Accountability has taken on an increased emphasis in schools across the country as a result of the federal No Child Left Behind (NCLB) Act, which requires that schools show evidence of "adequate yearly progress," known as AYP, for all groups of students. Schools in years past considered to be high achieving may not make AYP if certain subgroups, such as English-language learners or minority groups, are not scoring at proficient levels. Schools that don't make the mark must provide transfer options for their students and provide supplemental services, including tutoring.

NCLB defines national standards for achievement, but it's important to remember that each state designates its own test for measuring achievement. Consequently, some states have higher standards than others. In addition, a number of states have successfully applied for waivers when large numbers of their schools have been considered "in need of improvement."

A study by the Brookings Institute/Greater Ohio Policy Center released in February suggested setting up an independent commission to cut the number of public-school districts by one- third.

But some say the question may not be whether Ohio needs 612 school districts but whether it needs 612 central offices, with separate food service, transportation and supply purchasing.

This is the home page of the Federation's clout!
Please click here for the information, action and influence of the LFT Action Center.

To join the LFT Action Center, just enter your e-mail address and click "join."

On Wednesday, September 8 in the GHS auditorium the GFCCE will host its candidate interviews for this year's school board election.  We are grateful for the four individuals who decided to seek our endorsement.  After all, working with the teachers/classified is a critical component to running an effective school district.

The order of the interviews are as follows:

• 4:00pm Mark Beck
• 4:30pm Angela DaPrato
• 5:00pm Fred Goethel
• 5:30pm Pat Maple

The COPE Committee will administer the interviews and will publish the endorsemen(s) by Friday afternoon. 

We wish these four candidates good luck in their campaigns.

Dear sisters and brothers,
This Labor Day Weekend marks the start of the 2010 election season. Early childhood educators, like other educators, know that their jobs and the children they serve are very closely affected by what happens in Sacramento and in Washington, D.C. That’s why we are taking action to make our voices heard.

Collective Bargaining Agreement Chapter 152

 Chapter 152 Progressive Discipline Manual

The History of Labor Day Labor Day, the first Monday in September, is a creation of the labor movement and is dedicated to the social and economic achievements of American workers. It constitutes a yearly national tribute to the contributions workers have made to the strength, prosperity, and well-being of our country.

Read the full history of Labor Day.

By Robert Reich, Robert Reich's Blog
08 March 2010

Any day now, the Obama administration will announce $4.35 billion in extra federal funds for under-performing public schools. That's fine, but relative to the financial squeeze all the nation's public schools now face it's a cruel joke.