Caddo Parish School Board votes for permanent salary increases for ALL employees!

Good News!

Red River United is proud to announce that the Caddo Parish School Board passed Agenda Item 8.08 – “Permanent Salary Adjustment to Certified and Classified Employees” at the July 15th school board meeting. This Agenda Item was proposed by District 12 Caddo Parish School Board Member Dottie Bell.

This agenda item will make permanent the one-time supplement allocated during the 2013-2014 school year (you received it last December in addition to your Christmas bonus) based on the MFP.

SCR 55 in the 2014 Legislative Session made the MFP monies a permanent salary increase to be implemented in August.

Unfortunately, the schol board did not say what “percentiles” they will be using to calculate individual increases. Red River United will keep you appraised on the school board’s decision, and work at making sure the maximum amount possible is given to all of the hard working teachers and school employees of Caddo Parish.

July 16, 2014

AFT 2014 Convention Recap

AFT 2014 Convention Update

AFT President Randi Weingarten kicked off the AFT convention July 11 by outlining a bold plan to both fight back and fight forward to reclaim the promise of America and create economic and educational opportunity for all. In her keynote to more than 3,500 delegates, Weingarten outlined the coordinated attack facing working people, unions, public education and public services—by those who starve public institutions, criticize public institutions, demonize workers and unions, marginalize those who fight back, and peddle private alternatives. The centerpiece of Weingarten’s speech focused on the need to reclaim the promise by being solution-driven, community-engaged, member-mobilized and “badass”—a term gaining currency with educators frustrated with attacks on public education and the current direction of education policy. While acknowledging that the promise of America has been more an aspiration than a realization for many Americans throughout our history, Weingarten said that “what’s been enduring and unifying is a vision of America based on a foundation of democracy and economic opportunity.”

Every AFT convention provides an opportunity to look back at the past two years, and especially the challenges the union has faced and the opportunities that lie ahead. Two great ways learn more about how the AFT is fighting back and fighting forward are by reading the 2012-2014 “State of the Union” and watching this video that was shown before President Weingarten’s speech.

Day two of the convention, with general sessions highlighting the themes of fighting back, growing stronger and fighting forward with community, was filled with guest speakers and debates on important resolutions and constitutional amendments. Speakers talked about fighting back in Chicago, New York and Philadelphia; veteran civil rights activist Mark Levy joined 10-year-old Asean Johnson to address the need to continue the struggle; Illinois home care worker Traci Coney vowed to fight back against the Harris v. Quinn Supreme Court decision; and a panel updated delegates on the Reconnecting McDowell partnership.

Day three of the convention, with general sessions devoted to politics and solution-driven unionism, was packed with spirited debates and the passage of important resolutions on topics such as fighting back against attacks on our union, fixing the poor implementation of Common Core, and moving toward an accountability system focused on support and improvement. Other highlights included the announcement of Democrats for Public Education, the moving immigration success story of two sisters, and updates on Share My Lesson and First Book.

AFT vows to fight back against attacks on unions.

AFT convention delegates unanimously passed a special order of business to fight back against attacks on unions and teachers, such as Vergara v. California and Harris v. Quinn. The special order characterizes these lawsuits as “contributing to an escalating and engineered imbalance in our democracy.” Amended from the floor, the order was revised to include strong language on Secretary of Education Arne Duncan, who publicly supported the Vergara decision. It derides his promotion of “misguided and ineffective policies on deprofessionalization, privatization and test obsession.” The order calls on President Obama to “implement a secretary improvement plan that will be based upon standing up for public education, supporting teachers and all school workers, inspiring parents and the public to join us in creating the public schools we want and deserve, and leading with us in reclaiming the promise of public education.”

Delegates at the AFT convention voted overwhelmingly to re-elect AFT President Randi Weingarten to a third term on July 13. The vote affirms the AFT’s commitment to solution-driven, community-engaged and member-empowered unionism that focuses on uniting union members, the people they serve and the communities in which they live. Also re-elected to lead the union was AFT Secretary-Treasurer Lorretta Johnson, who has held that position since 2011. Joining Weingarten and Johnson as the AFT’s new executive vice president is the president of the Saint Paul Federation of Teachers, Mary Cathryn Ricker. Ricker replaces Francine Lawrence, who plans to retire this year. Ricker has led AFT Local 28 since 2005 and has been a member of the AFT K-12 Teachers program and policy council since 2006. She is a National Board Certified middle school English teacher who has taught in classrooms all across the country and internationally.

Visit the AFT convention 2014 page for all the updates.

July 16, 2014

Two Generations of Civil Rights Leaders Address National Teachers’ Union Convention

Two civil rights leaders spoke Friday at the American Federation of Teachers’ national convention taking place July 11-14 at the Los Angeles Convention Center.

The Rev. William Barber, leader of the Moral Mondays movement, and 10-year-old student activist Asean Johnson, outlined a vision of how engaging the community, creating new coalitions and fighting for voting rights are essential to reclaiming the promise of public education.

In her keynote speech at the convention on Friday, AFT President Randi Weingarten made it clear that solution-driven unionism can only work when the community is engaged. She said, “When 1 out of 3 Americans was in a labor union, we didn’t just speak for the community, we were community. But today, we must create new coalitions and, through them, the groundswell needed to reclaim the promise of America. In some ways, community must be our new density.”
Weingarten also stressed the importance of fulfilling the promise of Brown v. Board of Education and continuing the fight for voting rights. She said, “Voting makes a big impact as well, because it paves the way for policies that make a difference.”

In his address to convention delegates, Moral Mondays leader Rev. Barber affirmed the power of a united community in the fight for voting rights and equity. He said, “We have seen the power when we mobilize at the state Capitol, the ballot box and the courtroom—that is how we make a fresh promise for America.”

AFT Secretary-Treasurer Lorretta Johnson, who has been at the forefront of the civil rights movement, also spoke on Friday. She told delegates, “If we truly want to reclaim the promise for our communities and families, then we must find the courage to stand up and fight back against those who seek to privatize our schools.”

At the epicenter of the fight forward are the students and families affected by school closures and a lack of equity. Ten-year-old activist Asean Johnson of Chicago laid out a strong case for change. He said, “Now it is time to take that fight to every city in America, where the elected officials think that it is ok to close schools, fire teachers because of test scores, and abandon students like me.”

The convention continues through Monday. July 14.

July 15, 2014July 17, 2014

ALERT: Verizon Phone Lines Down, Contact RRU Staff Representatives via Text Message

Due to an issue with Verizon phone lines, there have been some technical difficulties with RRU staff cell phones—which are currently unable to receive calls from AT&T and Sprint (and perhaps other) network phones.

If you need to get in touch with an RRU staff representative, please contact them via text message, and they will get back to you as soon as possible. You can also call the office at 318-424-4579 between the hours of 9AM and 5PM.

Red River United apologizes for this inconvenience.

July 11, 2014

Dottie Bell pdf

For Dottie Bell

July 11, 2014November 24, 2017

Past Teacher Tips!

Past Teacher Tips

View Teacher Tip of the Week HERE!

Have a button or nametag that says “Ask Me!” on it.

Then, when students finish early and their work is correct, give them the button or nametag and let them help others!

– Carrie Culpepper, Bellaire Elementary

Build your bulletin board to last.

Every school has its own requirements for bulletin boards. Some principals want them changed every month, some bimonthly, and a few, it seems, want them reworked every week to resemble an exhibit at the Louvre. Whichever it is, you’ll likely need to adhere a background to the bulletin board before you post your students’ work. Instead of using paper as the background, which you’ll have to replace every two to three weeks, find a large piece of fabric. Not only will the fabric look better than paper, it will last for several months, saving you the time and energy you would’ve spent redoing it every few weeks.

~Staff Submission

It’s easy for inclusion students to get ignored in the classroom. Let your inclusion students know up front, before class starts, that they will be answering questions that day, and give the cooperating teacher non-verbal clues when you are getting ready to ask the student a question.

~Josh Lansdale, Inclusion Teacher

As ALL kids…especially the little ones, they get very “antsy” after having to sat still for a specified amount of time. In my classroom we do what is called Brain Breaks. These breaks give students the opportunity to release that “extra” energy. When I want my students to come back and re-group….we do yoga poses, when I want them to really release that extra energy, I’ll go to YouTube and have them do one of the Kids Dance 2 videos. Their favorite is Despicable Me! I even join in with them…they love seeing their teacher get down too! !

– Natasha Whitehorn, Barret Paideia Academy

As the school year is about to end, I make sure my students are still actively engaged in the lessons. As they easily get bored, I make sure I give them multiple opportunities to be successful. From answering worksheets, to small group rotations to computer hands on activities, and recess in the playground, there are a lot of reasons for kids to enjoy the remaining days of the school year.

– Marlyn Pangatungan, Oak Park Microsociety Elementary School

Secretly have parents or teachers write notes of encouragement for the first day (or each day) of testing. Have it on their desk when they walk in. We’ve been doing it for years and our kids’ faces just light up! It’s a great way to start their day!

-Carrie Culpepper, Bellaire Elementary

There are several components under the Managing Classroom procedures listed.

One of the ways I accomplish this is to have two student helpers each week. At the tardy bell, a student helper begins counting 1-60. Students must have their notebooks and are writing bell ringer’s before 60 is reached or their name goes on the board. The student helper then reads the Bell Ringer question and calls on other students for answers. This can lead to student to student discussion ( a 4 in questioning and techniques) At the end of class, the other student helper makes sure tables are quiet, cleaned and this person releases students from class. (a 3 in Managing classroom)

After two weeks of this, it becomes routine and students beg to sign up to be the class starter or releaser. By the time, observation comes around, students know exactly how this works and it is an established procedure.

– Cristi Cantor, Broadmoor Middle School

Before ILeap testing each day, I give my students a “smart pill”. I tell them the “S” on the Skittles stands for “smart”. They love it, and it’s a good ice breaker/motivator.One of the components for a 4 rating on the Danielson model is to have a student led classroom.}

-Sherry Cordero, Shreve Island Elementary

It is getting very close to testing time. Here is a tip for you. Im certain that you all have been given practice test booklets. It might be beneficial to go through the book and visit with the way the questions are worded. To help my 8th grade students, I took both questions from the old Leap and the Common Core Leap practice bookls, placed the questions on one sheet and we reviewed them when necessary. It is important that students clearly understand the jagon of the test and the way that test wirters write. With each question, have students tell YOU what the questios mean to them on their level, Also, have them to circle or underline important vocabulary words that might show on the LEAP from year to year. Later, administer a mock Leap test using the same jargon and vocabulary you pulled from the practice test and see the differnce in their answers and resposes. The mroe they are in tune to the writers of the test, the better they will do. Good Luck.
– Greg Carter, Walnut Hill Elementary/Middle

P.S. mla annotated bibliography maker.

July 11, 2014July 11, 2014

AFT Convention will focus on Reclaiming the Promise

AFT convention will focus on Reclaiming the

Promise

July 2, 2014

View the Agenda Here The 2014 AFT convention, set for July 11-14 at the Los Angeles Convention Center, will focus on fighting back and fighting forward on key domestic issues to reclaim the promise of America, including the Common Core State Standards, due process and tenure for educators, and investing public pension dollars for much-needed infrastructure projects.

On July 10, the AFT will host a major community event at All Peoples Community Center in East Los Angeles, focusing on literacy, anti-hunger and health. In partnership with First Book, 10,000 free, new books will be distributed to disadvantaged children and their families, along with bags of groceries. Another set of 5,000 books will be delivered to the Los Angeles Food Bank, while hundreds of books also will be distributed at several other sites around East Los Angeles.

The more than 3,500 convention delegates will discuss and vote on numerous resolutions, such as ensuring accountability for equity and excellence in public education; delinking the implementation of the Common Core standards from the consequences of high-stakes assessments; maintaining due process and tenure; creating a healthcare system that puts patient care above profits; and ending the reliance on a contingent academic labor system in higher education.

AFT President Randi Weingarten will give the keynote address on July 11.

Delegates will hear from various lawmakers, policymakers and political candidates, including California Gov. Jerry Brown; Los Angeles Mayor Eric Garcetti; U.S. Rep. Mark Takano (D-Calif.); U.S. Rep. Michael Honda (D-Calif.); and Tom Torlakson (California’s superintendent of public instruction). Appearing by video will be first lady Michelle Obama; Tom Wolf, Pennsylvania Democratic gubernatorial candidate; and Mary Burke, Wisconsin Democratic gubernatorial candidate. Former President Bill Clinton will appear by video to discuss the AFT’s work with the Clinton Global Initiative on the investment of public pension dollars for infrastructure projects.

In other notable sessions, delegates will hear from community members who have been deeply involved with local AFT affiliates on various issues and campaigns, including actor Cynthia Nixon and her wife, Christine Marinoni, from New York City, parent Helen Gym from Philadelphia, and student Asean Johnson and activist Jitu Brown from Chicago.

All general sessions will be live streamed.

July 11, 2014July 11, 2014

Louisiana Education Officials Propose To Drop National Common Core Text, PARCC, for 2014-15 year

Louisiana education officials propose to drop

national Common Core test, PARCC, for 2014-15

By Danielle Dreilinger, NOLA.com. Originally published in The Times-Picayune, link here.

The Louisiana Board of Elementary and Secondary Education and Superintendent John White has seemingly backed down in a high-profile fight with Gov. Bobby Jindal over testing and the new Common Core academic standards. Rather than use a new test next year developed by the Partnership for the Assessment of Readiness for College and Careers, the state could combine some PARCC questions with LEAP questions, White said Thursday.

“We will continue with the LEAP test,” BESE President Chas Roemer said.

“BESE is trying to thread the needle with a compromise,” White said.

But — crucially — White left the door open to the possibility that all the mathematics and English questions would come from the PARCC process — meaning the board might essentially continue with the national test under a different name. There are no PARCC exams for science and social studies.

PARCC spokesman David Connerty-Marin said, “I don’t see any indication they are withdrawing” from the consortium or the commitment to PARCC.

And because the governor would have to lift contract restrictions for the new plan to proceed, today’s announcement might end up being another twist in the path to court.

Although three of BESE’s officers backed the proposal, there has been no vote from the board, which would presumably have to approve any changes.

Jindal has demanded “Louisiana standards and a Louisiana test,” but until Thursday, BESE had held strong to the national consortium exam.

That’s even though the governor unleashed a quiver of administrative arrows, including freezing the testing contract for the coming year, attempting to drop the state’s membership in the PARCC consortium and strictly limiting White’s ability to approve department spending.

In fact, BESE voted this month to continue to pursue PARCC next year even though unions, the Louisiana School Boards Association and three of its own members asked it to do so in order to reduce confusion for school systems that don’t know what tests they will use in the school year that starts next month. And the board voted to hire external counsel to possibly pursue legal action. In the spring, the Legislature passed on several opportunities to drop PARCC or Common Core.

Roemer said it was a one-year, stopgap measure, and that the state would move forward with issuing a request for proposals for new tests starting in 2015. He also repeated the board’s continuing support for Common Core.

Louisiana public school students have been taking the iLEAP and LEAP tests from third through eighth grade in mathematics, English, science and social studies. Last year, the exams were rejiggered to reflect the Common Core academic standards, which lay out what students should be able to accomplish at the end of the year in mathematics and English.

State law requires that next year’s tests use “nationally recognized content standards” and be scored against the results of students across the nation. Roemer said using some PARCC questions would allow for that comparability.

White said the hybrid exams would be “not nearly as seamlessly comparable” to other states as the board originally wanted. He said the PARCC questions would be free, requiring no new approval for contracts or subcontracts, and that he thought the consortium would allow it.

The superintendent also drew distinctions between buying a test and buying test questions. The former, he said, includes adopting the scoring methods, analysis and reporting, among other services. He said “LEAP” was “a term in the law, not a brand name of a test … it will always be a Louisiana-specific test, and now it will have some PARCC questions on it.”

The plan has been OK’d by Roemer, BESE Vice President James Garvey and BESE Secretary Holly Boffy but is not a formal board action. Roemer said he had reached out to all the BESE members and had “not asked them to voice their support or opposition” yet. But every member he spoke with agreed the state needed a quick solution, he said.

Despite the possible compromise, Roemer stood fast that developing test content and standards was the constitutional responsibility of BESE, not the governor, saying, “We do have multiple branches of government here.”

He also accused the governor of acting in bad faith for scheduling a meeting with White to discuss solutions at 4:40 p.m. the day before the superintendent was supposed to report back to the board.

July 11, 2014July 11, 2014

Louisiana Education Officials Propose to Drop National Common Core test, PARCC, for 2014-15