Authentic Assessments
I'm excited to report that I'll be leading an important delegation to New York City next week. PAT educators will be joined by PPS Board member Amy Kohnstamm, PPS Superintendent Carole Smith, and several other top PPS administrators, as well as the Director of Assessments for the Oregon Department of Education and OEA President Hanna Vaandering.
Continue readingKnow Your Contract
- Notice of Resignation or Retirement
- Unpaid Leaves of Absence
- Questions About Dental Coverage?
- Handling Building Maintenance Issues
Announcements
- Mapping Our Community Connections
- Take the Tell Survey!
Table of Contents - January 19, 2016
Why Joining PAT Matters More Than Ever
Remember Wisconsin and the anti-union measures Republican Governor Scott Walker rammed through the state legislature? Last week, the attack on teachers and other public employees escalated to the Supreme Court, with the controversial case, Friedrichs vs. the California Teachers Association.
Continue readingImportant Building Organizers Meeting - Thursday January 21st
Every school should make sure their building organizers, building reps, or designated alternates, attend the special meeting this Thursday, January 21st at 4:30 p.m. in the PAT office.
Continue readingStill Time to Take the Safety Survey
Teacher for a Day
On Thursday January 7, dozens of local leaders spent the morning in a PPS classroom, part of PAT's annual Teacher for a Day event. Guest teachers taught lessons, led small groups, and answered questions in schools across the district, working with teachers who volunteered to open their classroom for the day. A total of 46 teachers and community leaders participated in the event this year. Guest teachers saw for themselves the excellent work going on in our classrooms, as well as the challenges we face in our work with students.
Continue readingBuilding a Better Oregon
Announcements
- OEA Assessment Symposium January 30, Salem OR
- Social Justice & Community Outreach Committee
Table of Contents - December 16, 2015
The Advocate - December 16, 2015
- Working for a Safe and Supportive Learning Environment;
- Keeping Up the Pressure to End High Stakes Testing;
- Whats Next After NCLB;
- Vacancy for Treasurer;
- Nominations for PAT Elected Office;
- Help Build a Better Oregon;
- Teacher for a Day;
- OEA Organizing Summit: January 8th and 9th;
- OEA Assessment Symposium: January 30th, Salem OR
- MLK Celebration, January 18th
- Instruction & Professional Development Committee
- Social Justice & Community Outreach Committee
Working For a Safe and Supportive Learning Environment
As we enter the final weeks of 2015, I hope everyone will be able to take full advantage of our break to reflect and recharge. The first part of this school year has been difficult for many PAT members, particularly when it comes to safety and discipline. In my 20 years in PPS, I’ve never heard so many disturbing stories, or seen so many great educators feeling beaten down.
Continue readingWhat's Next After NCLB?
Last week, Congress passed and President Obama signed the Every Student Succeeds Act, legislation that replaces No Child Left Behind, and reauthorizes the Elementary and Secondary Education Act. The new law is far from perfect, and it will be months, perhaps years, before changes are fully felt.
Continue readingOpt-Out: Keep the Pressure Up
This summer, thanks to the leadership of Lew Frederick and several other long-time education advocates, the state legislature took an important step to curb high-stakes testing in Oregon. The adoption of HB 2655 allows parents to opt their children out of state testing, particularly the Smarter Balanced Assessment, without having to give a reason. Previously, opting-out was only allowed for religious beliefs or a student’s disability.
Continue readingVacancy for Treasurer
Kim Wilson, our current treasurer, has notified the Association that she had to resign her position. I hope you’ll join me in thanking Kim for all her hard work.
Continue readingHelp Build a Better Oregon!
What is your holiday wish for your students? Art classes? Music? Wrap around mental health services? The Better Oregon campaign is where it begins.
Teachers across the state are working hard to get Initiative Petition 28 on the 2016 ballot. And if we succeed at qualifying and then passing this ballot measure, it will put up to 33% more money into public education.
Continue readingGet Involved, Get Active
Whether its attending the OEA's organizing summit or the World Arts Foundation's MLK celebration, there are many ways for PAT members to get involved and get active in our union and our community. Here are some upcoming opportunities:
Continue readingAnnouncements
- OEA Assessment Symposium: January 30th, Salem OR
- MLK Celebration, January 18th
- Instruction & Professional Development Committee
- Social Justice & Community Outreach Committee