Lawmakers consider all-day kindergarten

On October 6th Molly Farmer wrote in the Deseret News:

"The state is considering if and how to fund optional extended-day kindergarten throughout Utah."

Brenda Hales, associate Superintendent from the State Office of Education, told lawmakers about the pilot program in its fourth year that is currently serving more than 8,000 students. Teaching students for a full day instead of half has been proven to dramatically improve a child's literacy, particularly for at-risk children. When children show up on their first day of class, some have never been read to, while others can read full paragraphs and spell their names.

We will have to monitor this legislation in January as funding talks begin.

Rick

UEA President explains dual endorsement

President Sharon Gallagher-Fishbaugh sent a message to members yesterday explaining the UEA's dual endorsement in the Governor's race.

"...the U-PAC (UEA Political Action Committee) is made up of representatives from all areas and UniServs of the state. ...we engaged in a lengthy conversation (and) ...requested that all members of the U-PAC go back to their constituents and ask for their feedback...I also e-mailed the local presidents and UDs (UniServ Directors) explaining the process...the dual endorsement decision was made based upon this feedback and discussion...The U-PAC chose a dual endorsement because of several factors...A brochure with a side-by-side comparison is being developed (and will) be mailed to members."

Both candidates have been invited to the UEA Convention and will speak.

Rick

UEA Convention Oct. 14-15

Go to the www.utea.org to see more about the sessions and speakers you will see at the UEA Convention this Thursday and Friday. Don't forget the New Teacher Workshop on Friday and the Superstars awards celebration Thursday afternoon . Political candidates will be available at 12:30 Thursday with both Gov. Herbert and Mayor Corroon speaking. Don't miss the exhibits and Association Reps pick up your thank gift at Booth #313.

Rick

Falling Behind: Utah Schools Need Better Funding

Read the entire editorial at www.sltrib.com on the Opinion Page.

The Salt Lake Tribune is supportive of increased public school funding in this positive editorial.

Rick

FEA Students Read for the Record

FEA members from OHS, BLHS and Weber schools read the book, "The Snowy Day" to hundreds of elementary students Thursday as part of the "Read for the Record" event. You can read about it in the Standard-Examiner today at www.standard.net

Rick

State public school chief calls for targeted spending

Read Molly Farmer's article about State Supt. Larry Shumway's "State of Education" speech at www.deseretnews.com

"Targeted spending and strengthening business relationships are some of the improvements State Superintendent Larry Shumway would like to see made in the public school system during the upcoming school year."

Rick

Teacher Accountablility

The Philadelphia Inquirer wrote in it's editorial several days ago:

"President Barack Obama made another big push for his education agenda this week, with a renewed call to hold the worst teachers accountable. Those who fail to improve quickly have 'got to go.' It is a hard directive, but a necessary one, given the sorry state of public education. Students are failing classes and flunking out at alarming rates unable to read or perform basic math skills. Obama's plan calls for teachers who miss the mark to get additional training and a chance to improve, which is fair. But those who still fail to improve after a reasonable period could be fired. No doubt, teachers' unions are disturbed to hear such tough talk again from Obama, and with it the prospect that some teachers could lose jobs. But the president has made clear his intent to change the status quo. Obama did take a conciliatory tone in expressing his desire to work with the education unions. Historically, collective bargaining units have been reluctant to address issues such as tenure that make it difficult to get rid of poorly performing teachers. That must change. Keeping bad teachers who wear tenure like a badge of honor hurts students students in chronically troubled schools. It also makes it difficult for good teachers to create environments where students can succeed."

Rick