COMMUNIQUÉ Publication for Members of Central OEA/NEA
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Fall 2016
Adrienne M. Bowden, President
Welcome Back to School! Adrienne M. Bowden (Pickerington EA), Central OEA/NEA President any one of the many other important capacities in your district, you are an integral part in ensuring that all public schools are high quality learning environments for our students. The start of a new school year is always exciting. I hope your first few weeks have been enjoyable and productive. Throughout the summer, our work together as educators and the Central Executive Board brought progress on many fronts. We had members working throughout the break to advocate for students at the local, state, and national level. Many members used the time to grow professionally by attending conferences, workshops and other PD events. Now with the start of the 2016-17 school year, we have many new opportunities and challenges to use the tools gained throughout the summer to improve public education for students and work conditions for our members. Whether you are driving a school bus, providing outreach to parents, teaching in a classroom, or serving in
As we look forward to a new school year, there is an opportunity for our members to continue their advocacy for students through the new implementation of the Every Student Succeeds Act (ESSA). ESSA was adopted last December as a way to preserve the spirit of No Child Left Behind, while fixing the one-size-fits-all approach. The law provides a platform for members to provide a voice in rethinking our current system of accountability and data reporting to ensure the State and each local school district are providing a quality education to each student we serve. The National Education Association has a toolkit (www. http://getessaright.org/) that explains why ESSA is important and provides resources to educators and districts. This resource is a good place for local ESSA
teams to visit, get important information and understand what the Act means for your community. Educators not on their local ESSA team can use this resource to learn about the impact of ESSA on their students, classrooms/worksites, school and community, to get practice guides and signup for ESSA updates. The Ohio Department of Education also has a website full of resources and opportunities for engagement (http://education.ohio. gov/Topics/Every-Student-Succeeds-Act-ESSA). On the site, ODE lists information on ESSA webinars and proposed stakeholder meetings. I encourage you to participate in these important events to provide feedback on how to make
ESSA work effectively for all students and educators. Now is the time to make your voice heard! Our Association was founded on the principles of social justice and the hope of a quality public education for all students. Now is the time for members to be advocating for students and our profession at both the local and state level. Now is the time to ensure ESSA lives up to the promise and goal stated by President Barack Obama on the date he signed the bill into law: “with this bill, we reaffirm that fundamentally American ideal—that every child, regardless of race, income, background, the zip code where they live, deserves the chance to make of their lives what they will.”
Save The Dates Here are just a few Central events you may wish to save the dates for. Nov. 14, 2016 - ESP Appreciation Reception & Dinner Nov. 15, 2016 - Lobby Day Jan. 28, 2017 - Central Diversity Conference For more details, and to register, please visit www.centraloeanea.org.
Did You Know? Third Grade Reading Guarantee Changes Based upon the law regarding the Third Grade Reading Guarantee, the programs listed by the Ohio Department of Education will expire as methods to meet the teacher qualifications. From page 12 of the ODE TGRG Guidance Manual: Expires July 1, 2016: Holds an alternative qualification approved by the department or has successfully completed training that is based on principles of scientifically research-based reading instruction that has been approved by the department. List of Research-Based Reading Instruction Programs 2015-2016
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• CLLIP (Collaborative Language and Literacy Instruction Program) • IMSE Comprehensive Orton-Gillingham (30-hour plus practicum) • IMLSEC (International Multisensory Structured Language Education Council) • Literacy Collaborative • LLI (Leveled Literacy Intervention System) • Mayerson Academy Orton-Gillingham Multisensory Reading Practicum 1 • National Board • Reading Recovery • SFA (Success for All) • TESOL Endorsement (For ELL Instruction Only) • Wilson Language Training Beginning on July 2, 2016, educators having used these alternative qualifications will no longer meet the requirements of the law.
COMMUNIQUÉ Volume 45, Number 1
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Fall 2016
Published four times a year as a service of
CENTRAL OEA/NEA, INC. 947 Goodale Blvd. Columbus, OH 43212
Adrienne M. Bowden, President Kevin Griffin, Vice President Russell Hughlock, Communications & Organizing Coordinator Editors Ann Eblin, Judy Furnas, Carla Noll & Tricia Sanders Fiscal Manager Tim Skamfer Production Russell Hughlock Design Pam McClung Phone 614-222-8228 E-mail aa@centraloeanea.org
OEA Commission on Student Success There has been widespread recognition across the political spectrum over the last year that the top-down mandates of the No Child Left Behind era have not achieved their desired results. The overuse of standardized tests in measuring student achievement has caused undue stress for too many students, anxiety among parents and a demoralized crop of educators who have seen the joy of learning sucked out of too many classrooms. The passage late last year of the federal Every Student Succeeds Act (ESSA) was a tacit acknowledgement that a new path must be charted. States and local communities will now have the opportunity to rethink what works best for public school students and to develop appropriate plans. In that context, the report of the OEA Commission on Student Success and its vision for a high quality public education for all students is particularly timely. It represents an important contribution to the public dialogue as policy makers, legislators and all of the stakeholders in Ohio’s public schools prepare to address what ESSA has made possible – a new and better means for achieving student success.
but with less emphasis. “High-stakes” tests should be significantly curtailed. • We need to re-introduce the human element, and allow for the well-trained, professional judgment of educators and principals to play a greater role in evaluating student and teacher performance. • Students should be given an opportunity to show their proficiency in various subjects through a means other than a written test. • A sound accountability system should strike a better balance between punishment and reward. Teachers are prepared to be held accountable, but they should have the opportunity to grow and not be measured by narrow prescriptions. • The Peer Assistance and Review (PAR) program that provides mentoring and the evaluation of teacher performance by teachers is one of the best ways to develop great teachers.
Some of the main recommendations of the commission: • Testing will continue to be part of the mix in measuring student growth,
Fall 2016
The OEA Commission on Student Success – a Personal Reflection • The current accountability system labels schools and school districts based upon test results. This distracts from the goals of providing a broad curriculum and meeting the needs of all students. Educators, parents and the public need a balanced view of a school in order to focus on how best to improve and provide opportunities for students. The report provides not only a “vision” of what a high quality public education system would look like, but tangible examples of what works. That includes a successful Community Learning Center in Baltimore, MD, and how Finland has eliminated the use of any external standardized tests and has become the world leader in student achievement. You can read the entire report on OEA’s website at: www.ohea.org/commission-on-student-successreport
Melissa Kendralla (South-Western EA) Reading through emails near the end of the school year, “delete” is often the most worn key on the keyboard. Having successfully eliminated hours of reading in one stroke, I was surprised when one email came back in a forwarded message. The subject read, “I think you should apply for this.” This was the beginning of my commission service. The commission meetings were facilitated to bring the strengths out of every member. We all generated ideas, working in smaller groups on each of the charges: assessment, teacher evaluation and school accountability. Having spent hours of training and implementing the teacher OTES and RE Program, I was asked to work in the assessment group. Measuring student success is currently at the heart of both the RE and OTES evaluation systems in Ohio. Bringing my experience in item writing for state assessments and the training/implementation of the high stakes testing in my school, I discovered I had much to express and data to support how students should be measured for success. Something else grew in realization from our small group - we all agreed. Students need to have multiple measures and opportunities to show learning while adhering to high standards. As we were analyzing data, best practice and strategies, we all thought of individual students that were driving our research. Testing and assessment was out of control and we were finding better solutions. We had many meetings through snowstorms, release days and evening teleconferences, all were infused with collaboration, creativity, knowledge, and passion for students. Often overwhelmed with the data or task at hand, I would just sit back and admire the OEA members, staff and officers who dedicated their time and talents to the cause of our association and students. The report that resulted is truly a work of everyone in the room and could impact the changes needed in Ohio for students to succeed. Just think how future-thinking OEA members are to bring the charge to the RA floor. We have already identified what is working and what needs to change. With this work, OEA is now prepared for what ESSA could mean for Ohio. As you can tell, I am so very grateful for this opportunity. I left this commission a more confident educator and advocate for our profession and students. Please, take the time to read the report. Working together, we can realize systematic changes in Ohio for student and teacher success. One last thing, don’t just delete those opportunities to clear up your inbox. There are so many ways to get involved with Central/OEA and you never know what you might miss!
Fall 2016
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Unite. Inspire. Lead!
The NEA RA Inspires Educators as They Head Into the New School Year This summer over 80 Central members joined 8,000 delegates from around the country for the annual meeting and 154th NEA RA in Washington, D.C. The highlights included a visit from the Democratic Presidential Nominee Hilary Clinton, the celebration of the 50th Anniversary of the NEA-ATA Merger, speeches from the 2016 ESP of the Year- Doreen McGuire-Grigg (CA) and 2016 National Teacher of the Year- Jahana Hayes (CN). Several Central members played a key role in this year’s meeting. We are proud of the engagement, focus, and activism of our delegation. A full report of the business conducted can be found here http://ra.nea.org/wp-content/ uploads/2016/02/RAToday_Issue6_2016.pdf
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Seeing and hearing the people who run our union, like President Lily gave me confidence in our union. We are in great hands! It also made all those NEA magazines we get seem more tangible and relevant. I felt like I was giving back and influencing education on a greater scale. ~ Harry Gee (Reynoldsburg EA)
After attending my first NEA-RA, I was inspired to find out that the very things that I care the most about and that affect the teaching environment the most have been on the radar of NEA for years. NEA really knows the heartbeat of classroom teachers because NEA listens to them and gives them a voice each year through the RA. It was a great experience that I believe all teachers should have at least once. ~ Patti Naeem (Groveport Madison)
Members who attended this year found it to be a rewarding experience, filled with networking, volunteering, and the chance to learn more about the Association and how it helps to improve public education. If you are interest in being a delegate to the 2017 NEA RA on Boston, please contact your local President or the Central Office. Central will be posting information about the new NEA RA Local Grants after the All Area Meeting in November.
“I wasn’t sure what to expect in attending the NEA RA. It was my first time going, and I didn’t know many people. However, upon arriving in DC, it didn’t take me long to realize that I had found my family and would be making life-long friends and partners in education. People took the time to answer my questions, to make sure I got my materials, and that I was taken care of. It was so empowering to be among delegates from across this great nation, all with the same purpose, and fighting passionately for our students, communities and professions. ~Suzie Ford (Hamilton)
“As a first-time delegate, I did not know what to expect for National Education Association’s Representative Assembly. When I walked in that first day, my breath was taken away. It still amazes me how many educators volunteered their free time to come and improve public education. Furthermore, it has energized me to continue fighting for public education so that all children receive the education they deserve.” ~Anders Miller (Southwestern EA)
Fall 2016
Central Updates its Grants and Incentive Programs Central OEA/NEA offers a number of grant and incentive programs for its locals. A brief description of each can be found below. A more detailed description of each grant, including how to apply, can be found on the Central website.
Local Technology Award On a three-year rotating basis, Central OEA/NEA will provide each local with one laptop (PC/Windowsbased) to assist with organizing and communicating with members. To receive a laptop, a local officer must complete the Technology Award online registration by September 29 AND have a local officer present at the November 4 All Area Meeting to pick it up. If a local officer cannot attend the All Area Meeting, the laptop will not be awarded. Please note: Computers will no longer be provided through Growth and Development Grants.
Education Association’s Characteristics of an Effective Local Association or the National Education Association’s Leadership Competencies to correlate with their individual proposal. Locals may apply at any time during the year, but must allow 30 - 60 days for review and processing. Each Growth & Development application must designate a Grant Writer/Coordinator who will receive a $100 stipend for being in charge of the local’s grant process.
Local Emergency Grants The Local Emergency Grant Program was created to assist local associations with projects of an immediate or urgent nature. Community initiatives such as school district levy or bond campaigns are examples of activities that align with the intended target of these grants.
Lobby Day Substitute Grant Local Participation Award Program Central’s Local Participation Award Program is intended to build stronger, better-informed, more engaged locals by rewarding active participation in Central and OEA programming (as well as meeting other defined criteria). Locals that meet all ten (10) required criteria will earn a total award of $1000 annually. A detailed list of the criteria can be found on the Central website.
Growth & Development Grants Central’s Growth & Development Grants are intended to support ideas that grow and develop locals, increase member engagement, and help locals continuously become stronger and more effective. These ideas no longer need to be a new initiative. When applying for this grant, locals must choose at least one of the Ohio
Fall 2016
In order to allow members to participate in OEA Lobby Days, when they may not otherwise be able to, Central can award up to $100 per local to cover the expense of a substitute. In order to qualify, the local must have conducted an FCPE drive. The next OEA Educator Lobby Day will be November 5.
Program/Workshop Administration Support Grants In order to continue to expand Central’s professional development and leadership development programs throughout the entire Central region, Central offers incentives to any Central local association that hosts an off-site workshop in their area.
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Central ESP Appreciation Dinner On Monday November 14, Central OEA/NEA will kick off American Education Week with an ESP Appreciation Dinner at The Ohio State University Golf Club, 3605 Tremont Road, Columbus, OH 43221. Registration and reception will begin at 5pm, with hors d’oeuvres and drinks. Dinner will be at 6pm and the program begins at 6:30 pm. American Education Week—November 14-18, 2016—will present all Americans with a wonderful opportunity to celebrate public education and honor individuals who are making a difference in ensuring that every child receives a quality education. The theme this year is “Great Public Schools: A Basic Right and Our Responsibility.”
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This event will prepare locals for National ESP Day on Wednesday, November 16th, which honors and recognizes the contributions education support professionals (ESPs) make to public education. It is a time to strengthen support and show respect for ESPs, who are equal and essential partners in public education.
Texting “discounts” to 73915 Can Help You Save Each year it is easy to become concerned about the cost of membership. But membership doesn’t have to cost. Did you know that it could actually pay? As members of the National Education Association, you are eligible for a wide variety of products and services at great savings through NEA Member Benefits. To learn more, just text the word “discounts” to 73915 and receive the most current list of discount programs available to members through NEA Member Benefits. Next, be sure to visit neamb.com to learn about the entire NEA Member Benefits program. Special pricing and discounts are also available to NEA members on: home financing, personal loans, credit cards, and other financial products; many insurance options – including long term care; professional development opportunities; travel alternatives – including car rentals; automotive needs; retirement programs; and more. With your savings through NEA Member Benefits, your association membership will start paying you back immediately!
Top 4 Reasons to Become an OEA Representative Assembly Delegate The Representative Assembly (RA) is the policymaking body of the Association. The OEA RA meets semi-annually in the fall and spring in Columbus, OH to establish Association policies and objectives, elect officers, establish dues, adopt Association budget, adopt/evaluate a legislative program, act on resolutions, act on new business items and other necessary business. The RA is comprised of members who have been elected as delegates to represent their local associations. Any member is welcome to attend the OEA RA as a guest, but only duly elected and reported delegates may debate and vote according to OEA Constitution and Bylaws provisions or policy. Top 4 Reasons to become an OEA Representative Assembly Delegate
4. You will be the point of information person
When you attend the OEA Representative Assembly (OEA RA), you will go back to your association members with knowledge about what goals all OEA members have charged OEA leadership with for the upcoming year. Members will look to you to keep them informed about state association business, state education issues and state political agendas.
3. You can grow your network You will have an opportunity to meet, speak and listen to educators, paraprofessionals, and other OEA members from across the state of Ohio. You will develop friendships that will impact your professional growth and give you contact with valuable educational partners.
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You will add your voice to OEA’s collective voice We are the experts when it comes to knowing what is best for students. It is your voice along with over 121,000 other voices that move action items to ensure state policy provides for a quality public education. When you share your personal experience as an educator with others, our collective stories matter and make a difference.
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With you, we are stronger together Those 121,000+ members are a powerful advocate for students, parents, and educators across the state of Ohio. Being an OEA RA delegate means you join together with like-minded professionals to move the business of OEA. When we stand together, great change is possible.
Fall 2016
Welcome New Members To The Central Executive Board We welcome two new members to our Executive board. Heather Miller (Pickerington EA) is the new Central Area 1 Representative, and Jeff Caivano (Northwestern TA – Clark) is the new OEA Unit 6 Board Director. We’d also like to thank departing members of the Board, Jan Vaughn (Springfield EA) and Jamel Ammons (Newark TA), for their valuable service and contributions.
Heather Miller
Jeff Caivano
Building Dynamic Leadership Teams Conference Mary Kennedy (Hilliard EA) Over 50 members from eleven Locals participated in Central OEA’s Building Dynamic Leadership Teams conference. The conference started with OEA staff sharing information on engaging members, using the Local Assessment Tool, and ESSA. We are grateful to Todd Jaeck, Patty Nyquist and Patricia Collins-Murdock for the information shared. During the conference, Locals had the opportunity to work with their LRC, meet with OEA staff and meet as a team to organize and plan for the upcoming year. Local leaders offered the following reflections. The officers of Lancaster E.A. enjoyed the conference and used the time to plan for the upcoming year and accomplish many other tasks as a team. They liked the OEA staff resources that were available to meet their Local’s needs. Ridgedale T.A. reviewed the Local Assessment rubric with the help of LRC Sara Baker. They were able to pinpoint areas of focus in membership such as making stronger bonds to maintain teacher retention, data collection for more effective negotiations, and how to keep membership engaged without scaring them off with constant political discussion. They created a proposed agenda for a two day start with the district staff which included administrative welcomes, updates, and new policies, plus refresher courses on commonly used technology for the classroom. Elgin E.A. created a clear plan of how to start the school year under new leadership. The time at the conference allowed them to plan a potluck for families, learn about “Count Me In” forms, and to get training on Remind & Mail Chimp for member communication. They also worked on their Constitution & By Laws to become compliant with OEA and learned about available grants to support the membership. Valuable one-on-one time was spent with LRC
Fall 2016
Sarah Baker. The entire exec group felt that they should do this conference every year. The conference was a wonderful time for Miami Trace E.A. and Miami Trace Non-Certified E.A. to meet together and work on issues for the upcoming school year. LRC Kerri Hoover worked with them preparing for the upcoming membership drive and map out goals for the school year. Both associations thought the conference was meaningful for their team. Attending this conference is always very beneficial for the Dublin ESP Local. The new president used the opportunity to work with the past-president and review the goals for their association. In addition, they were able to meet with the valuable resources from OEA to help with organizing and planning for negotiations. The chance to strengthen the bond and develop direction for the upcoming year is very valuable. Thank you to the local leaders who shared their reflection of the Conference. Thank you to all who worked to make the conference a success. The 2017 Building Dynamic Leadership Teams Conference is scheduled for July 25-26, 2017. We hope to see you there!
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COMMUNIQUÉ In this issue
Central OEA/ NEA
2 Did You Know? Third Grade Reading Guarantee Challenges
Sep. 7, 2016 Sep.13, 2016 Sep. 22, 2016 Sep. 26, 2016 Oct. 4, 2016 Oct. 5, 2016 Oct. 19, 2016 Nov. 4, 2016 Nov. 14, 2016 Nov. 15, 2016 Dec. 3, 2016 Jan. 28, 2017
2 OEA Commission on Student Success 3 OEA Commission on Student Success – a Personal Story 4 Unite. Inspire. Lead! 5 Central Updates Its Grants and Incentives Program 6 Central ESP Appreciation Dinner 6 Text for Discounts 6 Top 4 Reasons to Become an OEA Representative Assembly Delegate 7 Welcome New Members to the Central
Executive Board
Central ESP Appreciation Dinner
Unite. Inspire. Lead!
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Area 5 Meeting - OSU Golf Club Area 4 Meeting - Watt St Tavern Area 1 Meeting - Granville Inn Area 3 Meeting - Simon Kenton Inn VP Debate Watch Party - Central Office Area 2 Meeting - Tavern 42 2nd Presidential Debate Watch Party Central Office Central All Area & Delegate Briefing Embassy Suites, Columbus Airport ESP Appreciation Reception & Dinner OSU Golf Club Lobby Day - OEA HQ OEA RA - Ohio Expo, Cardinal Hall Central Diversity Conference - Central Office
Registrations for all events are available on Central’s website at www.centraloeanea.org
7 Building Dynamic Leadership Teams Conference OEA Commission on Student Success
Upcoming Events
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Building Dynamic Leadership Teams Conference
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