legis.state.la.us
Senator Dan "Blade" Morrish (337) 824-3979 morrishd@legis.state.la.us
Senator Willie L. Mount (337) 491-2016 lasen27@legis.state.la.us
Senator Edwin R. Murray (504) 945-0042 murraye@legis.state.la.us
Senator Ben Nevers (985) 732-6863 (800) 881-2749 neversb@legis.state.la.us
Senator Karen Carter Peterson (504) 568-8346 petersonk@legis.state.la.us
Senator Julie Quinn (504) 219-4640 quinnj@legis.state.la.us
Senator Neil Riser (318) 649-0977 risern@legis.state.la.us
Senator B.L. "Buddy" Shaw (318) 861-5941 shawb@legis.state.la.us
Senator John R. Smith (800) 259-2709 smithj@legis.state.la.us
Senator Francis Thompson (318) 878-9408 thompsof@legis.state.la.us
Senator Mike Walsworth (318) 396-5499 walsworthm@legis.state.la.us

Call the LAE Help Desk!

2010-05-11T07:10:00.002-05:00

When A Problem Arises…….. Call the LAE HELP DESK Immediately!

The LAE Help Desk is here for you!

The LAE Help Desk will provide accurate and timely responses to your questions and concerns about work-related matters.

The LAE Help Desk is managed by an experienced and knowledgeable UniServ Director.

Phone: 1-877-452-3477

E-mail: helpdesk@lae.org

Fax: 318-219-3849

Calling All Members!

2010-05-06T10:55:00.002-05:00

East Feliciana Association of Educators

All Members Meeting

Clinton High School

May 6, 2010

4:00 pm

Attend this meeting for information about your Association and the concerns of the current RIF in East Feliciana Parish.

All school employees are welcome to attend!

Hope To See You There!

2010-05-05T08:16:00.002-05:00

You are cordially invited to attend our Regional Legislative Conference. This unique opportunity will allow LAE staff the opportunity to inform you of our legislative efforts. The issues that we are facing this legislative session will be of the utmost significance for all school employees. Your participation in the process is vital to help us ensure that we safeguard our past accomplishments and promote a pro-public education agenda.

In years past we have held an annual state-wide legislative conference in Marksville. After much feedback from members we have decided to bring such a meeting to you, across the great state of Louisiana. We hope that this conferences will make it easier for more members to attend and get involved in the legislative process. This regional setting will allow you to address your concerns with LAE Staff, Local Association Leaders, and local peers. Please invite your colleagues to come! We hope to see you there…

Association District 4- Regional Legislative Conference

When: Tuesday May 11, 2010

(5:00 PM -8:00 PM: Includes registration, informative program, and dinner)

Where: Baton Rouge Marriott

5500 Hilton Avenue

Baton Rouge, Louisiana 70808

YOU’RE INVITED!

2010-05-04T11:30:00.003-05:00

On Thursday, May 6, 2010, the House Education Committee will hear HB 1368 (Jane Smith Bill), beginning at 9:00 a.m. at the Louisiana State Capitol, Basement Room #1.

We need as many members as we can to fill the room and show our opposition to this detrimental bill. If you have a personal day, and are able to attend, we need your help.

(PLEASE NOTE THAT YOU CANNOT ASK FOR A SICK LEAVE DAY; IT MUST BE A PERSONAL DAY).

If you are able to attend, please let us know ASAP!!!!!

THANK YOU, IN ADVANCE, FOR YOUR HELP IN THIS MATTER.

Please contact:

Sheryl Almonte

(225) 343-9243, ext. 101 or (800) 256-4523, ext. 101

sheryl.almonte@lae.org

Donna Thibodeaux

(225) 343-9243, ext. 201 or (800) 256-4523, ext. 201

donna.thibodeaux@lae.org

Railroaded in Committee

2010-05-01T09:13:00.003-05:00

This message is sent on behalf of LAE President Joyce Haynes - STAY TUNED AND READY FOR ACTION!!

Tuesday, April 27, 2010, was a bad day for public education in Louisiana as HB 1033 was unanimously passed out of the House Committee on Education. It's hard to say which is more disrespectful of teachers and their profession: the content of the bill, (which would base teacher evaluations and certification on student test scores,) or the manner in which proponents are attempting to railroad it through the legislature without meaningful input from educators and parents.

A group of nearly one hundred teachers, support professionals and allies began assembling early in the morning to secure a space in the hearing room or sign up to testify in opposition. Members from across the state who attended on their own time and at their own expense were attempting to exercise their rights as citizens and meet their responsibility as professionals by speaking out against bad education policies. They were treated with contempt.

Though each and everyone of the handful of speakers who had signed up in favor of HB 1033 were allowed to testify without time limits, only three of the many who were there to speak against the bill were recognized. LAE President Joyce Haynes, the chosen representative of some 20,000 Louisiana teachers and support professionals, was not even called on until after many of the committee members had left the room in the closing moments of the hearing,

Those of us who came to Baton Rouge to participate in a hearing but instead witnessed a charade are understandably disappointed and frustrated. But we are also encouraged. We know that the shameless behavior by the Committee is a clear sign that lawmakers are feeling the pressure of our organizing efforts. And we know that old-fashioned, heavy-handed tactics like those employed by the Committee no longer work in the modern age of instant electronic communication, social networking and Internet organizing.

We will be sending you additional information on these critical issues in the days ahead. To learn more about other important education legislation impacting LAE members, please go to our website at www.lae.org.

KEEP UP THE PRESSURE – SAY “NO” TO HB 1033

2010-04-28T09:46:00.001-05:00

TEACHER EVALUATIONS LINKED TO TEST SCORES! HB 1033 will be heard in House Education Committee tomorrow. Take Action Now to Stop HB 1033!!!

KEEP UP THE PRESSURE - IT'S WORKING - Say NO to HB 1033


It's just wrong to base teacher evaluations, certification and recertification on student standardized test scores. Many factors affect student test scores that teachers have no control over, including attendance, nutrition, family support, and student motivation. As Gov. Charlie Crist of Florida put it yesterday when he vetoed similar legislation in his state, "teachers [would be] in jeopardy of losing their jobs and teaching certificates, without a clear understanding of how gains will be measured." As lawmakers in Baton Rouge consider this recycled element of Gov. Jindal's failed Race To The Top application, your calls and e-mails are making a difference. In a sure sign that legislators are feeling the heat, LAE learned yesterday that backroom talks are taking place between proponents of HB 1033 and the Louisiana Federation of Teachers on some sort of "compromise" on this deeply-flawed, highly-unpopular proposal. The leaders of the Louisiana Association of Educators, however, remain committed to the teachers and support professionals they represent and the students they serve; LAE will not compromise on core values and good instructional practices. Please join LAE in the campaign to PROTECT PUBLIC EDUCATION and urge lawmakers to reject HB 1033.

STOP HB 1368 NOW!

2010-04-22T22:18:00.003-05:00

TAKE ACTION NOW TO STOP HB 1368!!!

New House Bill by Representative Jane Smith continues Gov. Jindal's Anti-Public School Agenda
HB 1368 would call for mass firings and closure of neighborhood public schools.

HB 1368: Gov. Bobby Jindal and Rep. Jane Smith call it the "Educational Red Tape Reduction Act," and they claim it's intended to "reduce burdensome regulations." In fact, HB 1368 calls for the mass firings of teachers and support professionals and the closure of neighborhood public schools. Under this radical proposal, schools and school districts would be able to apply for and obtain waivers of most any and all state laws and state board policies. This could include, for example, such "burdensome regulations" as those that require school districts to participate in retirement and group health insurance programs. And in exchange for this "flexibility," at least half of the schools covered by waivers would be required to either: close, fire and replace a majority of the staff, or convert to charters or operate under the control of for-profit management firms. Join the LAE campaign to PROTECT LOUISIANA PUBLIC SCHOOLS. Tell lawmakers to reject HB 1368 and the reckless, deceptive gimmicks it comprises.

Analysis: Jindal takes on teacher unions

2010-04-20T08:58:00.005-05:00

USA TODAY

Posted 4/15/2010 9:21 PM ET

By Melinda Deslatte, Associated Press Writer

BATON ROUGE, La. — Gov. Bobby Jindal clearly isn't trying to make friends with Louisiana's teacher unions.

The governor describes his education agenda this legislative session as a way to improve school, teacher and student performance. It could just as easily be described as a list of everything the unions oppose: promotion of charter schools, teacher evaluations tied to student test scores and public schools' ability to sidestep teacher salary schedules and tenure rules.

The head of the Louisiana Association of Educators called the governor's agenda "anti-public education and teacher-bashing."

Two bills are drawing much of the ire from the unions: one measure would make public schools function more like charter schools by letting them get waivers from state law and education policies and another would rate teachers in part on student test scores and make it easier to dismiss them if they fail repeated reviews.

While not surprising that a Republican governor doesn't embrace the positions of union groups, Jindal's package of education proposals this year is considered an all-out assault against them.

Before the legislative session started, criticism began.

The head of the Louisiana Federation of Teachers, Steve Monaghan, sent the governor a letter complaining about the bill that would let schools and school districts apply for a four-year waiver of state laws or statewide policies.

"We were hopeful that the coming legislative session would be more collaborative and less contentious," Monaghan said in the letter. "That hope is not reflected in the proposals outlined in the so-called Red Tape Reduction Act."

Monaghan said teachers haven't complained that areas like teacher salary schedules, teacher certification and student-teacher ratios -- areas listed by Jindal as regulations that could be waived -- are impediments to student achievement.

Jindal described the measure, sponsored by Rep. Jane Smith, R-Bossier City, as a way to shrink burdensome regulations on schools that can inhibit academic improvement. Low-performing schools would have to improve student's standardized test scores when having the waiver, or face takeover by the state. Higher-performing schools that don't improve while having a waiver wouldn't be able to get it renewed.

"So often we've heard from schools that complain that we give flexibility to charter schools or we've heard from public schools that the state only helps them through the recovery district when it's time for a state takeover," the governor said.

Joyce Haynes, president of the LAE, said educators believe the changes would allow for mass firings of teachers.

"One thing I've learned as a teacher for over three decades is that one person's 'red tape' is another person's important protection for students and schools," Haynes said in a statement.

If the teacher groups weren't jittery enough, Jindal's also pushing a bill by Rep. Frank Hoffmann, R-West Monroe, that would rewrite the evaluation process for teachers.

The bill would require annual evaluations for teachers starting next year. At least 50 percent of that review would be tied to student performance data and whether students are improving their scores on accountability tests.

"The bottom line is, let's reward those teachers, let's reward those classrooms where our students are learning," Jindal said.

Teachers currently get formal evaluations at least once every three years -- but those aren't specifically tied to student performance data. If a teacher meets the standards for three years, they get tenure, a type of job protection that makes it much more difficult to be fired.

Hoffmann's bill would upend that system, though teacher unions dispute that standardized tests are an appropriate method for grading student achievement.

That doesn't really matter. Jindal doesn't seem to be trying to curry their favor much anyway.

___

EDITOR'S NOTE: Melinda Deslatte covers the state Capitol for The Associated Press.

LAE Teleconference

2010-04-16T14:57:00.000-05:00

YouTube - LouisianaEducators's Channel

KEEP UP THE PRESSURE!

2010-04-16T14:30:00.001-05:00

URGENT MESSAGE FROM PRESIDENT HAYNES - TAKE ACTION NOW!

KEEP UP THE PRESSURE - IT'S WORKING - Say NO to HB 1033


It's just wrong to base teacher evaluations, certification and recertification on student standardized test scores. Many factors affect student test scores that teachers have no control over, including attendance, nutrition, family support, and student motivation. As Gov. Charlie Crist of Florida put it yesterday when he vetoed similar legislation in his state, "teachers [would be] in jeopardy of losing their jobs and teaching certificates, without a clear understanding of how gains will be measured." As lawmakers in Baton Rouge consider this recycled element of Gov. Jindal's failed Race To The Top application, your calls and e-mails are making a difference. In a sure sign that legislators are feeling the heat, LAE learned yesterday that backroom talks are taking place between proponents of HB 1033 and the Louisiana Federation of Teachers on some sort of "compromise" on this deeply-flawed, highly-unpopular proposal. The leaders of the Louisiana Association of Educators, however, remain committed to the teachers and support professionals they represent and the students they serve; LAE will not compromise on core values and good instructional practices. Please join LAE in the campaign to PROTECT PUBLIC EDUCATION and urge lawmakers to reject HB 1033.

Take Action! Stop Rep. Hoffman’s House Bill 1033

2010-04-09T18:15:00.001-05:00

IMMEDIATE ACTION NEEDED!

Contact Key House Education Committee Members on HB 1033
Stop Rep. Hoffman's House Bill 1033

Many LAE members have contacted Representative Frank Hoffman regarding House Bill 1033. Now it is critical that LAE member advocates contact key House Education Committee members and tell them to stop HB 1033. It's bad for educators and students. House Bill 1033 attempts to impose all the flaws of Race to the Top. Rep. Hoffman's bill, which is a product of Governor Jindal, attempts to subject all teachers and administrators of Louisiana to the failed policies, plans and regulations the US Department of Education rejected in the state's Race to the Top application. Representative Hoffman's statement that good teachers will love the bill and bad teachers will hate the bill is a classic example of not understanding teacher concerns about appropriate use of standardized assessment and teacher accountability. House Bill 1033 seeks to establish an unequal and inconsistent measure of teacher performance and effectiveness by *basing 50% of a teacher's evaluation on student test scores and would allow a teacher's evaluation to become public record.* Research does not adequately show that basing teacher evaluations on student test scores is an effective indicator of best practices. Student testing is designed to be diagnostic, and this bill misuses testing as a tool to invoke punitive measures against students and teachers... Bottom-line: HB 1033 scapegoats and demonizes public school teachers and administrators in Louisiana schools. HB 1033 is bad for Louisiana teachers and public education. Take action now!!! Send key House Education Committee members an email by composing your message below. It's critical that members of the House Education Committee hear from LAE members on HB 1033.

Take Action Now!

2010-04-09T15:30:00.004-05:00

"HB 1033 - Take Action Now"!
HB 1033 by Rep. Frank Hoffman Resurrects Race to the Top Application

Take Action Now!

What USDOE rejected, Hoffman/Jindal want for Louisiana House Bill 1033 filed by Rep. Frank Hoffman, R-West Monroe, is a bill LAE strongly opposes.

House Bill 1033 attempts to impose all the flaws of Race to the Top. Rep. Hoffman's bill, which is a product of Governor Jindal, attempts to subject all teachers and administrators of Louisiana to the failed policies, plans and regulations the US Department of Education rejected in the state's Race to the Top application.

Representative Hoffman's statement that good teachers will love the bill and bad teachers will hate the bill is a classic example of not understanding teacher concerns about appropriate use of standardized assessment and teacher accountability.

House Bill 1033 seeks to establish an unequal and inconsistent measure of teacher performance and effectiveness by basing 50% of a teacher's evaluation on student test scores and would allow a teacher's evaluation to become public record. Research does not adequately show that basing teacher evaluations on student test scores is an effective indicator of best practices. Student testing is designed to be diagnostic, and this bill misuses testing as a tool to invoke punitive measures against students and teachers... Bottom-line: HB 1033 scapegoats and demonizes public school teachers and administrators in Louisiana schools.

HB 1033 is bad for Louisiana teachers and public education.

Take action now!!!"

Send Representative Hoffman an email by composing your email on our LAE CapWiz system or call Representative Hoffman Now at 1-318-362-4130 and tell him to withdraw HB 1033.

Withdraw House Bill 1033

2010-04-09T08:47:00.004-05:00

House Bill 1033 seeks to establish a measure of teacher performance and effectiveness at the state level that will cause schools to evaluate
students and teachers solely on a limited test which limit teacher
instructional practice, narrows the local curriculum, and labels teachers, students and schools alike as failures.

Research does not adequately show that basing teacher evaluations on student test scores is an effective indicator of best teacher practices.

Student testing is designed to be diagnostic, and this bill misuses
testing as a tool to invoke punitive measures against students and
teachers.

Withdraw House Bill 1033.

LAE reacts to state's loss of phase one Race to the Top funding “A 'win' would have been 'loss' for students, public education”.

2010-03-30T05:11:00.001-05:00

Today's announcement that the state of Louisiana will not receive phase one Race to the Top funding brought a sense of relief to Louisiana teachers. A "win" they feared, would in fact represent a "loss" as the state would have been moving one step closer to implementing unproven strategies that would have done more harm than good, and undermined the spirit of public education.

The following statement can be attributed to LAE President Joyce Haynes: "This is one loss that is actually a win.

"Educators know how badly our schools need these funds. But I am afraid that any good that would have come from this money would have been overshadowed by the bad. From the use of student test scores to determine compensation, to models of assessment that were inconsistent and not fully transparent, we would have been doing just the opposite of what Race to the Top intended.

"A basic tenet of education reform is to tear down-not erect-barriers to reach those who need it most. But that is what Race to the Top, as Louisiana envisioned it, did. What educator would want to risk their livelihood to teach students other than the most academically talented? It goes against our calling but the reality is, teachers are mothers and fathers, homeowners and consumers who must pay for childcare, mortgage, buy gas and groceries. At the end of the day, we have to earn a dependable salary in order to be able to take care of our obligations.

"Louisiana's Race to the Top vision would have ultimately penalized those that teach the academically challenged.

"Do we need education reform? Yes. Was Louisiana's Race to the Top vision the right way to do it? No. Because it pitted stakeholders against each other, it was a stumbling block to collaboration-also a tenet to education reform. It failed to truly factor in two other key stakeholders in the reform equation: families and communities.

"While the LAE didn't support the initiatives outlined in Louisiana's Race to the Top application, LAE remains committed to education reform and looks forward to working with the Louisiana Department of Education and the education community to ensure all students have access to great public schools."

Race to the Top Funding: Badly Needed, Should Be Spent Wisely. LAE urges state to adopt plans that support students and the entire education community

2010-03-07T09:11:00.001-06:00

The announcement by the US Department of Education listing Louisiana as one of the finalist for Race to the Top (R2T) grants may bring badly needed funding to the state. However, the Louisiana Association of Educators believes this announcement may also bring the state one step closer to implementing unproven strategies that will ultimately fail children, educators, and our public schools.

Joyce Haynes, the President of LAE, believes the state's R2T application fails to hit the mark and will not improve student achievement and teacher quality.

"One area of the state's application that we believe is particularly harmful is using student test scores to determine teacher compensation," said Haynes. "There is little or no research that actually supports the value of linking the two."

Haynes adds this approach also provides a stumbling block to serious negotiations around an effective R2T application that can be supported by the entire education community

"LAE believes that the success of all of our students can only be obtained when all stake holders, not just public school employees, are brought to the table and held accountable for improving student achievement and teacher quality."

While the LAE cannot support the initiatives included in the original R2T application, Haynes states the Association remains committed to fighting for education reforms that focus on creating and nurturing "great teachers and leaders"—a critical component to improving student achievement.

She adds that the LAE will continue to work with the Louisiana Department of Education and other stakeholders to insure that the revised version of the state's application will focus on proven strategies and programs that improve student achievement and teacher quality.

"We fight for the success of all students," said Haynes. "All students deserve great schools—with great teachers and leaders working collaboratively and focused on the needs of children. Public education will improve, and our state will progress, but only when the entire education community works together and the professionalism of all educators is affirmed."

I Can Do It!

2010-02-22T14:32:00.001-06:00

I Can Do It!

Classroom management training for Teachers and Para Educators in St. Helena Parish

Saturday, March 13, 2010

St. Helena Central Middle School

8:00 – 1:00 pm

The "I Can Do It" one day workshop covers many of the necessary elements for successful classroom management as well as:

 communication and learning styles

 interventions for difficult behavior

 how to create a smoothly flowing classroom

 tools for building positive parent/teacher relationships

 linking with a partner for future support

Participants will:

Learn about the elements necessary for successful classroom management.

Discover communication styles and how they relate to student/teacher/parent communication.

Learn about interventions for selected difficult behaviors encountered in the classroom.

Have opportunities to find out about hints that help create the smoothly flowing classroom.

Acquire information that will help build successful parent/teacher relationships.

Have the opportunity to link with a support partner at or near one's grade and/or content level.

The trainers are experienced successful teachers in Louisiana and the participants will receive training materials and other information to continue focusing on building an effective instructional climate in their classrooms.

LAE's R2T message hits the airwaves

2010-02-22T08:42:00.001-06:00

As the "Lone Advocate of Educators," when it comes to Race to the Top, LAE finds ourselves proud to be on the wrong side of public opinion, but the right side of educators and students. LAE President Joyce Haynes continues the effort to raise awareness on LAE's concerns with the problematic Louisiana R2T application with her appearance on Louisiana Public Broadcasting's (LPB) "Louisiana's Public Square."

Taped Monday, February 22 in Baton Rouge, the show will air statewide, Wednesday, February 24 at 7 p.m. and again on Sunday, February 28th LPB.

President Haynes will be joined on the program by: State Superintendent Paul Pastorek, BESE Board member and DeSoto Parish School Board Superintendent Walter Lee, and Executive Director of the Louisiana School Boards Association Nolton Senegal.

In preparation for the taping of this program, we encourage you to participate in the online survey about "Race to the Top," found on http://beta.lpb.org. The questions are of significant interest to you as educators.

Check your local listings for station information

2010 AR ASSEMBLY

2010-02-13T10:42:00.000-06:00

"2010 APRIL REPRESENTATIVE ASSEMBLY"
The Thirty-Third Annual Representative Assembly will be held on April 23 – 25, 2010, at the Capitol Hilton, Baton Rouge, Louisiana. The delegate information will be mailed in mid-February, so be sure to check the mail and hold your election for delegates."

2010-02-13T10:41:00.000-06:00

"REGIONAL LEGISLATIVE/MEMBERSHIP CONFERENCES"
LAE will be conducting seven Legislative/Member Conferences around the state in the month of March. Be sure to watch for further information in the next few weeks and make plans to attend the regional conference in your area. The agenda is “jam” packed with useful information on legislative and membership for your organization."

2010-02-13T10:40:00.000-06:00

"SPORTS ILLUSTRATED KIDS GRAPHIC NOVEL"
Stone Arch Books is sponsoring a nationwide contest which invites students in grades 3-6 to create their own sports super star. Kids can enter for a chance to have their fictional character featured in an upcoming Sports Illustrated KIDS Graphic Novel. The first place winning student, along with his/her school, will be included in a page at the back of the book. Online voters will choose their favorite sports character from the top five entries posted on the contest website www.CapstoneKids.com.
“We’re inviting kids to use their imagination and create a strong character critical to any story’s success. We’re looking forward to finding some really creative characters,” said Lori Benton, General Manager/Publisher of Capstone Fiction. “Kids have a chance here to vote on who they really want to read about. Their votes will ultimately decide the next character in our series.” The top 50 entrants will receive two free Sports Illustrated KIDS Graphic Novels, one for the student and one for the school library. Contest runs through March 1, 2010."

CONGRATULATIONS !

2010-02-13T10:39:00.000-06:00

"CONGRATULATIONS TO OUR MEMBERS"
Congratulations to April Stone and LaShondra Taylor, recipients of a NEA Student Achievement Grant. They submitted their proposal in October and found out in January that they received $5,000 from NEA."

Global Youth Service Day

2010-02-13T10:37:00.000-06:00

"GLOBAL YOUTH SERVICE DAY"
Good news! Youth Service America has now posted information on Global Youth Service Day at http://www.gysd.org/. You'll find information on grants available for student-led projects and also post your activities. This nationally recognized day of service celebrates the mobilization of students who are changing their communities through service. If you and your student participants are conducting service activities within your community for this national day of service, you'll be interested in this website.
Don't forget to register your project at www.volunteerlouisiana.org also! Through this website you can also be able to recruit volunteers and track your service hours. If you have questions regarding Volunteer Louisiana, please contact James Gilmore, director of Volunteer Louisiana, at jgilmore@crt.state.la.us or (225) 342-2038."

NEA Southeast Regional Leadership Conference

2010-02-13T10:36:00.000-06:00

"LAE TEAM PARTICIPATES IN THE NEA SOUTHEAST REGIONAL LEADERSHIP CONFERENCE"
LAE sent a team to participate in the NEA Southeast Regional Leadership Conference in Little Rock, Arkansas, on February 5 – 7, 2010. The conference participants from Louisiana were Joyce Haynes, Debbie Meaux, Rachel Gifford, Vickie Jacquet, Michael McCoy, Mandy Migues, Joycelyn Olivier, Almetra Pierce, Sherry Thompson, Diane Vickers and Ruthie Wright. The conference participants were divided into tracks. The Tracks were: Track I – Hope: Traveling the Road of Leadership Development and Excellence; Track II – Innovation; and Track III – Transformation: Leading in Changing Times. LAE staff presented “Use of Social Media” in Track II. Our team learned valuable information to be used back in their locals. Great job Team!"

LAE Contributes To The NEA Haiti Recovery

2010-02-13T10:34:00.000-06:00

"LAE CONTRIBUTES TO THE NEA HAITI RECOVERY"
NEA is participating in the Education International Solidarity Fund, which channels support directly to CNEH members in Haiti who have been hit hard by this earthquake. The funds are managed by Education International; disbursements will be made first to secure lives and second to support the resumption of education. This is a safe way to ensure that relief funds go directly to teachers and positively support children. LAE has contributed $2500 from the LAE Disaster Relief Fund."

LAE Legislative and Membership Conferences

2010-02-13T10:32:00.000-06:00

"LAE Legislative and Membership Conferences"
LAE will host six conferences to discuss our legislative program, our reactions to legislative proposals made by the administration and legislators and strategies to increase membership. All reports indicate the 2010 Legislative Session will be the most important session in recent memory.

The conference sites and dates are:

March 16, 2010 - Belle Chase

March 18, 2010 - One in Baton Rouge and one in Lake Charles

March 23, 2010 - Baton Rouge

March 24, 2010 - Shreveport Area

April 3, 2010 - Marksville

Time and place and complete agendas will be available within a few days."

Social Security Offsets

2010-01-31T14:43:00.000-06:00

"New NEA Video on Social Security Offsets Now on YouTube"

NEA is pleased to announce that our new video highlighting the impacts of the Government Pension Offset and Windfall Elimination Provision on educators is now available on YouTube. You can access the video at http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=XeVDDBtFfW0.

The video, which runs just over six minutes long, features an introduction and closing call to action by NEA President Dennis Van Roekel, along with testimonials from impacted NEA members about the unfair offsets.

We encourage you to forward the link to colleagues, friends and others who can help spread the word about the need for repeal and to add comments to the YouTube site about the video.

Carrie Lewis
NEA Government Relations
1201 16th Street, NW
Washington, DC 20036
clewis@nea.org"

Celebrating Black History Month

2010-01-31T14:34:00.001-06:00

Celebrating Black History Month
Ernest J. Gaines and "Those Twenty-Six Letters" of Influence

Presenter: Reggie Scott Young

Thursday, February 4, 2010, 12:00 p.m.

Louisiana Center for the Book
State Library of Louisiana, 701 North 4th Street, Baton Rouge

Baton Rouge, LA — In celebration of Black History Month, the Louisiana Center for the Book in the State Library of Louisiana announces a special event: author, scholar and educator Reggie Scott Young will present "Ernest J. Gaines and 'Those Twenty-Six Letters' of Influence" on Thursday, February 4, 2010, at 12:00 p.m. in the Seminar Center of the State Library, 701 North 4th Street, Baton Rouge.

In a Black History Month presentation, Reggie Scott Young, University of Louisiana English professor and Ernest J. Gaines Center Board member, will discuss Gaines's efforts to preserve the legacy of an African American community that might have been otherwise excluded from written history and how his works have, in turn, influenced other writers, including Young himself, to write not only for personal gain, but also to positively affect people's lives through their efforts as storytellers.

Ernest Gaines, whose works include "A Lesson before Dying," "A Gathering of Old Men," and "The Autobiography of Miss Jane Pittman" among others, was the recipient of the Louisiana Center for the Book's first Louisiana Writer Award in 2000, an award given annually to honor a contemporary Louisiana writer whose published body of work represents a distinguished and enduring contribution to the literary and intellectual heritage of Louisiana.

The presentation is free and open to the public, and all are encouraged to attend this Black History Month event as we celebrate the work of one of Louisiana's preeminent authors. Copies of the acclaimed "This Louisiana Thing that Drives Me: The Legacy of Ernest J. Gaines" will be available for purchase. Reggie Young will be available after the program to personally autograph copies. Since this is a lunchtime presentation, attendees are welcomed to brown bag their lunch for the event.

"The Sultan Sinks as Lincoln's Funeral Train Crosses America" Play

2010-01-31T14:24:00.000-06:00

"THE SULTANA SINKS AS LINCOLN'S FUNERAL TRAIN CROSSES AMERICA"

A One-Man Short Play Performance by
David Madden, Chair
Louisiana Abraham Lincoln Bicentennial Commission

Baton Rouge, LA—The Louisiana Center for the Book in the State Library of Louisiana is pleased to present a Louisiana Abraham Lincoln Bicentennial Commission event as part of the Commission’s grand finale celebration.

On Thursday, February 11, 2010, at 12:00 p.m., David Madden, Chair of the Louisiana Abraham Lincoln Bicentennial Commission, will perform “The Sultana Sinks as Lincoln's Funeral Train Crosses America,” his new one-man short play, in which he speaks as twelve of the 500 survivors of the sinking of the Sultana in the Mississippi and narrates the simultaneous movement of Lincoln's funeral train from Washington to Springfield, Illinois. That night, 1,400 Union soldiers perished, the worst maritime disaster in American history.

“A year ago, we helped kick off the Louisiana Abraham Lincoln Bicentennial statewide celebrations here at the State Library,” said Rebecca Hamilton, State Librarian and member of the Louisiana Abraham Lincoln Bicentennial Commission. “The State Library is truly honored to host this grand finale event, a literary celebration of one of history’s most important figures,” she said.

Held in the Seminar Center of the State Library, this 45-minute program is free and open to the public. Given that this is a lunchtime event, attendees are welcomed to brown bag their lunch. Please join us to celebrate the grand finale of the bicentennial celebration and the culmination of the year-long contributions of the Commission Chair, David Madden, as he performs his original play."

S-T-R-E-T-C-H Your Imagination Contest

2010-01-31T14:18:00.001-06:00

"It’s time to S--T--R--E--T--C--H YOUR IMAGINATION!

Innovative students in grades 5-8 are invited to demonstrate their ingenuity by creating an invention that incorporates the use of rubber bands in the SECOND ANNUAL RUBBER BAND CONTEST FOR YOUNG INVENTORS!

This exciting contest encourages engineering design, creative thinking and problem-solving, while incorporating national and state academic content standards. There is more than $15,000 in prizes for students and their mentoring teachers so start their imaginations s-t-r-e-t-c-h-i-n-g right away!

We encourage you to share the competition information with your colleagues and members through your web site, publications and correspondence. The deadline is February 10, 2010 and applications may be received via hard copy mail, email or FAX.
The details for the competition are available online at www.rubberbandcontest.org. If you have questions, or if would like to discuss the contest with us, please feel free to email us at info@nmoe.org, or to call us at 330-376-8300.
Good Luck!

Hosted by the Rubber Division of the American Chemical Society, The Akron Global Polymer Academy and The University of Akron.

National Museum of Education, Inc.
80 W. Bowery Street, Suite 305
Akron, Ohio 44308
330.376.8300
info@nmoe.org www.nmoe.org"

SAVE THE DATE - MAKING DATA MATTER

2010-01-31T14:15:00.000-06:00

SAVE THE DATE - MAKING DATA MATTER:
Dear Education Leader,

Mark your calendar! The next Education Week Leadership Forum, Making Data Matter: Tools to Accelerate Achievement, is coming in April. We want to be sure you have saved the date of your choice—either April 7 in Chicago, IL, or April 19 in Washington, DC.
Making Data Matter: Tools to Accelerate Achievement is the perfect opportunity for you and your colleagues to learn from and collaborate with other top educators and data-use experts in an interactive, one-day forum. Sessions will be packed with best practices and results-oriented techniques. You will return to your district with practical, cutting-edge tactics to leverage the data you're already collecting, boost teachers' skill in using data to guide instruction in real time, and much more. Take a look at the day’s agenda to see what valuable takeaways you will bring back, and review the field of experts you will be hearing from.
Register online right away for the greatest savings. As a Super-Early-Bird registrant, you will pay only $249 to attend this Leadership Forum—a savings of $150 off the regular registration fee. But you must act fast, because this lowest rate expires on February 12!
This leadership forum is especially valuable when you bring your whole team -- over 45% of forum attendees come as part of a team. To get you and your team there, we are offering an additional $40 off each member of your group. It’s the perfect way to get district officers, principals, and teachers on the same page, and pay as little as $209 per person!

Register for Making Data Matter: Tools to Accelerate Achievement today!"

Help The Educators of Haiti

2010-01-17T18:51:00.000-06:00

"HELP THE EDUCATORS OF HAITI"

Please consider donating to Education International's Solidarity Fund for Haiti. Checks can be made out to the National Education Association and sent to:

Haiti Earthquake Recovery
National Education Association
1201 16th Street NW, Suite 614
Washington DC 20036"

Contest for Young Inventors

2010-01-17T18:33:00.000-06:00

"EXCITING NEWS about the Rubber Band Contest for Young Inventors"!

It’s time to S--T--R--E--T--C--H YOUR IMAGINATION!

Innovative students in grades 5-8 are invited to demonstrate their ingenuity by creating an invention that incorporates the use of rubber bands in the SECOND ANNUAL RUBBER BAND CONTEST FOR YOUNG INVENTORS!

This exciting contest encourages engineering design, creative thinking and problem-solving, while incorporating national and state academic content standards. There is more than $15,000 in prizes for students and their mentoring teachers so start their imaginations s-t-r-e-t-c-h-i-n-g right away!

We encourage you to share the competition information with your colleagues and members through your web site, publications and correspondence. The deadline is February 10, 2010 and applications may be received via hard copy mail, email or FAX.
The details for the competition are available online at www.rubberbandcontest.org. If you have questions, or if would like to discuss the contest with us, please feel free to email us at info@nmoe.org, or to call us at 330-376-8300.
Good Luck!

Hosted by the Rubber Division of the American Chemical Society, The Akron Global Polymer Academy and The University of Akron.

National Museum of Education, Inc.
80 W. Bowery Street, Suite 305
Akron, Ohio 44308
330.376.8300"

LAE will not endorse Louisiana’s R2T application

2009-12-17T23:37:00.002-06:00

Louisiana Association of Educators

8322 One Calais Ave. Baton Rouge, LA 70809

225-343-9243 1-800-256-4523

Fax: 225-343-9272 www.lae.org

For Immediate Release

12/17/09

LAE will not endorse Louisiana's R2T application

(Baton Rouge) The Louisiana Association of Educators (LAE) announced that it will not be able to endorse the Department of Education's (DOE) Race to the Top (R2T) application in its present form. This comes after a meeting with Superintendent Paul Pastorek and other key department personnel on Thursday afternoon.

Joyce Haynes, LAE president, expressed disappointment at the actions of Supt. Pastorek and the DOE, for their unwillingness to work with LAE on key issues. These include the teacher evaluation process, student assessment, and other issues LAE hoped would improve teacher and district support for the Louisiana R2T application. President Haynes remarked, "Having had three prior meetings, I approached today's meeting with confidence, as Supt. Pastorek had assured me that an educators' perspective was key and that he was willing to work with LAE." She continued, "First we had to get to the table. Now we need a chance to digest and continue to discuss how we can partner in the transformation of the system."

Haynes said that LAE is sensitive to both the need for additional resources and support, which may be provided to the state through R2T grants. She believes that there are several positive items in the overall grant that could improve student performance in Louisiana. However, Haynes reported that she could not in "good faith" agree to the current R2T application. Haynes indicated that LAE remains willing to collaborate with the department to both improve the application and to help design effective programs to improve student performance in Louisiana. LAE believes that the focus on "great teachers and leaders" is a critical component to the improvement of schools and student performance in the state.

LAE agrees that a proactive approach is needed to improve schools in Louisiana. However, rushing a grant application partially focused on beliefs rather than what actually works is inappropriate. If given the opportunity, LAE will continue to "get back to the table" and actively work to improve the Louisiana DOE application.

LAE will convene a meeting of education stakeholders in early January to discuss the Louisiana DOE R2T application. LAE will enter into these discussions with the sentiment of, "surviving tough times requires tough advocacy."

###

Contact: Sharon Terrell

LAE Director of Communications

Office: 225-330-0403, ext. 112

Cell: 985-778-8812

sharon.terrell@lae.org

New Member Programs

2009-12-16T20:42:00.001-06:00

The New Year Looks Bright with Two New Member Programs!

NEA Member Benefits will be offering two new programs in the New Year that help members save money as well as support their personal goals.

The NEA Auto Purchase Advantage Program provides members low, no-haggle prices on new and used cars through a network of over 2,400 select Certified Dealers across the country. Members will be able to comparatively shop and select a vehicle and obtain all information online, including the selling price in writing, before even setting foot in a showroom.

Members can access the NEA Auto Purchase Advantage Program by registering on the NEA Member Benefits Web Site at neamb.com. The program will be available in early January 2010.

While online, members may also obtain a quote for auto insurance through the NEA Members Auto & Home Insurance Program!

Just in time for the New Year, NEA MB is offering its first health club discount to members. Snap Fitness, which operates more than 1,000 state-of-the-art, 24-hour-access fitness clubs, will waive joining (administrative) fees and give a 10 percent discount on monthly dues to NEA members. First year savings are estimated at approximately $100.

In early January 2010, members may obtain information about Snap Fitness locations* and enroll online at the NEA Member Benefits Web Site (neamb.com). NEA Member Benefits hopes to offer additional health club discount opportunities in the future in order to make the programs accessible to the majority of members.

*Note: At the present time, Snap Fitness does not have club locations in the states of Alaska, Hawaii, and Rhode Island.

# # #

Sweepstakes Prizes

2009-12-16T20:31:00.001-06:00

NEA Member Benefits Sweepstakes Prizes

January and February 2010

NEA members can register on the NEA Member Benefits Web Site (neamb.com) for a chance to win sweepstakes prizes for January and February 2010 as follows:

Entry Period

# of Prizes

Prize Description

December 17, 2009 – January 21, 2010

Get Organized for the New Year

$100 Gift Cards from The Container Store

January 22, 2010 – February 14, 2010

"Sweet on You" Valentine Packages

Box of Chocolates
Free H&R Block Tax Preparation
$100 Barnes & Noble Gift Card
$100 iTunes Gift Card
Heart Healthy Cookbook

February 15, 2010 – February 28, 2010

Spend It Any Way You Want

$100 Target Gift Cards

See neamb.com for complete rules!

HOT DEALS FOR NEA/LAE MEMBERS

2009-12-16T20:27:00.001-06:00

December 2009-January 2010

Hot Deals and Discounts from NEA Member Benefits

Whirlpool VIPLINK™ Program—

KitchenAid^® Stand Mixer Limited Time Offer and Free Shipping on Major Appliances

From December 15, 2009 to January 7, 2010, in addition to discounted VIPLINK ^TM
Program pricing, take advantage of free shipping on major appliance orders over $750! Simply visit the Whirlpool VIPLINK
^TM Program page on the NEA Member Benefits Web Site, www.neamb.com, create an account and enter the promotional code "SHIP" during checkout.

VIPLINK
^TM is also excited to share an unbelievable offer on select state-of-the-art KitchenAid^® Stand Mixers. But don't wait too long because the models and the special pricing will only be available from December 11, 2009 to January 15, 2010. Enjoy these special winter savings while they're available!

School Board sets talks on superintendent hunt

2009-12-16T11:13:00.001-06:00

School Board sets talks on superintendent hunt

Advocate Baker - Zachary bureau
Published: Dec 16, 2009 - Page: 4B

ST. FRANCISVILLE — The West Feliciana Parish School Board on Tuesday set a special Jan. 12 meeting to discuss how it plans to proceed with interviews for the school system's next superintendent.

Board President Sara Wilson-Wright said interviews with candidates selected by the board will begin in mid- to late January.

Eleven people submitted applications for the post, which is now held on an interim basis by Jesse L. Perkins Jr.

Perkins stepped up from the assistant superintendent's position when Superintendent Lloyd L. Lindsey Jr. died in an April 15 accident.

The candidates, in the order they submitted applications, are as follows:

John R. Philips, Isle of Palms, S.C.; former director of university-school district partnerships, Claflin University, Orangeburg, S.C.
Pamlynn Hardy, New Orleans; former director of student services, Camelot of Louisiana.
Retired Pointe Coupee Parish Superintendent Dan Rawls, Pierre Part.
Former East Baton Rouge Parish Superintendent Gary Mathews, now superintendent of the Williamsburg-James City County School District, Williamsburg, Va.
Camacia Smith-Ross, New Orleans; Upward Bound director, Dillard University.
Hollis G. Milton, Baton Rouge; principal, Southeast Middle School.
Paul E. Nelson, Vidalia; director of academic programs, Concordia Parish School Board.
James Alton Taylor Jr., Baton Rouge; associate professor of education, Southern University.
Deborah H. Moran, Kiln, Miss.; principal and supervisor, Hancock County School District.
Mark E. Marshall, Tacoma, Wash.; principal, Thomas Jefferson High School, Federal Way, Wash.
Lynette R. Zimmer, Burlington, Wisc.; former assistant superintendent, Fremont School District 79, Mundelein, Ill.

LAE President Haynes-A Moment in Time

2009-12-04T12:48:00.000-06:00

LAE President Haynes-A Moment in Time

School Board looks for savings

2009-12-04T12:36:00.001-06:00

School Board looks for savings

By JAMES MINTON
Advocate Baker - Zachary bureau
Published: Dec 2, 2009 - Page: 5B

CLINTON — The East Feliciana Parish School Board doesn't have enough money to pay its bills, and a board member suggested Tuesday the first place to begin budget-cutting is in the board room.
Superintendent Douglas Beauchamp said the board is counting on federal stimulus funds and budget cuts to weather a $1.2 million deficit this year, but funds are not immediately available for a "large number" of unpaid bills .
Member Matthew Peterson called for the board to cut its salaries, reduce the board from 12 to nine members and consolidate Jackson and Clinton high schools to save money.
The consolidation proposal, which was dropped last year, again drew opposition from Clinton member Michael Bradford, who claimed that any savings realized would be "pipelined directly to Slaughter," where community activists are trying to form a charter school.
The board referred cutting members' salaries to the Policy Committee, although Bradford, Peterson and board President J. Curtis Jelks said they are donating some of their salaries to the schools.
The board budgeted $80,000 for salaries this fiscal year.
Assistant District Attorney Mike Hughes said the board cannot reduce its membership until after population figures from the 2010 federal census are available.
"We have a School Board member for every 185 students. We're top heavy in administrators, but the first place where we're top heavy is in this room," Peterson said in arguing for adoption of the Police Jury's nine-member districting plan.
As for consolidating the high schools, Peterson said the only difference between East Feliciana and West Feliciana's school systems "is what they did in the 1970s," referring to West Feliciana and its one consolidated high school. The district has ranked second in the state for academic performance the past four years.
After a lengthy discussion, members Beth Dawson, Leon Franklin, Tony Rouchon, Peterson and Jelks advanced a motion to ask Beauchamp to submit a consolidation plan at the January meeting.
Bradford and Willie M. Jackson voted against the motion, Richard Terrell abstained and members Mitch Harrell, Oliver Wingfield and Henry Howell were absent. Member Clay Barksdale, a volunteer fire chief, was called from the meeting for an emergency before the vote.

La. public schoolteachers pay still at regional average

2009-12-04T12:29:00.001-06:00

La. public schoolteachers pay still at regional average

By WILL SENTELL
Advocate Capitol News Bureau
Published: Dec 3, 2009 - Page: 14A

Despite state budget problems, pay for public-schoolteachers remains at the regional average and ahead of Louisiana's neighboring states, officials said.
Teachers were paid an average of $48,627 for the 2008-09 school year, said Raymond Brady, a consultant for the state's Educating Estimating Conference.
The conference is a panel that tracks public-school trends.
Brady spelled out his preliminary findings to the conference Nov. 18 and elaborated on them this week.
He said teacher pay for the past school year was within $100 or $200 of the regional average, a longtime goal that the state reached for the first time in 2007.
Brady said it also is higher than what teachers were paid in Texas, Arkansas, Mississippi, Alabama and Florida.
That advantage is noteworthy because, in the past, Texas and other states close to Louisiana have tried to lure teachers to those schools with the promise of higher salaries.
It also takes place amid Louisiana's biggest budget mess in decades.
One education official disputed Brady's figures.
Earlier this year, basic state aid for public schools was frozen for the first time in a dozen years.
While teachers did not get a state pay raise this year, some collected more money from their local school districts.
Teachers won state pay increases of $1,019 in 2008.
Brady said he thinks Louisiana is in good shape to keep teacher pay at the regional average, mostly because other states face financial problems of their own.
"We really worked hard to get to this average here over many administrations," he said Tuesday.
"Now, given the financial situation relative to other states, we are positioned to really maintain that, or maybe drop a little."
The regional average is calculated by the Southern Regional Education Board in Atlanta.
It includes Louisiana and 15 other states.
Figures for the 2008-09 school year may be released this month, said Alan Richard, a spokesman for the SREB.
A lobbyist for the Louisiana Association of Educators, Tom Tate, said he thinks Brady's estimates are too high for Louisiana teachers.
"I just don't see it," Tate said of the $48,627 average.
He said he thinks teachers are paid an average of $46,000 or $47,000 per year.
Tate also said the LAE is not seeking an across-the-board pay raise for teachers in 2010 because of state financial problems.
Revenue available for state services is expected to drop by $3 billion over the next two years.
Tate said his group is working with state officials on the possibility of changing the state's salary schedule, such as paying more for teaching in hard-to-fill jobs.
Average public school teacher pay, 2008-09
Louisiana: $48,627
Texas: $47,158
Mississippi: $42,902
Alabama: $47,100
Arkansas: $45,418
Florida: $46,938
Source: Education Estimating Conference

2theadvocate.com | Education | School Board eyes $1 million in cuts — Baton Rouge, LA

2009-11-16T12:59:00.000-06:00

2theadvocate.com Education School Board eyes $1 million in cuts — Baton Rouge, LA

NEA ESP 2010 Conference

2009-11-02T09:37:00.000-06:00

"NEA ESP 2010 Conference"
The Education Support Professionals (ESP) National Conference is a great opportunity for ESP members to develop new skills they can use to build stronger locals, and learn more about important, relevant issues.

The conference is designed to:
*help members gain professional development opportunities
*build strong internal and external relationships
*organize members
*enhance ESP members’ ability to positively influence student achievement.

Full conference details and registration information will be available in fall 2009.

March 12-14, 2010
Flamingo Hotel and Casino
3555 Las Vegas Blvd. South
Las Vegas, NV 89109"

NEA-RA 2010

2009-11-02T09:32:00.001-06:00

"NEA-RA 2010 New Orleans"

We Need You!

Interested in volunteering for the exciting 2010 NEA-RA in New Orleans, July 2010?

Go to the LAE website. Print the LAE form , fill it out and send to LAE today!
Lynda Guidry
8322 One Calais Ave.
Baton Rouge, LA 70809
Fax: 225-343-9272

A representative will contact you regarding volunteer opportunities."

LAE - RA 2009

2009-11-02T09:26:00.002-06:00

LAE - RA 2009

"LAE RA 2009"

The LAE Representative Assembly will be held November 23-24 2009, at the Hilton in downtown Baton Rouge, LA.

Address:
Hilton Baton Rouge Capitol Center
201 Lafayette Street, Baton Rouge, Louisiana, United States 70801"

2theadvocate.com | Opinion | Letter: LAE leader responds to editorial — Baton Rouge, LA

2009-11-02T09:23:00.000-06:00

2theadvocate.com Opinion Letter: LAE leader responds to editorial — Baton Rouge, LA

2theadvocate.com | Suburban and State | Setting timeline next step for Ascension schools — Baton Rouge, LA

2009-11-02T08:56:00.000-06:00

2theadvocate.com Suburban and State Setting timeline next step for Ascension schools — Baton Rouge, LA

2theadvocate.com | Education | State plans for school innovation — Baton Rouge, LA

2009-11-02T08:53:00.000-06:00

2theadvocate.com Education State plans for school innovation — Baton Rouge, LA

2theadvocate.com | Opinion | Letter: LAE leader responds to editorial — Baton Rouge, LA

2009-10-29T10:24:00.000-05:00

2theadvocate.com Opinion Letter: LAE leader responds to editorial — Baton Rouge, LA

How To Deal With Conflict Workshop

2009-08-25T07:58:00.003-05:00

Alpha Kappa Alpha Sorority, Inc.
Nu Gamma Omega Chapter

Hosts

“How to Deal with Conflict”

An informative & entertaining workshop aimed at providing area youth with skills to resolve conflict in productive ways, without the use of violence.

Saturday, August 29, 2009
10:00 A.M. – Noon
(9:30-9:50 sign-in & refreshments)
1747 Main St.
Baton Rouge, LA 70802

Open to students in grades 6th-12th

For More Information Contact:
Ms. Shana Watson - sulady1908@gmail.com or 225-284-1268
or visit
www.akanugammaomega.com"

If You Are Not A Member....JOIN TODAY!

2009-08-24T18:27:00.001-05:00

Joyce Haynes, President of The Louisiana Association of Educators

You are invited to belong to your local association and become a part of the LAE / NEA. Join us in building strong local associations across Louisiana that work to promote quality public schools, strengthen the education profession, and improve the well being of members. Join & Get Involved - Belonging Makes a Difference!

WE WANT YOU......JOIN TODAY!

How To Deal With Conflict

2009-08-24T18:06:00.003-05:00

Alpha Kappa Alpha Sorority, Inc.

Nu Gamma Omega Chapter

Hosts “How to Deal with Conflict” An informative & entertaining workshop aimed at providing area youth with skills to resolve conflict in productive ways, without the use of violence.

Saturday, August 29, 2009 10:00 A.M. – Noon (9:30-9:50 sign-in & refreshments) 1747 Main St. Baton Rouge, LA 70802. Open to students in grades 6th-12th

For More Information Contact: Ms. Shana Watson - sulady1908@gmail.com or 225-284-1268 or visit www.akanugammaomega.com"

How To Deal With Conflict

2009-08-24T18:00:00.001-05:00

Glossary of Union Terms

2009-08-03T18:40:00.002-05:00

GLOSSARY

as·so·ci·a·tion, un·ion, guild, broth·er·hood: All the same thing. It's a group that works collectively to improve working conditions and wages.

bar·gain·ing u·nit: The group made up of employees that negotiates with employers on things like salary and benefits.

build·ing rep: A staff member who serves as a liaison between the staff union members and the administration. In a building with a strong union (that is, a lot of vocal and active members like you), they can typically address issues not covered by a contract to improve working conditions.

col·lect·ive bar·gain·ing: The negotiation of a contract—including wages, benefits, and working conditions—between employers and employees. Some states, especially in the South, don't have collective bargaining. (Even though there is still typically a grievance or due process system legally guaranteed.)

griev·ance: A dispute between a union member and management over a workplace situation or alleged contract violation that is handled through a procedure outlined in the contract or a state law or regulation. The grievance system facilitates your right to due process.

or·gan·iz·ing: Drawing on the power of members' unified strength (3.2 million and counting in the NEA!), this is the action by which members lobby for changes, seek improvements in their working conditions, or work for any other important step that members determine is a priority.

'right-to-work state': States where unions can't negotiate agreements that require all employees covered by a collective bargaining agreement to pay for the costs of union representation. Such agreements eliminate 'free riders' who enjoy the benefits of an agreement without supporting or joining the union.

Uni·Serv Di·rec·tor: That's the professional union staff member you can turn to when you have a professional problem."

Are you in a UNION????

2009-08-03T18:27:00.002-05:00

"Union 101

I have heard time and time again from competing organizations here in Louisiana that we hide the fact that we are a union. Let's make it perfectly clear....YES, WE ARE A UNION! We (members of the NEA) are proud to belong to our union. We're in the largest professional union in the United States. Knowing what that means can make your job and your paycheck better. But only if you get involved.

Ever faked a knowing nod when a veteran teacher starts talking about being in a 'right-to-work state,' and you're not really sure what she's talking about? Does 'collective bargaining' just make you think of your third-period class trying to get out of having homework? As a new educator, it can seem easier to teach physics to first-graders than to learn about your own union, much less become an active and involved member of it. But you need to do all three—get in, get educated, and get active. Your commitment has to go beyond just paying dues. But remember, the payoff is big.

"I'm very involved in how I think the school should look," says Lawrence Garcia, 35, a middle school math teacher in Thornton, Colorado. But he knows he can't do it alone.

"Teachers sometimes feel alone and scared of what the principal will say if they speak up as a union member," says Samone Thomas, 36, a seventh-grade language arts teacher in Wichita, Kansas. "But that means you don't know you have all these thousands of people behind you working to make things better."

Having a basic understanding of your union, then building on it with personal involvement, are the first steps toward better working conditions, pay, and benefits.

So if you're ready to find out more about what you're getting for your investment (besides this magazine!), and how you can reap additional rewards through your involvement, here's a primer on what Association membership means. (First tip: Your membership means you belong to the local, state, and national Association.)"

YouTube - Dalton Sherman

2009-08-02T16:11:00.001-05:00

YouTube - Dalton Sherman

Teachers Cruise Discounts

2009-08-02T15:50:00.000-05:00

Teachers Cruise Discounts: "Teacher Discounts

From time to time, one or more cruise lines will offer special discounts on select sailings to Vacations To Go customers who are teachers. Qualifying teachers must present a photocopy of teacher's certification, union card or letter from principal on school letterhead."

website: VACATIONSTOGO.COM

Back To School Giveaway!

2009-08-01T13:48:00.000-05:00

"NBA All-Star for the Chicago Bulls and Baton Rouge native Tyrus Thomas hosts his annual back to school supply giveaway this Saturday, August 1st from 9am – 1pm at McKinley Alumni Center located at 1520 Thomas H. Delpit Drive. Tyrus will be giving away over 500 school bags filled with school supplies and other materials, signing autographs and the first 50 students receive gift cards to footlocker!

Sponsored by Tyrus Thomas, Inc., Staples Office Supplies, and Allstate Insurance Agent Agnes Andrews. This event is free and open to the public."

LAE Leadership Conference 2009

2009-07-27T23:02:00.000-05:00

ESP's: Why Join NEA / LAE?

2009-07-24T17:34:00.001-05:00

Because There is Strength in Numbers!

With 3.2 million members, the National Education Association is the largest employee organization in the country. And NEA's 489,000 ESP members make us the largest organization of school support employees in the world. This numerical strength translates into advocacy and service -- for improved pay and working conditions, rights on the job, improved education for the students we serve, and great deals on products and services our members need.

Together We Can Make Things Happen

NEA/LAE Helps Us :
*Win better pay, benefits, and working conditions.
*Gain Professional Development and leadership training.
*Be insured with life, health, disability, and casualty insurance programs.
*Get credit, loan, savings, investment, and discount services.
*Receive on-the-job liability insurance of up to $1 million.
*Have tough and effective representation in job-related disputes through our UniServ program.
*Speak out for our concerns in state legislatures and in the U.S. Congress.
*Be represented at NEA/LAE meetings.
*Get Association news through NEA/LAE publications and on its Web site."