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.

PAT Representative Assemblies continue to be a place for lively discussion and debate, where members tackle a wide array of issues affecting our city.

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. 

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.

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

The Advocate - March 16, 2016

• One Step Forward, Two Steps Back
• Understanding Opt Out: New Laws Expand Rights for Parents, Rein in Punitive Measures
• PAT PAC Endorsements
• PAT Election Results
• Help Build a Better Oregon
• Turn Up for Teaching and Learning

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I'm happy to report that, on Friday, the District agreed to remove the "Component 4G" from all educator evaluations. 

For years, PAT members have been sounding the alarm about the negative impact of high-stakes standardized tests. 

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.

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!

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. 

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.

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

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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."

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.

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.

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.

The Advocate - January 29, 2016

• Authentic Assessments
• Reminder: Notice of Retirement or Resignation
• Unpaid Leave of Absence
• Questions About Dental Coverage?
• Handling Building Maintenance Issues
• Mapping Our Community Connections
• Take the TELL Survey

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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.

• Notice of Resignation or Retirement
• Unpaid Leaves of Absence
• Questions About Dental Coverage?
• Handling Building Maintenance Issues

• Mapping Our Community Connections
• Take the Tell Survey!

The Advocate - January 19, 2016

• Why Joining PAT Matters More than Ever
• Important Building Organizers Meeting - Thursday, January 21st
• Still Time to Take the Safety Survey
• Teacher for a Day
• Building a Better Oregon
• OEA Assessment Symposium, January 30, Salem OR
• Social Justice and Community Outreach Committee

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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.

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.