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About e-source
VEA is proud to send you this e-source newsletter, a tip-filled resource to help you on the job and in your profession. These monthly dispatches will keep you informed about the latest news affecting your job and will help you take advantage of all the resources offered by your Association. If you'd rather not receive the e-source again, click the "Unsubscribe" button at bottom right.
For the latest information and resources for Virginia educators, go to www.veanea.org. Share this e-source! Click at bottom left to forward this message to your colleagues. |  |
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VEA: Don't Cut Support for Standards of Quality |
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The Standards of Quality provide basic foundation aid for public education to localities; SOQ dollars are spent on everything from instructional materials to gas for school buses. That's why VEA is pushing so hard against a proposal to cap what the state will pay for school support positions—a move proposed by Gov. Kaine that would result in a $340-million annual loss of dollars for local schools. VEA President Kitty Boitnott recently spoke against the cap in testimony to the SOQ Committee meeting of the Virginia Board of Education. The state Board will hold regional public hearings about SOQ funding in the months ahead, and we urge VEA members to speak up for adequate school funding. Check www.veanea.org for hearing dates and locations when they are announced.
Take Note! Virginia's Democratic Party primary election is next Tuesday, June 9. If you plan to participate and have not yet decided for whom to vote, you might want to review the gubernatorial candidates' positions on important education issues. The VEA Fund for Children and Public Education (formerly VEA-PAC) has made no recommendation in the primary election. Here's our link to resources.
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Summer Reading: What's in Your Beach Bag? |
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The students have their summer reading lists. What about yours? NEA.org recently published a fun story on what Association members around the country plan to read this summer. The books cited ranged from Financial Peace (couldn't we all use that?) to The Story of Sushi (no, we're not kidding). To find out more, click here. If you're in the book-buying spirit, save 10 percent by making your purchase before June 15 through the NEA Member Benefits partnership with Barnes & Noble. And, speaking of summer fun, don't forget to check out TicketsAtWork, one of VEA's newest member savings programs. You'll save money on Broadway shows, tickets to Disney World or King's Dominion, and much more.
Take Note! VEA's logo store has a fresh batch of attractive polo shirts in new colors just in time for membership season. Also, refrigerator clips, umbrellas, padfolios, tote bags, and more. Many can be personalized with your local Association logo for bulk orders. |
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We Want to Hear from You on State Testing |
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The Virginia Board of Education at its last meeting proposed eliminating the 3rd grade social studies SOL test, and it plans to make a final decision June 25. What do you think about the proposal? Learn more about it here and use the link provided to take a short survey that will inform VEA's position on the proposal. Meanwhile, the VEA's own Ad-hoc Committee on Statewide Testing is looking into the broader issue of statewide testing and its impact. Please share your stories, thoughts and concerns about the SOL tests, VGLA, VSEP, and VAAP with us for inclusion in our upcoming report. Send your comments to committee liaison Bekah Saxon at bsaxon@veanea.org. Or, if you'd prefer to take an online survey about your views on statewide testing, click here. You'll be taken to a site operated by our partner, Votenet, where you'll have the option to take the survey and/or vote on a candidate for the position of NEA Director.
Take Note! Vote for one of VEA's two candidates—Charlotte Hayer or Tommie McCune—in the runoff election for NEA Director. Voting continues through June 10.
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Find Your Way through Cyberspace |
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Wii? Moodle? Skype? With technologies changing so rapidly, it's no wonder teachers are struggling to keep up. In the June Virginia Journal of Education, Elizabeth Jamerson, technology coordinator and member of the Cumberland Education Association, offers 10 tips for getting a grip on technology. Read "Finding Your Way Through Cyberspace" or check out the entire issue.
Take Note! Yes, thoughtful discussion of public education on radio does exist. Give a listen to Schoolhouse Talk, a new Internet radio show and podcast. One recent show presented a balanced account of compensation options for teachers. Learn more about it here or go directly to www.schoolhousetalk.org.
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ESP-of-the-Year Janet Valent Works with Hearing-Impaired |
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Fairfax Education Association member Janet Valent, an instructional assistant at Camelot Center, is the most recent recipient of the VEA's Education Support Professional Award. Valent provides individual and group instruction, troubleshoots hearing equipment, and helps create instructional materials, in addition to providing supervision in the cafeteria and bus area, and assisting the art teacher. Do you know an exceptional ESP deserving recognition? Consider nominating him or her for the 2010 ESP award. More information and a nominating packet are available here. Don't delay, as applications are due September 15!
Take Note! Your membership actually pays you. How? By the cost savings you'll realize through programs negotiated by the VEA and NEA Member Benefits. Home and auto insurance, online shopping, cell phone service, and more. Get an overview here and start saving.
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Teacher Evaluation Doesn't Measure Up, Report Says |
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A new report based on research in a dozen school districts in four states confirms something the Association has argued for some time: teacher evaluation is a flawed enterprise. "The Widget Effect: Our National Failure to Acknowledge and Act on Differences in Teacher Effectiveness" charges that schools "are indifferent to instructional effectiveness," with the vast majority of teachers getting ratings of "good" or "great." The report was prepared by the New Teacher Project. What do you think? Is the teacher evaluation system in your district useful? Send your thoughts to joneil@veanea.org and we'll consider them for an upcoming issue. Please include your name, job role, and school division.
Take Note! Performance-based pay for teachers is getting another airing these days. Don't miss an authoritative analysis of the issue that points out that, contrary to popular opinion, performance-based pay in the private sector is both rare and diminishing in use.
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