Now that the coronavirus has been deemed a pandemic by the World Health Organization (WHO), just what does that mean? The Mayo Clinic says, “A pandemic refers to a global epidemic — one that has spread over several countries or continents affecting a large number of people…A pandemic is when there is an outbreak that affects most of the world.” Declaring a pandemic has nothing to do with
Developments of the COVID-19 virus seem to be escalating and morphing by the second. Superintendent Austin Beutner sent a video (click video) on Monday, March 2, 2020, in which he states, “…there are no reported cases in the Los Angeles area.” Since then, six new
The composition of the LAUSD Board of Education is of great importance for the students and families we serve. On a similar note, it is ultimately the Board of Education that ratifies salary increases, healthcare, and improved working conditions. Bargaining is by no means an easy task, even when the Board is perceived to be friendly to labor. Recent history clearly shows what happens when an antilabor Board has four votes. An antilabor Board makes it nearly impossible to achieve what our members deserve.
Elections for positions on the LAUSD Board of Education in recent years have become nationally known for exorbitant spending and negative campaigning.
As working conditions continue deteriorating and the voices in the field calling for relief are falling on the District’s deaf ears, some members are reluctantly exploring the only viable alternative, which is to retire. This is a regrettable strategy because of the years of institutional knowledge that will potentially “leave the building.” Could it be that the reason that working conditions are in such dire straits now is due to the brain drain and loss of historical memory that LAUSD is currently experiencing with the departure of so many key leaders in the last few years?
If you are contemplating hanging it up,
AALA,
I want to take a moment to thank the association for the support, leadership, and candor. I am proud our association understands the work we are doing to better the lives of the students we serve despite the awful conditions we experience daily. The truthfulness expressed in Update needs to be taken seriously by the senior leadership and the Board of Education. No one is afraid of working hard and going above and beyond the call of duty. However, this is not presently the case. We are working in an environment of fear and retaliation with a mandate to deliver results. However, there is no clear
Congratulations to the thirty-six LAUSD elementary/span schools that are among the 324 schools honored as 2020 California Distinguished Schools, sponsored by the California Department of Education. Schools are selected based on having outstanding education programs and practices in two categories: (1) closing the achievement gap and (2) exceptional student performance. The determination is made by
As LAUSD embarks on yet another “restructuring” that is not really being called a restructuring (if it is not a restructuring, then why are AALA members in local districts being required to reapply?), AALA implores the District’s leadership to recognize the veracity and
I am ashamed to say I did not have the professional courage to sign my name to a letter I wrote to Dr. Judith Perez, AALA President, on or about December of 2011.
I knew in my gut, publishing the letter with attribution would end my career as a Temporary Adviser. And what happened next, completely confirmed my worst
Welcome back, AALA members! May the new year bring you happiness, peace, and prosperity filled with new goals, new endeavors, and new achievements in your lives. Wishing you a joyous 2020!
Whether you enjoyed the full three-week vacation or a limited version, we hope that you had time to rest, relax, and rejuvenate. As we begin not only a new year, but a new decade, we must look forward with optimism and hope for all of us, individually and collectively. Despite the political chaos and national and international turmoil facing the country, the dawning of this new year signals an opportunity to improve our circumstances. High on the list of resolutions for educators should be improving their health, reducing stress, and actually leaving the job at the work site at the end of the day. We urge you to incorporate these resolutions into your daily routine.
The new year brings some decisions that need to be made
In a unanimous vote, the LAUSD Board of Education recently called for a thorough examination of gender equity in the District’s hiring and compensation practices. (Click HERE to see the resolution.) Ironically, the District seems to have a historical malady with gender equity probably since its inception. On July 31, 1980, the Los Angeles Times published a page one article entitled “Women to Fill Half of L.A. School Administrative Jobs – More School Jobs Go to Women.” The article is a fascinating read memorializing
AALA’s Representative Assembly met on Monday, December 2, 2019, to discuss overall items of interest to the association and to make two key decisions. The first decision affects the composition of the association’s executive board and triggers a change of the association’s constitution.
The good news is
Dear Los Angeles Unified School District:
I want to be positive and thankful for how AALA members are valued and treated by the District. However, this year more than ever, the number of administrators with medical ailments, more than likely onset by the stressors imposed on frontline managers, is worrisome and disheartening.
Just this week, I took a call from one of our most respected members. Towards the end of the call, I asked, “How is your health?” I was floored when
It may be a little known fact that AALA has a constitution and bylaws (click here: Constitution and Bylaws). The association’s constitution has been around for over three decades, with a few revisions along the way. The constitution was last revised in April 2012 to include the incorporation of Unit J, our classified
Thanksgiving Day and all that it represents for the country is approaching fast. With this in mind, it is important to be thankful for the many opportunities our educational system provides. Granted, the past few years in LAUSD have been tumultuous and rife with changes. However, the District has continued to provide what some call Statue of Liberty schools, serving all students regardless of gender, ethnicity, race, religion, disability, or economic background.
In the spirit of the season,
AALA is cautiously optimistic Superintendent Beutner and the Board of Education will once and for all solve the plight of the Assistant Principal, Elementary Instructional Specialist. The AP,EIS position, in its inception, was a successful pipeline and bench leading to principal positions. Just ask around. Some of the most effective principals, directors, and senior leaders began their careers as a FULL-TIME AP,EIS assigned to ONE school who supported the principal with meeting the needs of special education students and the school’s daily operations. Then the
More and more members are calling and emailing expressing concerns regarding the many meetings and unrealistic expectations being thrown their way. This top-down autocratic leadership style is affecting all frontline managers, whether in schools, the central office, or Local Districts.
Administrators cannot focus on improving teaching and learning when they:
The churn at the top echelons of the District’s leadership has eroded the confidence of the organization at all levels it seems. No one knows this more than AALA’s frontline managers. Here is some triangulation of the data:
If you are surprised to be getting today’s newsletter because you normally do not receive it, more than likely, you are a free rider. Normally, only AALA members in good standing receive the weekly Update. A member in good standing supports the association by contributing $40.84 a month in dues to support collective bargaining, representing members in conferences and investigations, and in disciplinary and dismissal cases, among other actions.
As a result of the Janus v. AFSCME Supreme Court decision on June 27, 2018, free riders are those
Each October, National Principals Month recognizes the essential role that principals play in making schools successful. They set the academic tone for their schools, and it is their vision, dedication, and determination that provide the mobilizing force in student achievement. The U.S. Senate and House of Representatives officially recognize October as National Principals Month and many national organizations, including National Association of Secondary School Principals, National Association of Elementary School Principals, and American Federation of School Administrators, as well as, ACSA and AALA, honor these unsung heroes during the month for their tireless efforts in pursuit of excellence in education.