UEA Convention Speaker: Collaboration leads to school success

Author Alan Blankstein ("Failure is not an option: six principles that guide student achievement in high performing schools") delivered the keynote address about collaboration at the UEA's annual convention last Friday. Blankstein is also the president and founder of the HOPE (harnessing Optimism Potential through Education) nonprofit organization that works with schools to develop successful leadership teams and school cultures.

Rick

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