Gov's state aid proposal falls short, but it's a start
NYSUT is reviewing the details of Gov. Cuomo's executive budget proposal, but is committed to seeking additional funding for K-12 and public higher education, and to immediately — ahead of the budget process — fix the broken teacher evaluation system. The exec proposal included only half of what K-12 stakeholders, including the union, believe is necessary. Look up your school's proposed aid runs here.
- The Legislature is off to a fast start — and we need your help NOW. Next week the Senate will be voting on a bill to make the tax cap permanent. Take action at NYSUT's Member Action Center to call your senator. Tell them that you NYSUT strongly oppose any legislation that would make the tax cap permanent without key reforms.
- On a better note, both the Assembly and the Senate passed the Gender Expression Non-Discrimination Act (GENDA) and the anti-conversion therapy bill, both of which NYSUT has long advocated. The legislature also is moving union-backed bills to make it easier to vote.
NYSUT: SED lists of target schools inaccurate and unfair
We warned this would happen. We were afraid the State Education Department's new accountability system would unfairly punish schools for opt-outs and it has. SED's use of the failed growth model has misidentified schools for corrective action, just like it misidentified teachers.
"This new rating system inaccurately designates some schools as low-performing," said NYSUT Executive Vice President Jolene DiBrango. "On the flip side, many schools in need of more support are left off the lists because of SED's bad decisions."
The union has prepared a fact sheet on this.
She's sorry she missed the union busters who came knocking
A second-grade teacher wishes she had been home when an uninvited representative of New Choice NY stopped by her home to try and convince her to drop her union membership. Here's her story. Tell us your story here. Post our #DoNotKnock signs.
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- Interested in running for office? Your union can help. Sign up for NYSUT Pipeline regional training.
- We are all LA! Here's what you need to know about the UTLA strike.
- Educator expense tax deduction renewed for 2018 tax returns.
- You also can deduct your union dues from your state taxes.
- The next Take a Look at Teaching summit is slated for Jan. 24 in Western New York.
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