We Are At War!
The Issues:
Proposed Reforms in Cuomo's Budget:
$1.1 BIllion for education IF...
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50% of teacher evaluation is based on test scores
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State given control over APPR, not union negotiated (50-35-15)
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Classroom observations done by outside state employees
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A 5-year probationary period for tenure (Must score within effective range all 5 years or no tenure)
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Changes to due process
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Any teacher ineffective 2 years consecutively - automatic dismissal
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Eliminate teacher center funds
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Merit pay (Incentivize high scoring teachers with $20,000 bonuses)
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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.
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Increase cap on charter schools
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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 :
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Stay informed
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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
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Sign up for NYSUT MAC (Member Action Center) App on your phone and USE it!
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Sign up for MAC text alerts by texting "NYSUT" to 38470
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Sign petition to Stop Assault on Public Education on NYSAPE (New York Allies for Public Education) website
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Save the date - Thurs., March 12th and be sure to ATTEND the evening countywide Nassau Forum - details to follow.
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Use social media, Facebook, twitter to spread the word include: #AllKidsNeed #InviteCuomo
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"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