by Kym Randolph, WVEA Communications
WVEA President Dale Lee addressed the State Board of Education yesterday afternoon and discussed the search for a new superintendent to replace Dr. Paine. Paine has announced his retirement effective January 3, 2011.
Lee's remarks were well received and he drew comments from both members of the board and WVDE staff.
See his complete remarks on the WVEA Website at http://www.wvea.org/news/wvbe.aspx.
Wednesday, November 10, 2010
Tuesday, October 26, 2010
Protecting your retirement
By David A. Haney, WVEA Executive Director
As a member of the West Virginia Investment Management Board (IMB), the organization that is responsible for investing and managing your pension funds, I wanted to provide you an update on recent legal issues. This is important to you because it is one of the ways the IMB is looking out for your best interests and protecting your hard earned pension funds for your future retirement security.
The article below is authored by Craig Slaughter the Executive Director of the IMB.
Investment Management Board (IMB) Gains in Litigation Set Stage for Future Success
The IMB recently received favorable decisions in two lawsuits it brought to protect the funds it manages. These decisions are important because they allow the IMB to sue over injustice and keep the case in its “home court”. This helps reduce the expense of litigation, but also assures adjudication by courts familiar with West Virginia law.
Generally, in order for a lawsuit to proceed in Federal court, the suit must involve a dispute about federal law (a “federal question”), or a dispute between citizens of different states (a “diversity” suit). For these purposes, a State does not qualify as a citizen of a State, and suits brought by a State must remain in State court unless they involve federal questions. Two United States District courts recently ruled that the IMB is an “arm” or “alter ego” of the State for purposes of these requirements, and that like a State, suits brought by the IMB must remain in State court (unless federal questions are raised). In both cases, the courts agreed with the IMB that it has significant operational independence from the State, allowing it to make unbiased investment decisions in the best interests of the beneficiaries of the funds it manages in a professional and apolitical manner. However, the decisions also agreed that the IMB ultimately acts as an extension of the State in managing public funds benefitting public employees, employers and agencies. The staff of the IMB is dedicated to protecting the funds it manages. These decisions will help ensure that in the future, courts and other parties understand that for purposes of Federal court jurisdiction, the IMB should be treated as the State, and that it can bring claims under State law in the local West Virginia courts rather than Federal Court.
One of the two suits is against VALIC, the company that provided the variable life annuity option under the Teachers defined contribution plan. When former participants moved into the reopened defined benefit plan (the “old” plan) all assets were transferred. Most were converted to cash before transfer and the IMB simply invested the cash along with the other assets in the plan. VALIC placed restrictions on the transfer forcing the IMB to hold the assets in a form it did not desire, a variable life annuity product, for an extended period. The IMB filed an injunction to demand that the annuity be liquidated so the assets could be invested along with the other assets in the plan. VALIC removed the case to federal court. The decision referred to above returned the case to State Court where it was filed originally.
The second lawsuit is against Residential Accredited Loans, Inc., and other entities concerning losses resulting from fraud related to mortgage loans. The IMB filed this case in State Court, also, only to have the defendants remove it to federal court. Again, the decision referred to above returned the case to State Court.
As a member of the West Virginia Investment Management Board (IMB), the organization that is responsible for investing and managing your pension funds, I wanted to provide you an update on recent legal issues. This is important to you because it is one of the ways the IMB is looking out for your best interests and protecting your hard earned pension funds for your future retirement security.
The article below is authored by Craig Slaughter the Executive Director of the IMB.
Investment Management Board (IMB) Gains in Litigation Set Stage for Future Success
The IMB recently received favorable decisions in two lawsuits it brought to protect the funds it manages. These decisions are important because they allow the IMB to sue over injustice and keep the case in its “home court”. This helps reduce the expense of litigation, but also assures adjudication by courts familiar with West Virginia law.
Generally, in order for a lawsuit to proceed in Federal court, the suit must involve a dispute about federal law (a “federal question”), or a dispute between citizens of different states (a “diversity” suit). For these purposes, a State does not qualify as a citizen of a State, and suits brought by a State must remain in State court unless they involve federal questions. Two United States District courts recently ruled that the IMB is an “arm” or “alter ego” of the State for purposes of these requirements, and that like a State, suits brought by the IMB must remain in State court (unless federal questions are raised). In both cases, the courts agreed with the IMB that it has significant operational independence from the State, allowing it to make unbiased investment decisions in the best interests of the beneficiaries of the funds it manages in a professional and apolitical manner. However, the decisions also agreed that the IMB ultimately acts as an extension of the State in managing public funds benefitting public employees, employers and agencies. The staff of the IMB is dedicated to protecting the funds it manages. These decisions will help ensure that in the future, courts and other parties understand that for purposes of Federal court jurisdiction, the IMB should be treated as the State, and that it can bring claims under State law in the local West Virginia courts rather than Federal Court.
One of the two suits is against VALIC, the company that provided the variable life annuity option under the Teachers defined contribution plan. When former participants moved into the reopened defined benefit plan (the “old” plan) all assets were transferred. Most were converted to cash before transfer and the IMB simply invested the cash along with the other assets in the plan. VALIC placed restrictions on the transfer forcing the IMB to hold the assets in a form it did not desire, a variable life annuity product, for an extended period. The IMB filed an injunction to demand that the annuity be liquidated so the assets could be invested along with the other assets in the plan. VALIC removed the case to federal court. The decision referred to above returned the case to State Court where it was filed originally.
The second lawsuit is against Residential Accredited Loans, Inc., and other entities concerning losses resulting from fraud related to mortgage loans. The IMB filed this case in State Court, also, only to have the defendants remove it to federal court. Again, the decision referred to above returned the case to State Court.
Friday, October 22, 2010
Dr. Linda Darling-Hammond Speaks to Evaluation Task Force
By Anita Maxwell, WVEA Communication and Instructional Issues
WVEA members of the Evaluation Task Force, WVBE members, WVDE staff and others attended a meeting this week to hear Linda Darling-Hammond, who is currently the Charles E. Ducommun Professor of Education at Stanford University, provide her expertise regarding what she called, "smarter balanced assessments." Her research and policy work have focused on issues of school reform, teaching quality and educational equity at the federal, state, and local levels. She led the development of licensing standards for beginning teachers that reflect current knowledge about what teachers need to know to teach challenging content to diverse learners. These were ultimately incorporated into the licensing standards of more than 40 states.
Her presentation, "Launching an Extreme Makeover for Teacher Evaluation -- Developing and Assessing Teacher Effectiveness," gave the attendees ten items to consider in their work to craft a new evaluation system for West Virginia. She stressed education was indeed a "team sport" and it was important to know how teachers work collaboratively in a group to ge the job done for all the children. Other considerations included building on WV professional teaching standards which were aligned to student standards; the use of performance assessments to guide teacher preparation and licensing; building annual evaluation tools based on standards that combine evidence of practice, performance and outcomes in an integrated evaluation system; use multiple data sources to reflect practice and learning; create policies that support the development of expertise; deepen professional learning and expand high quality pathways to teaching.
The ideas, guidance and research presented provided the members of the Evaluation Task Force additional resources to guide their ongoing work to craft a new evaluation system.
WVEA members of the Evaluation Task Force, WVBE members, WVDE staff and others attended a meeting this week to hear Linda Darling-Hammond, who is currently the Charles E. Ducommun Professor of Education at Stanford University, provide her expertise regarding what she called, "smarter balanced assessments." Her research and policy work have focused on issues of school reform, teaching quality and educational equity at the federal, state, and local levels. She led the development of licensing standards for beginning teachers that reflect current knowledge about what teachers need to know to teach challenging content to diverse learners. These were ultimately incorporated into the licensing standards of more than 40 states.
Her presentation, "Launching an Extreme Makeover for Teacher Evaluation -- Developing and Assessing Teacher Effectiveness," gave the attendees ten items to consider in their work to craft a new evaluation system for West Virginia. She stressed education was indeed a "team sport" and it was important to know how teachers work collaboratively in a group to ge the job done for all the children. Other considerations included building on WV professional teaching standards which were aligned to student standards; the use of performance assessments to guide teacher preparation and licensing; building annual evaluation tools based on standards that combine evidence of practice, performance and outcomes in an integrated evaluation system; use multiple data sources to reflect practice and learning; create policies that support the development of expertise; deepen professional learning and expand high quality pathways to teaching.
The ideas, guidance and research presented provided the members of the Evaluation Task Force additional resources to guide their ongoing work to craft a new evaluation system.
Wednesday, October 20, 2010
WVEA Professional Issues Conference
by Kym Randolph, WVEA Communication Director
Thanks to everyone who attend the Professional Issues Conference at the Charleston Marriott on October 15-16. Feedback from the participants was very positive and it appears everyone enjoyed the conference. A few photos from the event are now posted on the WVEA web site (http://www.wvea.org/).
Friday, October 8, 2010
WV Senate Debate Scheduled
All four of West Virginia's US Senate candidates (Democratic Governor Joe Manchin , Republican John Raese, The Mountain Party's Jesse Johnson, and Constitution Party's Jeff Becker) have agreed to a debate on Monday, October 18 at 8:00 p.m. in Morgantown, WV. Recent poling places John Raese with an advantage over Governor Joe Manchin. The debate is sponsored by The Associated Press and West Virginia University's School of Journalism. It's produced by West Virginia Public Broadcasting with assistance from The League of Women Voters.
Watch the debate live on West Virginia Public Broadcasting. You can locate your local television affiliate by clicking here.
You may also view the debate after the broadcast on WVPB's website, http://www.wvpubcast.org
Watch the debate live on West Virginia Public Broadcasting. You can locate your local television affiliate by clicking here.
You may also view the debate after the broadcast on WVPB's website, http://www.wvpubcast.org
Thursday, October 7, 2010
Tired of teacher bashing
By David A. Haney, Executive Director
If you believe the rhetoric you hear from some political candidates and the local and national news media, West Virginia schools are failures, wasteful and ineffective. Teachers are lazy, uncaring, not doing their job and can’t be fired for anything. Our schools are either behind, falling behind, or should be scrapped entirely and replaced by charter schools.
Public education and teacher bashing appears to have become a staple and West Virginia educators have just about had their fill. Let’s look at what many teachers tell us:
• “We have had smart boards in my school since August but they have not been installed and teachers have not received training.”
• “There are six computers in my room but only two work and I’m told there is no one to repair them.”
• “There are so many assessments that I do not have time to teach.”
• “Many parents do not value education so how do they expect their children to value school.”
• “I have four students out of 25 that have missed 14 instructional days so far this year.”
• “I have a class of 23 students and four of them are special needs students with learning disabilities.”
• “I sent a disruptive child to the principal’s office three times this year and the principal just sends him back to my classroom telling me to ‘deal with it’. It’s unfair to my students who want to learn.”
• “My principal and superintendent never collaborate with teachers in the best interest of our school they just pass down edicts on what be followed.”
What we need is for the teachers and public education bashing to stop. To step back and look at the problems our schools face and begin to develop solutions with teachers, the practitioners, and not the politicians and business leaders who haven’t been in a school twenty years. We need to find a way to counsel teachers who are not suited to education out of the classroom. We need to find a way to get parents who do not value education to understand public education is the path to a productive life. We need to find a way to get children not suited for regular classroom into programs designed to assist them to be productive citizens. Where computers and smart boards are not working we need to find a way to get them repaired. We need to find a way to get truant children back in the classroom where a teacher can made a difference in their lives.
Bashing teachers and public education does not solve a problem it is only fodder for politicians. Real solutions mean rolling up your sleeves and making a difference. WVEA is “teachers dedicated to great schools” – we are ready for the challenge – are the bashers ready to work or just further their political rhetoric?
If you believe the rhetoric you hear from some political candidates and the local and national news media, West Virginia schools are failures, wasteful and ineffective. Teachers are lazy, uncaring, not doing their job and can’t be fired for anything. Our schools are either behind, falling behind, or should be scrapped entirely and replaced by charter schools.
Public education and teacher bashing appears to have become a staple and West Virginia educators have just about had their fill. Let’s look at what many teachers tell us:
• “We have had smart boards in my school since August but they have not been installed and teachers have not received training.”
• “There are six computers in my room but only two work and I’m told there is no one to repair them.”
• “There are so many assessments that I do not have time to teach.”
• “Many parents do not value education so how do they expect their children to value school.”
• “I have four students out of 25 that have missed 14 instructional days so far this year.”
• “I have a class of 23 students and four of them are special needs students with learning disabilities.”
• “I sent a disruptive child to the principal’s office three times this year and the principal just sends him back to my classroom telling me to ‘deal with it’. It’s unfair to my students who want to learn.”
• “My principal and superintendent never collaborate with teachers in the best interest of our school they just pass down edicts on what be followed.”
What we need is for the teachers and public education bashing to stop. To step back and look at the problems our schools face and begin to develop solutions with teachers, the practitioners, and not the politicians and business leaders who haven’t been in a school twenty years. We need to find a way to counsel teachers who are not suited to education out of the classroom. We need to find a way to get parents who do not value education to understand public education is the path to a productive life. We need to find a way to get children not suited for regular classroom into programs designed to assist them to be productive citizens. Where computers and smart boards are not working we need to find a way to get them repaired. We need to find a way to get truant children back in the classroom where a teacher can made a difference in their lives.
Bashing teachers and public education does not solve a problem it is only fodder for politicians. Real solutions mean rolling up your sleeves and making a difference. WVEA is “teachers dedicated to great schools” – we are ready for the challenge – are the bashers ready to work or just further their political rhetoric?
Monday, September 27, 2010
WVEA PAC makes endorsements
by Kym Randolph, WVEA Communications Director
WVEA PAC met over the weekend and made recommendations for the November 2 election. Watch for the list of pro-education candidates coming to you soon!
Early voting begins on October 13th.
WVEA PAC met over the weekend and made recommendations for the November 2 election. Watch for the list of pro-education candidates coming to you soon!
Early voting begins on October 13th.
Tuesday, September 21, 2010
Federal Jobs Funds
by David Haney, WVEA Executive Director
The Federal Jobs Bill is a rare and unique opportunity for West Virginia’s schools. The program was designed at the federal level to retain and hire back education employees who would go unemployed due to decreasing education revenues. WVEA believes that must be the first use of these funds.
However, since we have not experienced the massive layoffs of other states, we believe the balance of the funds should be spent this year on programs to enhance student learning: Those include:
1. Reduction of split grades
2. After school and/or Saturday tutoring
3. Implement AP courses
4. Start a pre-school program for 4 year olds a year early
5. Etc.
Some superintendents are saying they want to save the funds as a hedge against possible losses in their 2012 budgets. WVEA believes this is contrary to the intent of the legislation. The purpose is to get the funds out quickly to boards of education to make a difference this year, not as a hedge for the future.
WVEA believes the legislation does not allow a county to supplant funding. In other words, a county board cannot use the funds for positions already allocated – such as positions over the state aid formula for which the county has already dedicated funds from local sources for the current year.
The federal funds should be used to support educational activities designed to increase student performance. Programs that are successful can be used as evidence to lobby the state legislature for future funding.
Let’s use these dollars this year to make a difference in our students’ academic performance.
The Federal Jobs Bill is a rare and unique opportunity for West Virginia’s schools. The program was designed at the federal level to retain and hire back education employees who would go unemployed due to decreasing education revenues. WVEA believes that must be the first use of these funds.
However, since we have not experienced the massive layoffs of other states, we believe the balance of the funds should be spent this year on programs to enhance student learning: Those include:
1. Reduction of split grades
2. After school and/or Saturday tutoring
3. Implement AP courses
4. Start a pre-school program for 4 year olds a year early
5. Etc.
Some superintendents are saying they want to save the funds as a hedge against possible losses in their 2012 budgets. WVEA believes this is contrary to the intent of the legislation. The purpose is to get the funds out quickly to boards of education to make a difference this year, not as a hedge for the future.
WVEA believes the legislation does not allow a county to supplant funding. In other words, a county board cannot use the funds for positions already allocated – such as positions over the state aid formula for which the county has already dedicated funds from local sources for the current year.
The federal funds should be used to support educational activities designed to increase student performance. Programs that are successful can be used as evidence to lobby the state legislature for future funding.
Let’s use these dollars this year to make a difference in our students’ academic performance.
WVEA Bullying Presentation
by Kym Randolph, Director of Communications
October is National Bullying Prevention Awareness Month. WVEA has a fantastic presentation regarding bullying and the responsibilities of the school and education employees. The presentation takes 45 minutes to an hour and is a great staff training or staff development tool.
If you are interested in arranging a presentation for your school send an email to mail@wvea.org. Someone will get back in touch with you to work out a date.
October is National Bullying Prevention Awareness Month. WVEA has a fantastic presentation regarding bullying and the responsibilities of the school and education employees. The presentation takes 45 minutes to an hour and is a great staff training or staff development tool.
If you are interested in arranging a presentation for your school send an email to mail@wvea.org. Someone will get back in touch with you to work out a date.
Thursday, September 9, 2010
2011 County Teachers of the Year
by Anita Maxwell, WVEA Communications and Instructional Issues
Last night I was privileged to attend a dinner and ceremony held in Charleston where members of the WVBE, WVDE, county educators and officials as well as friends and family honored the West Virginia county teachers of the year. As candidates for the 2011 West Virginia Teacher of the Year award, each was recognized for their hard work and drive for excellence to ensure a high quality education for all West Virginia's students.
The WVEA congratulates and applauds the following WVEA members who are teachers dedicated to great schools in West Virginia. The educators' names listed in bold were finalists for the 2011 WV Teacher of the Year award.
Franklin Ferguson, Brooke; Jim Morgan, Calhoun; Brenda Vargo, Fayette; Jo Ann Hill, Gilmer; Amber Champ, Hampshire; Ronald DeMedici, Hardy; Michelle Cox, Jackson; Michael Carte, Kanawha; Rebecca Grimmett, Logan; Tammy DeWitt, Marshall; Victoria Nunley, McDowell; Aleta Jo Crotty, Mercer; Amy Rice, Mineral; Deborah Lynn Starr, Mingo; Paula Oliverio, Pleasants; Shelley Shaffer, Preston; Jennifer Furr, Ritchie; Stacy Ward, Taylor; Danielle Riggins, Tucker; Mary Weber, Wood.
Last night I was privileged to attend a dinner and ceremony held in Charleston where members of the WVBE, WVDE, county educators and officials as well as friends and family honored the West Virginia county teachers of the year. As candidates for the 2011 West Virginia Teacher of the Year award, each was recognized for their hard work and drive for excellence to ensure a high quality education for all West Virginia's students.
The WVEA congratulates and applauds the following WVEA members who are teachers dedicated to great schools in West Virginia. The educators' names listed in bold were finalists for the 2011 WV Teacher of the Year award.
Franklin Ferguson, Brooke; Jim Morgan, Calhoun; Brenda Vargo, Fayette; Jo Ann Hill, Gilmer; Amber Champ, Hampshire; Ronald DeMedici, Hardy; Michelle Cox, Jackson; Michael Carte, Kanawha; Rebecca Grimmett, Logan; Tammy DeWitt, Marshall; Victoria Nunley, McDowell; Aleta Jo Crotty, Mercer; Amy Rice, Mineral; Deborah Lynn Starr, Mingo; Paula Oliverio, Pleasants; Shelley Shaffer, Preston; Jennifer Furr, Ritchie; Stacy Ward, Taylor; Danielle Riggins, Tucker; Mary Weber, Wood.
Friday, August 27, 2010
PEIA
Yesterday afternoon the PEIA Fianance Board met. At next month's meeting, the new program plan description and providers are expected to be revealed for the 2010-2011 year.
The Finance Board scheduled public hearings to present the new plans. They will be held across the state from Novermber 8 through the 18. Click here for more information about the public hearing locations and times.
The Finance Board scheduled public hearings to present the new plans. They will be held across the state from Novermber 8 through the 18. Click here for more information about the public hearing locations and times.
Wednesday, August 25, 2010
Last week Opening Day activities were planned across West Virginia. I was fortunate to help kick off a new school year with employees in Clay, Randolph, Nicholas, and Pocahontas Counties. There were many new teachers and service personnel excited to begin the school year. I enjoyed visiting the different areas across the state and discussing the exciting things going on at WVEA with everyone, especially the new faces. Be sure to say hello and offer a lending hand to new employees.
This week I returned to the office and a pile of completed Candidate Questionnaires. It takes a bit of effort to organize these forms and prepare them for mailing to each of the local packs, but they should be ready to go out by Wednesday of next week. If he or she hasn't done so, please encourage your local legislators running for office to submit the completed questionnaire to WVEA-PAC by Friday, August 27. A candidate may not be endorsed by WVEA-PAC without submitting a completed questionnaire.
Also, don't forget to vote in the Special Election for West Virginia's US Senate seat. Early voting runs until Wednesday, August 25. The polls open for the Special Election on Saturday, August 28 from 6:30 a.m. until 7:30 p.m. Thereafter, the general election for this office will take place with the normally scheduled November 2, 2010 election.
This week I returned to the office and a pile of completed Candidate Questionnaires. It takes a bit of effort to organize these forms and prepare them for mailing to each of the local packs, but they should be ready to go out by Wednesday of next week. If he or she hasn't done so, please encourage your local legislators running for office to submit the completed questionnaire to WVEA-PAC by Friday, August 27. A candidate may not be endorsed by WVEA-PAC without submitting a completed questionnaire.
Also, don't forget to vote in the Special Election for West Virginia's US Senate seat. Early voting runs until Wednesday, August 25. The polls open for the Special Election on Saturday, August 28 from 6:30 a.m. until 7:30 p.m. Thereafter, the general election for this office will take place with the normally scheduled November 2, 2010 election.
President Dale Lee talks Back to School on MetroNews
by Kym Randolph, WVEA Communications
WVEA President Dale Lee did an interview with Hoppy Kercheval on the MetroNews Talkline program on Monday, August 23rd. . The audio of the interview is now posted on the WVEA Website. You can find a link to the interview off the home page or go directly to the audio at http://www.wvea.org/news/podcasts.aspx.
Lee discusses the start of school and those teachers who made a difference in his life.
WVEA President Dale Lee did an interview with Hoppy Kercheval on the MetroNews Talkline program on Monday, August 23rd. . The audio of the interview is now posted on the WVEA Website. You can find a link to the interview off the home page or go directly to the audio at http://www.wvea.org/news/podcasts.aspx.
Lee discusses the start of school and those teachers who made a difference in his life.
Monday, August 23, 2010
Back to School
by David Haney, WVEA Executive Director
The summer is over and it’s time to get back to school. I know many of you have been involved in professional development through college courses, workshops and other training to meet the needs of your students. I know you are working hard to prepare your students for life after school in an ever changing society and economy.
I also know our public schools and teachers have been unfairly labeled as failing by some state leaders and the media, both locally and nationally. I believe to some degree this is a ploy from those on the right who wish to limit their tax exposure and politically weaken our organization. The recently published results of the more rigorous WestTest 2 clearly demonstrate increased student performance in our state as a result of your hard work and dedication.
After the first failed special legislative session on Education Reform, WVEA President Dale Lee and I spent weeks this summer meeting with the Education Reform Task Force recommended by Governor Manchin to fashion reform measures that would improve student performance. The Task Force was charged with recommending legislation to the Governor for a special session in July. WVEA list of recommendations included:
a. Smaller class size for middle schools
b. Alternative Learning Centers at grade level
c. Increased salaries to attain the best and brightest education employees
d. Stricter student attendance requirements and increased parental involvement
e. Stricter discipline policies
f. Elimination of split grades
g. Teacher empowerment in the schools
We know these items, if implemented, would improve our schools; however, the Governor chose only to recommend to the legislature a pilot program for alternative schools from our list. Instead he introduced items like comprehensive medical screenings, combining school teams, pay for performance in low performing schools, etc. (to read more on the special session go to http://www.wvea.org/leg_action_ctr/lobbyline.aspx. These were the same items the legislature rejected during both the regular session and the May Special Session.
My point is, our government leaders want to mess around the fringes of education and implement initiatives that cost little or no money. Those initiatives will also have little or no impact on our student performance. However, when those initiatives fail they will point their fingers at teachers.
It’s time this public school bashing stops. It’s time for teachers to join together in the WVEA and deliver the accurate message about our schools and our teachers. WVEA members are “teachers dedicated to great schools” and we prove it every day. We ask you to join with us to shape the future of public education. Visit our Website: dedicatedteachers.wvea.org and join us as we work to improve our public schools.
Keep up the good work! Together we will make a difference.
Check out our latest site - dedicatedteachers.wvea.org
The summer is over and it’s time to get back to school. I know many of you have been involved in professional development through college courses, workshops and other training to meet the needs of your students. I know you are working hard to prepare your students for life after school in an ever changing society and economy.
I also know our public schools and teachers have been unfairly labeled as failing by some state leaders and the media, both locally and nationally. I believe to some degree this is a ploy from those on the right who wish to limit their tax exposure and politically weaken our organization. The recently published results of the more rigorous WestTest 2 clearly demonstrate increased student performance in our state as a result of your hard work and dedication.
After the first failed special legislative session on Education Reform, WVEA President Dale Lee and I spent weeks this summer meeting with the Education Reform Task Force recommended by Governor Manchin to fashion reform measures that would improve student performance. The Task Force was charged with recommending legislation to the Governor for a special session in July. WVEA list of recommendations included:
a. Smaller class size for middle schools
b. Alternative Learning Centers at grade level
c. Increased salaries to attain the best and brightest education employees
d. Stricter student attendance requirements and increased parental involvement
e. Stricter discipline policies
f. Elimination of split grades
g. Teacher empowerment in the schools
We know these items, if implemented, would improve our schools; however, the Governor chose only to recommend to the legislature a pilot program for alternative schools from our list. Instead he introduced items like comprehensive medical screenings, combining school teams, pay for performance in low performing schools, etc. (to read more on the special session go to http://www.wvea.org/leg_action_ctr/lobbyline.aspx. These were the same items the legislature rejected during both the regular session and the May Special Session.
My point is, our government leaders want to mess around the fringes of education and implement initiatives that cost little or no money. Those initiatives will also have little or no impact on our student performance. However, when those initiatives fail they will point their fingers at teachers.
It’s time this public school bashing stops. It’s time for teachers to join together in the WVEA and deliver the accurate message about our schools and our teachers. WVEA members are “teachers dedicated to great schools” and we prove it every day. We ask you to join with us to shape the future of public education. Visit our Website: dedicatedteachers.wvea.org and join us as we work to improve our public schools.
Keep up the good work! Together we will make a difference.
Check out our latest site - dedicatedteachers.wvea.org
Tuesday, August 17, 2010
Congratulations to 16 Schools of Excellence
by Anita Maxwell, WVEA Communications and Instructional Issues
Last week I had the priviledge of representing WVEA at the WVDE's Schools of Excellence awards ceremony at the Clay Center. WVEA congratulates the dedicated staff in the following sixteen schools who were honored: Milton Elementary, Cabell; Spring Hill Elementary, Cabell; Rainelle Elementary, Greenbrier; Rupert Elementary, Greenbrier; Bridgeport Elementary, Harrison; Johnson Elementary, Harrison; Ravenswood High School, Jackson; Fall River Elementary, McDowell; Birch River Elementary, Nicholas; Bridge Street Middle, Ohio; Woodsdale Elementary, Ohio; Hometown Elementary, Putnam; West Teays Elementary, Putnam; Spring Valley High School/Career and Technical Education Center, Wayne; and Parkersburg High School, Wood.
Schools of Excellence are selected based on providing a rigorous and challenging curriculum; a safe and drug-free learning environment; participatory leadership; active teaching and learning; an environment that strengthens teacher skills; documented student achievement; and advanced and innovative programs. The wide variety of strategies implemented by each school to accomplish those criteria ensures their students are prepared for the future.
Last week I had the priviledge of representing WVEA at the WVDE's Schools of Excellence awards ceremony at the Clay Center. WVEA congratulates the dedicated staff in the following sixteen schools who were honored: Milton Elementary, Cabell; Spring Hill Elementary, Cabell; Rainelle Elementary, Greenbrier; Rupert Elementary, Greenbrier; Bridgeport Elementary, Harrison; Johnson Elementary, Harrison; Ravenswood High School, Jackson; Fall River Elementary, McDowell; Birch River Elementary, Nicholas; Bridge Street Middle, Ohio; Woodsdale Elementary, Ohio; Hometown Elementary, Putnam; West Teays Elementary, Putnam; Spring Valley High School/Career and Technical Education Center, Wayne; and Parkersburg High School, Wood.
Schools of Excellence are selected based on providing a rigorous and challenging curriculum; a safe and drug-free learning environment; participatory leadership; active teaching and learning; an environment that strengthens teacher skills; documented student achievement; and advanced and innovative programs. The wide variety of strategies implemented by each school to accomplish those criteria ensures their students are prepared for the future.
Teachers Dedicated to Great Schools
by Kym Randolph, WVEA Communications Director
We've embarked on a journey to let all of West virginia know that WVEA members are Teachers Dedicated to Great Schools! As part of our journey, we've set up a focused web site to share how WVEA members - teachers and ESPs- along with parents and the community, work as a team to teach our students.
Learn more about WVEA, meet some of our dynamic members, watch videos and join our WVEA family!
Visit dedicatedteachers.wvea.org>
We've embarked on a journey to let all of West virginia know that WVEA members are Teachers Dedicated to Great Schools! As part of our journey, we've set up a focused web site to share how WVEA members - teachers and ESPs- along with parents and the community, work as a team to teach our students.
Learn more about WVEA, meet some of our dynamic members, watch videos and join our WVEA family!
Visit dedicatedteachers.wvea.org>
Welcome to the WVEA blog
by Kym Randolph, WVEA Communication Director
Welcome to the 2010-2011 school year! Just a brief reminder about the WVEA blog. WVEA staff Anita Maxwell, IPD specialist; Misty Peal, Government Relations Specialist; David Haney, Executive Director and I will be posting on this site regularly throughout the year to keep you up to date on the latest events which impact you and your students.
Welcome back and have a great year!
Welcome to the 2010-2011 school year! Just a brief reminder about the WVEA blog. WVEA staff Anita Maxwell, IPD specialist; Misty Peal, Government Relations Specialist; David Haney, Executive Director and I will be posting on this site regularly throughout the year to keep you up to date on the latest events which impact you and your students.
Welcome back and have a great year!
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