We Are At War!
The Issues:
Proposed Reforms in Cuomo's Budget:
$1.1 BIllion for education IF...
- 50% of teacher evaluation is based on test scores
- State given control over APPR, not union negotiated (50-35-15)
- Classroom observations done by outside state employees
- A 5-year probationary period for tenure (Must score within effective range all 5 years or no tenure)
- Changes to due process
- Any teacher ineffective 2 years consecutively - automatic dismissal
- Eliminate teacher center funds
- Merit pay (Incentivize high scoring teachers with $20,000 bonuses)
- Education Tax Credit allows corporation and individual tax payers to receive a tax credit up to a maximum annual credit of $1 million - (Money diverted from public schools to private and charter schools) - Contingent on passage of DREAM Act.
- Increase cap on charter schools
- Loss of local control
No reforms= aid increases only $377 million statewide
What Actions Can You Take In the 7 Short Weeks Left Before the State Budget is Adopted :
- Stay informed
- Take Action by advocating, contacting legislators, talking to neighbors, relatives,friends outside of school, participating in forums and taking any actions possible to stop the destruction of public education
- Sign up for NYSUT MAC (Member Action Center) App on your phone and USE it!
- Sign up for MAC text alerts by texting "NYSUT" to 38470
- Sign petition to Stop Assault on Public Education on NYSAPE (New York Allies for Public Education) website
- Save the date - Thurs., March 12th and be sure to ATTEND the evening countywide Nassau Forum - details to follow.
- Use social media, Facebook, twitter to spread the word include: #AllKidsNeed #InviteCuomo
- "Opt Out" your own children from state testing
Your Actions Can Make a Difference!
Below is a link to a poignant article written by seven NYS Teachers of the Year.
You made it personal: We are not the enemy