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PALS Progress monitoring

by new to RtI

Oct 20, 2009

I teach at a K-2 school that has just implemented RtI and the use of progress monitoring for Tier 2. We have to use a curriculum based measurement but many of us do not care for DIBELS. We would like something more kid and teacher friendly that aligns with what we teach, when we teach it. We are interested in PALS but only know about it by their we...See More

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K teacher ALS is given at the beginning and end of kindergarten with specific benchmarks. It's the same test except for the concept of word portion but the benchmarks are different. You can give it mid year also but there are no benchmarks for that time. After that, the testing goes from spring to spring so only the kids in grades 1-2 who weren't tested last...See More

Oct 24, 2009

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Teachers' Union in Va? Roanoke?

by Refugee from Tx

Oct 27, 2009

I figure this is the quickest place to get answers. Are there teachers' unions in Va? I mean real unions not groups. (In the state I am now in they are illegal.) Do teachers pay into SS? Is Va an "at will" state? (meaning you can be fired "for any reason or no reason.") Is there any such thing as tenure or job security? When you have 15 years exper...See More

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Reader Virginia IS a commonwealth - but that has nothing to do with union or no union. Pennsylvania is a commonwealth and they have strong unions.

Virginia IS an employment at will state. Though, generally not as "nutty" as Texas.

"Tenure" means next to nothing in Virginia. In some districts, it may hold a tad more sway than others. But ...See MoreVirginia IS a commonwealth - but that has nothing to do with union or no union. Pennsylvania is a commonwealth and they have strong unions.

Virginia IS an employment at will state. Though, generally not as "nutty" as Texas.

"Tenure" means next to nothing in Virginia. In some districts, it may hold a tad more sway than others. But nothing like NY where you practically can't get fired if you have tenure.

One of the toughest parts of working in Va right now is that our standards for AYP under NCLB are MUCH higher than most other states. That translates to a huge amount of pressure - at least here in Northern Virginia.

On 10/28/09, T. wrote: > I am a SPEd Teacher in Roanoke County - big difference from > Roanoke City. But perhaps I can answer a few of your > questions. Va. is a Commonwealth - ie no unions. We do have > the VEA and in particular the RCEA in Roanoke Co. And REA in > the city. We are a teachers organization with all the trickle > down rights as in the NEA/VEA - and a local Uniserv Director > to help mediate issues/situations. We pay into the VRS (Va > retirement System) and into SS. We are not an "at will state" > usually - but times are really tough and we are currently > under a RIF policy (reduction in force) and I guess it could > translate to "at will" for new hires. We do have tenure after > 3 years experience w/in a school district and 5yrs for the > VRS program. Ideally experienced teachers are more expensive > than new hires - but experience pays off. We had over 100 > teachers to retire last year, as we have an aging teacher > population, but there were few new hires due to the RIF and > economic hiring freeze. So to answer your question - you can > certainly apply for a SPED job in either the county or the > city - but you may have better luck in the city. Our budget > is DIRE for next year and there will be serious cuts made - > "everything is on the table" to quote our superintendant ( > who by the way has been very transparent w/the RCEA and the > teachers! Thank you Dr. Lange!) > I hope this helps. > On 10/27/09, Refugee from Tx wrote: >> I figure this is the quickest place to get answers. Are >> there teachers' unions in Va? I mean real unions not >> groups. (In the state I am now in they are illegal.) Do >> teachers pay into SS? Is Va an "at will" state? (meaning >> you can be fired "for any reason or no reason.") Is there >> any such thing as tenure or job security? When you have 15 >> years experience do you get fired for being to far up the >> pay scale? >> What is the teaching job situation like in Roanoke- >> especially for SPED teachers? >> >> Any info appreciated.

Oct 31, 2009

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Reugee from Tx Thanks for the info. It sounds like it is better than Tx anyway- not that that is hard to do. I'd like to move back to my former Western state (not Tx!) that has some degree of labor rights but the housing is too expensive. Long story but we may end up in Roanoke.

On 10/31/09, Reader wrote: > Virginia IS a commonwealth - but that has no...See MoreThanks for the info. It sounds like it is better than Tx anyway- not that that is hard to do. I'd like to move back to my former Western state (not Tx!) that has some degree of labor rights but the housing is too expensive. Long story but we may end up in Roanoke.

On 10/31/09, Reader wrote: > Virginia IS a commonwealth - but that has nothing to do with union > or no union. Pennsylvania is a commonwealth and they have strong > unions. > > Virginia IS an employment at will state. Though, generally not as > "nutty" as Texas. > > "Tenure" means next to nothing in Virginia. In some districts, it > may hold a tad more sway than others. But nothing like NY where > you practically can't get fired if you have tenure. > > One of the toughest parts of working in Va right now is that our > standards for AYP under NCLB are MUCH higher than most other > states. That translates to a huge amount of pressure - at least > here in Northern Virginia. > > > > On 10/28/09, T. wrote: >> I am a SPEd Teacher in Roanoke County - big difference from >> Roanoke City. But perhaps I can answer a few of your >> questions. Va. is a Commonwealth - ie no unions. We do have >> the VEA and in particular the RCEA in Roanoke Co. And REA in >> the city. We are a teachers organization with all the trickle >> down rights as in the NEA/VEA - and a local Uniserv Director >> to help mediate issues/situations. We pay into the VRS (Va >> retirement System) and into SS. We are not an "at will state" >> usually - but times are really tough and we are currently >> under a RIF policy (reduction in force) and I guess it could >> translate to "at will" for new hires. We do have tenure after >> 3 years experience w/in a school district and 5yrs for the >> VRS program. Ideally experienced teachers are more expensive >> than new hires - but experience pays off. We had over 100 >> teachers to retire last year, as we have an aging teacher >> population, but there were few new hires due to the RIF and >> economic hiring freeze. So to answer your question - you can >> certainly apply for a SPED job in either the county or the >> city - but you may have better luck in the city. Our budget >> is DIRE for next year and there will be serious cuts made - >> "everything is on the table" to quote our superintendant ( >> who by the way has been very transparent w/the RCEA and the >> teachers! Thank you Dr. Lange!) >> I hope this helps. >> On 10/27/09, Refugee from Tx wrote: >>> I figure this is the quickest place to get answers. Are >>> there teachers' unions in Va? I mean real unions not >>> groups. (In the state I am now in they are illegal.) Do >>> teachers pay into SS? Is Va an "at will" state? (meaning >>> you can be fired "for any reason or no reason.") Is there >>> any such thing as tenure or job security? When you have 15 >>> years experience do you get fired for being to far up the >>> pay scale? >>> What is the teaching job situation like in Roanoke- >>> especially for SPED teachers? >>> >>> Any info appreciated.

Oct 31, 2009

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Christmas card exchange

by GoTeach3

Oct 28, 2009

Virginia is needed for a 2009 Christmas card exchange. It is a lot of fun, and quite easy to do. I'll send all directions to help you along. Any takers? Only catch - most cards will be Christmas, but I can try to request "holiday" cards if your school does not allow "Christmas".

Please consider it :)

GoTeach3

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Teacher reprimand actions

by Celeste

Oct 31, 2009

Am interested in understanding the procedure used in VA/W.VA regarding teacher reprimands. Questions I need answered are do these states work under a state negotiated contract? Do either of these state have teacher unions and representation? What is the normal procedure followed for teacher reprimands? Is there any precedents set for teacher freedo...See More

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New Report Cards?

by Heard through the grapevine!

Nov 1, 2009

So, would anyone like to comment on Loudoun's new elementary report cards? I teach in another county, but I get the latest from my nephew. He said that they seem to be more work and more involved than the last ones.

I would really like to know how Loudoun does it with the funding. We're in an economic recession, yet they can spend a lot o...See More

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Blackout On 11/01/09, Heard through the grapevine! wrote: > So, would anyone like to comment on Loudoun's new > elementary report cards? I teach in another county, but I > get the latest from my nephew. He said that they seem to be > more work and more involved than the last ones. > > I would really like to know how Loudoun does it with th...See More

Nov 1, 2009

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LCPS Teacher I did a little fact finding on the subjects mentioned. I feel some of these posters, especially a few who reply, display the typical NoVA "sarcastic, holier than thou, I'm better than you" attitudes (who also need to work on their typing skills), so let me take a different approach.

The new report cards are more detailed in reporting fact...See MoreI did a little fact finding on the subjects mentioned. I feel some of these posters, especially a few who reply, display the typical NoVA "sarcastic, holier than thou, I'm better than you" attitudes (who also need to work on their typing skills), so let me take a different approach.

The new report cards are more detailed in reporting facts that tell more of how Loudoun's children are performing. Yes, there are a few "bugs," but it's nice that we have the freedom to do them at home. I am sure that the glitches will be worked out, but I like the new system, and am glad that Loudoun found such a decent, workable system.

I am not sure about the administrators going to Chicago, so I won't comment there. I do know that the administrators didn't get a pay raise, because it was posted in the local newspaper. Hopefully, this economic situation will get better, but from what I hear, next year may be a little rough.

I have seen the new eating area at the admin building, and it is really nice - nothing big - but handy! It's also great that those who work there can enjoy the convenience of not having to go elsewhere to eat. I wonder what the hours are, because I would like to check it out!

Perhaps your nephew is a little overwhelmed with the new report cards, plus the report card time in general. I bet he is a new hire. When you posted your name as "Heard through the grapevine," you were going basically on hearsay, so I don't blame you for your not understanding or getting the full details. As you have read, there is a lot of "Loudoun-bashing," but everyone has his/her own opinions. I only wish that some of these people can see what it is like here, first hand!

Finally, not everyone in Loudoun is as sarcastic as some of the posters/replies are. There are many of us who are polite and professional, and try to explain that Loudoun is a really nice place to work, yet has the same demands as other counties. I wish you well in whatever county you may teach in, unlike some people. Have a great school year, and please feel free to post whatever you wish.

On 11/01/09, Blackout wrote: > On 11/01/09, Heard through the grapevine! wrote: >> So, would anyone like to comment on Loudoun's new >> elementary report cards? I teach in another county, but I >> get the latest from my nephew. He said that they seem to be >> more work and more involved than the last ones. >> >> I would really like to know how Loudoun does it with the >> funding. We're in an economic recession, yet they can spend >> a lot of money on a new report card system, sending >> principals to Chicago, and a new cafeteria at central >> admin. There was talk of admin also getting pay raises >> while teachers had a freeze, and some almost got "RIFd." >> Sounds like mixed up priorities...glad I'm in another >> county. > > Wow the Urban Legends continue on this chat board! Maybe, > just maybe you should get a few facts before you post > something that is blatantly untrue. > > The new report cards were instituted because the old report > card application was 5 years beyond its life span and needed > to be replaced. Had it not been replaced teachers would have > had to go back to writing their report cards by hand. The > change was planned over a period of two years. > > In regard to the other Urban Legends, No administrator got a > pay raise unless they were promoted to higher administrative > position. Their salaries were frozen just like everyone > else. And who exactly are the “100 administrators” who went > to Chicago this summer on a charter train no less? As for > the mythical administrator cafeteria you speak of, that is > nothing more then a small kitchen in which food services, yes > the same food services that produces school lunches, prepares > sandwiches, soup and salads in which they charge market value. > This enables people to work at their desk. The whole > operation is self funded and doesn’t cost the taxpayer a > penny. > > As you seem to one who plays hard and fast with the facts, I > too am glad you are in another county.

Nov 1, 2009

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help needed

by sarah jones

Nov 1, 2009

I am a education major at East Carolina University. I have to interview 2 teachers one who teachers at a Charter school and one that teaches at a year round school. The people I was to interview fell through. It is only a few questions that can be answered quickly through email. If you can help me please email me asap

Thanks Sarah Jones [e...See More

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"James and the Giant Peach" ideas...

by Advice please!

Nov 2, 2009

Hi Board! I am currently reading, "James and the Giant Peach" with my kids for the first time...great book! I am getting observed in a few weeks and would like some sort of an activity or lesson on what I can do with this story. Any thoughts? Thanks in advance!

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Relocation...Fauquier County

by Paula

Nov 4, 2009

Hi! I currently live in Pittsburgh, PA. I'm subbing for several school districts. Teaching job market here is insane! Over 1,000 applicants for a single job. I interviewed, and got, a supersub job in one of our schools. Then, the district decided to eliminate all supersub positions before the school year started. My husband my relocate to either Fl...See More

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Judy P Fauquier County is kinda' rural. It's very different from the 'Burg. I'm a Pittsburgh native now living in central VA near Fauquier County. The job market here is probably better than in Pgh, but it's still tough. The houseing market is probably better in Fauquier than in Pgh. though. Tough decision, but Virginia IS nice.

On 11/04/09, Paul...See More

Nov 4, 2009

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Paula Thanks for the reply Judy. Seems that everywhere is experiencing a shortage of teaching jobs. We love Virginia. The housing prices seem a little better than they are here in Pittsburgh. Taxes are killing us here! We'll see what happens with my husband's job. Thanks for taking the time to respond!

Paula

On 11/04/09, Judy P wrote: &...See More

Nov 4, 2009

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Time to educate the teachers on how we are being used by the

by Vanessa

Nov 4, 2009

Some states locals are looking at how to de-certify the corrupt NEA; corrupt in that they spend our dues to influence a political party and socialist agenda. * NEA is America's largest labor union * Advocates leftist positions on a host of issues, including abortion, sex education, teen pregnancy, school prayer, socialized medicine, affordable hous...See MoreSome states locals are looking at how to de-certify the corrupt NEA; corrupt in that they spend our dues to influence a political party and socialist agenda. * NEA is America's largest labor union * Advocates leftist positions on a host of issues, including abortion, sex education, teen pregnancy, school prayer, socialized medicine, affordable housing, drug testing, prisoner rights, bilingual education, global warming, and health care * Opposes merit pay for teachers * Opposes school vouchers * Ranks among the leading funders of the Democratic Party * Has contributed vast sums to many leftwing organizations

Based in Washington, DC, the 3.1 million-member National Education Association (NEA) is the largest labor union in the United States. It represents public school teachers and support personnel; faculty and staffers in colleges and universities; retired educators; and college students preparing to become teachers. The NEA’s mission is “to advocate for education professionals and to unite our members and the nation to fulfill the promise of public education to prepare every student to succeed in a diverse and interdependent world.”

The NEA pursues these goals through its 14,000+ local affiliate organizations (which are active in fundraising, conducting professional workshops, and negotiating teacher contracts); its 51 state affiliates (which “lobby legislators for the resources schools need”); and its Washington, DC-based national headquarters (which “lobbies Congress and federal agencies on behalf of its members and public schools, supports and coordinates innovative projects, works with other education organizations and friends of public education, [and] provides training and assistance to its affiliates”).

The NEA was founded in 1850 as the National Teachers Association, and adopted its present name in 1857. Promoting government-owned public schools and “modern” pedagogical ideas, this union permitted no private school teachers to join its ranks. These government-owned-and-run schools were modeled on statist European education in Prussia, and attracted socialist activist teachers who saw public school students as perfect subjects for re-engineering society. That remolding began with the anti-Catholic objectives of Horace Mann (1796-1859) and expanded to the anti-religious humanism of John Dewey (1859-1952).

In a 1935 report presented at the 72nd annual NEA convention, the union's future Executive Secretary Willard Givens wrote: “A dying laissez-faire must be completely destroyed and all of us … must be subjected to a large degree of social control…. The major function of the school is the social orientation of the individual. It must seek to give him understanding of the transition to a new social order.”

In a 2003 article titled “NEA Hastens Death of American Education,” veteran journalist Ralph de Toledano wrote that in 1938 “the Institute for Social Research, founded by the Comintern, appeared on the Columbia University campus, taking over the Teachers College, the country’s most influential school of education.” “Better known as the Frankfurt School,” de Toledano continued, “… [the Institute] eschewed the economic aspects of Marxism and promulgated a substitute based on Marx’s 1843 preachments. Later labeled neo-Marxism, the program called for the destruction of religion, the family, education and all moral values, along with the capture of the intellectuals and the instruments of mass communication such as the press, radio and films. To this it appended a new Freudianism, which reduced human relationships to rampant sexuality and the grossest pleasure principles -- -- as "an inspiration" to "every organizer" and "anyone contemplating action in their community."

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So, what is your point? If you don't like the NEA, then don't join it - you are free to join or not join any organization you wish. If they don't represent your views, then find one that does or don't join any group.

On 11/04/09, Vanessa wrote: > Some states locals are looking at how to de-certify the > corrupt NEA; corrupt in that they spend our dues to &...See More

Nov 6, 2009

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moxie I agree: if you don't like the NEA agenda, don't join. But why defame them because they don't fit YOUR agenda?

On 11/06/09, So, what is your point? wrote: > If you don't like the NEA, then don't join it - you are free > to join or not join any organization you wish. If they don't > represent your views, then find one that does or ...See More

Nov 19, 2009

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LCPS NEW REPORT CARDS

by SOMEONE

Nov 7, 2009

The new LCPS report card takes about 10 times longer to complete. Why? Because every assessment is tied to an objective, and there are about 100+ math ones to choose from. The teachers are asked to assess and assess some more, to the point of burnout for the students and teachers alike. Then, the report card automatically populates a grade and othe...See More

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Easy I teach in LCPS and I breezed through the report cards. It is just a game. Play it and be quiet. I am an elementary 3rd grade teacher too.......TONS OF ASSESSMENTS....new report cards are EASY!!!

Nov 14, 2009

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Typical Typical Loudoun teacher response, "Play it and be quiet." What kind of a response is that? What happened to professionalism? Fairfax teachers, as well as others, wouldn't post something like that. As a matter of fact, I hardly see any negative posts. I guess Loudoun teachers (or at least a few of them) think that they are better than everyone else....See More

Nov 15, 2009

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