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WEA Representative
Assembly 2009
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#A Indoor Environmental Quality/Health and Safety Bargaining Language PASSED
Background: Many laws/regulations protect student health and safety, but few protect staff. Strong contract language gives greater power to address IEQ or health and safety issues. Model contract language is available.
Recommendation(s): That WEA encourage local bargainers and coordinated bargaining groups/clusters to promote Indoor Environmental Quality and Health and Safety language during contract negotiations.
#B Healthy Schools Day PASSED
Background: Healthy Schools Day is an opportunity for members and locals to showcase policies and practices that create safe and healthy school environments for children and public school employees.
Recommendation(s): That WEA promote and encourage activities around Healthy Schools Day, normally the last Monday in April
#C Encouraging Council Sponsorship of WEA-Retired Pre-Retirement Seminars REFERRED TO APPROPRIATE COMMITTEE
Background: Members need to be made aware of the many things to consider when planning WITH AMENDMENT
for a successful transition into retirement.
Recommendation(s): That WEA UniServ Councils consider sponsoring at least one WEA-Retired Pre-Retirement Seminar.
#D Joint Resolution to Congress for Retiree Health Care PASSED
Background: The NEA legislative agenda includes the concept of "tax free" health care payments upon retirement.
Recommendation(s): The NEA legislative agenda includes the concept of "tax free" health care payments upon retirement.
#E Health Insurance Access for All Plan 2 and Some Plan 3 Members Who Separate from Service
#F Plan 3 Vesting Period REFERRED TO APPROPRIATE COMMITTEE
Background: Plan 1 and 2 members are vested in the state retirement system after five (5) service credit years without added conditions, while Plan 3 members are after ten (10) years.
Recommendation(s): That WEA lobby for a five (5)-year vesting period for Plan 3 retiring members.
#G Study of Health Care Proposals REFERRED TO APPROPRIATE COMMITTEE
Background: The 2008 legislature funded actuarial studies of five (5) health care programs. WITH AMENDMENT
Recommendation(s): That WEA provide resource materials for members to help them understand the five (5) health care reform proposals before the legislature and the impact of each on its members.
#H True COLA for Plan 1 Retirees REFERRED TO APPROPRIATE COMMITTEE
Background: Plan 1 retired members lose significant buying power because, regardless of their age at retirement, they do not receive any upward adjustment in their pensions until age 66.
Recommendation(s): That WEA lobby for a true COLA for Plan 1 retirees to begin in 2011.
#I Common Sense Assessment & Accountability PASSED
Background: With the election of a new Superintendent of Public Instruction who has publicly stated his interest in listening to and working with education stakeholders, WEA is in a position to make significant gains in achieving a common sense testing and accountability system.
Recommendation(s): That WEA provide leadership, strategic thinking and focus to the following actions:
1. WEA will provide organizing and training opportunities to inform and empower councils and locals to organize and bargain as
assessment and accountability reforms are implemented.
Ÿ Continue to be available to organize and train members at the state and local levels for the purpose of influencing policy and
legislation to respond to issues of time, workload and adequate resources necessary to meet federal and state mandates.
Ÿ Continue to forge, sustain and extend relationships with traditional and non-traditional education stakeholders to protect and
support a comprehensive curriculum for all content areas and advocate for common sense accountability and education reform.
Ÿ Continue to coordinate with the WEA Bargaining Support Work Team and related task forces and committees to assist councils
and locals in addressing accountability and assessment-related bargaining issues.
2. WEA will support legislation and influence policy to shape accountability, education reform and public education funding.
Ÿ Continue to support legislation to delink any “state required” assessment as a high school graduation requirement providing
students with access to a balanced, comprehensive curriculum.
Ÿ Advocate for a comprehensive, manageable, student-centered accountability system which provides culturally, developmentally
and linguistically appropriate, individual student diagnostic information to improve student achievement.
Ÿ Protect against privatization efforts of our public schools and attempts to compromise collective bargaining rights, while monitoring
state policy and legislation related to assessment system options.
3. WEA will collect, organize and communicate research and positions that promote a common sense accountability system for
students, families and educators.
Ÿ Build upon pre-existing research of viable assessment options that fall within the 2005 WEA Board Accountability position guiding
principles (e.g., assessments that provide timely, diagnostic feedback, do not significantly reduce instructional time, etc.).
Advocate for a new accountability system promoting high standards for all students that can realistically be implemented in
Ÿ Continue to research, survey our members and use independent studies by the Washington State Institute for Public Policy
(WSIPP),
accountability system and guarding against the misuse of test scores, such as for performance pay.
Ÿ Recommend and provide communication strategies for locals and councils to disseminate WEA Testing and Accountability/ESEA
positions.
#J Elementary & Secondary Education Act (ESEA/NCLB) PASSED
Background: The Elementary and Secondary Education Act has been up for reauthorization since 2007. With the election of a new president, reauthorization may begin in 2009.
Recommendation(s): That WEA will:
1. Promote the NEA Positive Agenda for Change in reauthorizing ESEA with the
2. Work with OSPI to implement ESEA requirements in a manner that supports and assists educators.
3. Continue to educate WEA members and community groups about the negative impacts of the current law and to engage them in lobbying activities to support the NEA Positive Agenda for Change.
4. Work with the Bargaining Support Team to provide ESEA training and assistance for local bargaining.
5. Offer the Keys to Excellence in Your Schools (KEYS) Program to pre-sanctioned schools and those entering their first year of not making adequate yearly progress (AYP).
6. Work to maintain the current options available to education employees in meeting ESEA highly qualified requirements.
#K Strategies for a Changed Economic and Political Climate PASSED
Background: Due to a radically changed economic and political climate, WEA needs to plan and implement strategies to positively affect the funding of public education, including salary and working conditions of education employees.
Recommendation(s): In order to achieve our long-term goal of ample, sustainable funding for public schools and to protect the rights of school employees, WEA will develop a strategic, comprehensive plan that:
1. holds legislators accountable for their positions on education policy and funding in the 2009 session;
2. re-evaluates external alliances and assesses potential new alliances;
3. builds internal capacity through the broad engagement of members; and
4. assesses the way we engage in the political process.
A preliminary plan should be presented to the WEA Board for its consideration at its July meeting, and shared broadly with staff and leadership prior to adoption by the board at its November meeting. The plan should include, but not be limited to:
1. setting goals for statewide and local organizing, including increasing WEA-PAC membership;
2. generating grassroots support for the NEWS court case;
3. expanding and strengthening coordinated bargaining and bargaining clusters;
4. building capacity to influence legislation during 2010 legislative session;
5. targeting key legislative races in 2010 election cycle;
6. preparing for potential ballot measures in 2010; and
7. developing broad-based support for increased education funding in the 2011-13 biennial budget.
#L Local Association Health and Safety Committees PASSED
Background: Even though
Recommendation(s): That WEA promote the formation of local Association Health and Safety committees and provide information and assistance on the formation of such committees.
#1
#2 Networking with WEA WITHDRAWN
Background: Networking is an important part of WEA-RA decision-making process and support.
Recommendation(s): That WEA print in the WEA Representative Assembly packet and NEA Representative Assembly information a list of attending delegates and alternates names, their current assignment and local unit. These can then be listed by UniServ for the purpose of networking on issues and collegiality.
#3
Background: OSPI only recognizes clock hours approved through
Recommendation(s): That the WEA work towards amending the Washington Administrative Code to allow
#4 Advocating for Health & Safety PASSED
Background: WEA advocates and organizes for issues related to safe, healthy schools.
Recommendation(s): That WEA:
1. state safety as one of its priorities;
2. promote education about risks that members take when working in improperly maintained or cleaned schools; and
3. be an advocate with legislators, rule-making boards and school districts when health and safety concerns arrive.
#5 Education Employees Safety When Working with Students with Violent/Aggressive Behavior PASSED
Background: WEA advocates for a safe working environment of all education employees including those educators
working with students with violent/aggressive behavior.
Recommendation(s): That WEA:
1. state safety for all members as one of its priorities;
2. support legislation and funding to provide schools with facilities, trained staff, safety equipment, and curriculum to protect
members from injuries resulting from working with student’s violent/aggressive behavior.
#6 Abusive Conduct in the Work Environment PASSED
Background: Many of our members are experiencing workplace aggression or abusive conduct in the work environment.
Recommendation(s): That WEA:
1. state workplace aggression has no place in education:
2. support further legislation prohibiting workplace aggression in education;
3. promote safe and healthy working environments for all education employees; and
4. promote bargaining language protecting educators from workplace aggression
Definition of Abusive Conduct in the Workplace: Workplace aggression, or abusive conduct in the work environment,
is the repeated, health-harming mistreatment of one or more persons, the targets, by one or more perpetrators that take
the form of one or more of the following:
· Verbal abuse
· Offensive conduct/behaviors (including nonverbal) which are threatening, humiliating or intimidating
· Work interference, sabotage, which prevents work from getting done
#7 Funding for Sabbaticals/Leaves of Absence for Senior Teachers REFERRED TO APPROPRIATE COMMITTEE
Background: Leaves/sabbaticals could be partially funded if districts could report the experience/education of the
teacher on leave while hiring a less senior replacement. Local bargaining would apply.
Recommendation(s): That WEA seek changes in the rules regarding how districts report staff mix data to OSPI that allow
the district to claim, for salary allocation, the experience and education of the teacher on leave rather than the experience and
education of the leave replacement teacher.
#8 Access to Medical Insurance for PERS, SERS, and TRS Plan 2 and REFERRED TO APPROPRIATE COMMITTEE
PERS Plan 3 Members Who Separate from Service
Background: TRS and SERS Plan 3 members can access HCA/PEBB medical insurance when they separate from service
provided they meet eligibility requirements.
Recommendation(s): That WEA lobby for access to Health Care Authority/Public Employees Benefits Board
(HCA/PEBB) health insurance for:
1. all TRS, SERS, and PERS Plan 2 members who are at least 55 years of age and have earned at least 20 service credit
years at the time of separation from service; and
2. for all PERS Plan 3 members who are at least 55 years of age and have earned at least ten (10) service credit years at the
time of separation from service.
#10 Elementary School Safety Patrols PASSED
Background: A 94 percent decrease in school zone pedestrian accidents and fatalities has occurred since 1994
according to AAA
Recommendation(s): That WEA partner with the Automobile Association of Washington and urban, suburban, and rural
transportation departments to promote Elementary School Safety Patrols in every elementary school in the state.
#12 Certification Clock Hours PASSED
Background: Education employees currently are unable to use surplus credits from one certification period to
the next recertification period.
Recommendation(s): That WEA seek to allow the use of surplus credits from one certification period to be used in the
following recertification period.
#13 Restoration of COLAs for Future Education Employees REFERRED TO APPROPRIATE COMMITTEE
Background: When the state COLA was restored, retirees did not receive that COLA on their pensions.
Recommendation(s): That WEA lobby the legislature to restore any lost COLA to retirees as well as to active members. Any
education employees who retire during a freeze will receive that COLA on their retirement pensions if that COLA is restored. This
would be prorated to the number of years taught during the freeze.
#14 Improving Requirements for an Administrative Certificate FAILED
Background: Many administrators lack the teaching experience to best evaluate and manage teachers. At this time,
only three years of teaching are required for administrative certification.
Recommendation(s): That WEA lobby the
order to quality for an administrative certificate.
#15 Professional Certificate Program PASSED
Background: In order to receive a Professional Certificate, members have two choices: Pro Cert Program or
National Board Certificate.
Recommendation(s): That WEA support a professional certification program that fits the individual need of members.
Residency certificate holders should be able to choose from the following programs to retain their professional certificates:
a master’s degree program, professional certification program, or National Board Certification program.
#16 Annual Recruitment at the
Background: WEA desires to increase members of color involvement and leadership in the Association.
Recommendation(s): That WEA annually set up a recruitment/resource table and/or conduct a workshop session at the
annual statewide Students-of-Color Conference to attract student participants to the education profession.
#17 Bargaining Language Recommendations for Special Education Caseload and Response to Intervention
REFERRED TO APPROPRIATE COMMITTEE
Background: A need exists to update and develop contract language to guide and implement Response to Intervention
and Special Education caseloads at the building and district levels.
Recommendation(s): That WEA develop contract language and guidelines for equitable special education caseload and class size.
That WEA develop contract language and guidelines for implementing Response to Intervention and other federal and state
mandates that impact all classroom teachers and para educators.
#18 Support for Mothers Leading the Way March WITHDRAWN
Background: Health care is critical for all and, with the new state budget, is increasingly unavailable.
Recommendation(s): That WEA support the May 30 Mother’s Leading the Way March in
known through all locals.
#19 A Dedicated Revenue Source for Education WITHDRAWN
Background:
Recommendation(s): That WEA research solutions to establish progressive tax reform and work with community
and broad-based alliances to create a dedicated revenue source for education.
#20 Recognition of a
Background: Dottie Metcalf-Lindenburger, a former science teacher from
will be sent on a space mission in the near future.
Recommendation(s): That WEA plan recognition for teacher astronaut Dottie Metcalf-Lindenburger to take effect prior
to her scheduled space mission. The plan should include, but not be limited to, honoring this former science teacher from
State science teacher in the Teacher-in-Space Program.
#21 Increase Funding for Poorly Funded Districts REFERRED TO APPROPRIATE COMMITTEE
Background:
low free-and-reduced numbers limit access to state and federal grants.
Recommendation(s): That WEA lobby the legislature to identify new criteria beyond the percentage of students qualifying for
free-and reduced lunch, by which districts become eligible for state and federal grants. These criteria would include, but not be
limited to, low district-ending-fund balances, low approved local levy percentages, and low socio-economic data and/or
industrial base.
NEW RESOLUTIONS
#1 English Only PASSED
Background: WHEREAS, “English Only” legislation threatens to marginalize the state’s bilingual populations by removing
bilingual services’ from state services including public education.
Recommendation(s): BE IT RESOLVED that the Washington Education Association opposes federal or state legislation/policy that requires “English Only” education or services.
#2 Promotion of Peace FAILED
Background: WHEREAS, peace allows for more resources to be dedicated to schools and for more focused societal
discussion of what is good for children’s education.
Recommendation(s): BE IT RESOLVED, the Washington Education Association believes in the promotion of peaceful solutions.
The WEA further believes in the active promotion of peace by the
#3 Abusive Conduct in the Work Environment PASSED
Background: WHEREAS, some members do experience workplace bullying and/or abusive behavior in the work environment.
Recommendation(s): NOW, THEREFORE BE IT RESOLVED, that the WEA believes that no educational employee should
experience bullying or abusive conduct in the work environment.
AMENDMENTS TO CONTINUING RESOLUTIONS
E-2 School Counselor Ratios PASSED
Intent: To equalize the Elementary and Secondary Counselor Ratios as currently recommended by the
Counselors’ Professional Organization.
Proposed Recommendation(s):
13. elementary and secondary school counselor ratio of 1:250
14.
E-15 Merit Pay PASSED
Intent: To ensure merit pay is not part of salary determination.
Proposed Recommendation(s): The Washington Education Association opposes merit pay as a basis for
determining salary (increases).
I-11 Promotion of Civil and Human Rights FAILED
Intent: Recent events in
of the human dimensions and ramifications of marriage.
Proposed Recommendation(s): Insert the two new paragraphs between the sixth and seventh paragraphs as shown here:
The Association further believes that the legal rights and responsibilities with regard to medical decisions, taxes, inheritance,
adoption, and immigration of a domestic partnership, a civil union, and/or a marriage belong to all adults regardless of
disability, ethnicity, gender, race, religion, sexual orientation, or socio-economic status.
The Association further supports efforts by its members to reflect upon the hardships and legal uncertainties that occur when
these factors are used to deny two individuals the ability to enter into a legally recognized domestic partnership, civil union or
marriage.
The Association further supports efforts by its members and society at large to engage in thoughtful and respectful conversations
about marriage equality; the beliefs, values, and legal practicalities associated with it; and how it affects many of our members
and students and their respective families, loved ones and friends.
The Association further believes its affiliates need to pursue school activities in recognition… “