OEA Representative Assembly: April 15-16
This weekend, PAT members will take part in the Oregon Education Association's Representative Assembly. This is our statewide union's highest body, and a key place to make our voice heard on everything from legislative and political issues to professional practice.
Continue readingPAT Members Weigh In On Housing and Environmental Issues
PAT Representative Assemblies continue to be a place for lively discussion and debate, where members tackle a wide array of issues affecting our city.
Continue readingShaping ESSA in Oregon
PAT's own Gwen Sullivan has been chosen to represent PAT as part of an Oregon Department of Education workgroup guiding the state's implementation of the Every Student Succeeds Act.
Continue readingInternal Transfers: Postings Open April 19th
This is the time of year that eligible PAT members can opt for an internal transfer and some may even face "unassignment". It's important that everyone understands the process.
Continue readingMaking the Case for Fossil Fuel Divestment
At the 2015 OEA Representative Assembly, delegates voted to inform our members about the arguments for divesting PERS from fossil fuel companies.
Kudos to PAT Executive Board member Tom Kane for his article in the Winter 2016 issue of the Today's OEA, which spells out the way our retirement funds can be used to slow climate change and spur development of local clean energy solutions
Continue readingOne Step Forward, Two Steps Back
I'm happy to report that, on Friday, the District agreed to remove the "Component 4G" from all educator evaluations.
Continue readingUnderstanding Opt Out: New Laws Expand Rights for Parents, Rein in Punitive Measures
For years, PAT members have been sounding the alarm about the negative impact of high-stakes standardized tests.
Continue readingPAT PAC Endorsements
Over the past few weeks, the PAT-PAC interviewed dozens of candidates running for a variety of state and local offices. Through the interview process, it was clear that people across Portland are engaged and active, committed to making our city, and our state, a better place.
Continue readingPAT Election Results
The following PAT members were elected to union office during the recently concluded PAT election. Congratulations and thanks to everyone who participated in our democratic process!
Continue readingHelp Build a Better Oregon
We're over halfway towards our signature-gathering goal for the Better Oregon Campaign. If we are going to get corporations to pay their fair share in taxes, we know Portland is going to have to do lots of the heavy lifting.
Continue readingWelcome to the Substitute
This is the first of quarterly newsletters for you, awesome Substitutes for PPS! My goal is to keep you informed on the various issues that impact substitutes, and provide resources to support and enhance your skills as a Substitute Teacher.
Continue readingTable of Contents - February 24, 2016
The Advocate - February 24, 2016
- Making Headway on Assessments
- Watch Out for the Wrong Rubric
- Initial PAT PAC Endorsements
- Better Oregon By the Numbers
- Take the TELL Survey
- Join ODE's ESSA Committees
- Join the PAT Communications Committee
Making Headway on Assessments
Earlier this month, over a dozen Portland educators and administrators spent two days examining the work of our peers at the New York Performance Standards Consortium. The results of this work could put PAT and PPS on the cutting edge of developing alternatives to high-stake standardized tests.
Continue readingWatch Out for the Wrong Rubric
I got a call from a member last Friday asking me what we could do about her evaluation. She told me that she was marked down in "Domain 4G" of the Rubric. At first I was confused. Our contract clearly states that the Rubric used to do educator evaluations will be developed jointly between PAT and the District. The Rubric cannot be changed unless it's by mutual agreement. I knew our Evaluation Committee has worked hard to develop a fair process, and I knew that the Rubric they developed didn't have a "Domain 4G."
Continue readingInitial PAT PAC Endorsements
Last week the PAT-PAC interviewed over 30 candidates running for a variety of state and local offices. We will conduct additional interviews on March 9th. Through the interview process it was clear that people across Portland are engaged and active, committed to making our city, and our state, a better place.
Continue readingTake the TELL Survey
This month, the Oregon Department of Education (ODE) has once again asked all licensed, school-based educators to participate in the statewide TELL (Teaching, Empowering, Leading, and Learning) Survey. This is your opportunity to weigh in on topics such as the allocation of time, facilities and resources, student learning, community engagement, school leadership, professional development, and mentoring.
Continue readingJoin ODE's ESSA Committees
The Oregon Department of Education (ODE) is convening four workgroups to help guide the implementation of the Every Student Succeeds Act. You can read more about the ODE's plan for implementing ESSA here.
Continue readingAuthentic 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 reading