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Town Hall to Support Adult Ed
Come out on Friday, May 18 at 6:30 pm. to the Town Hall to Support Adult Education at the Wilmington Senior Citizen Center, 1371 Eubank Ave., in Wilmington. It's 2 blocks east of Avalon on Pacific Coast Highway. Bring your family and friends and let your voices be heard. We need adult education in Los Angeles.
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Unemployment Workshops at Adult Schools
We arranged for Chapter Chairs to contact the City of L.A.'s Rapid Response team to set up workshops at each school. The Rapid Response team provides Unemployment Benefits info and re-employment resources.
The following schools scheduled workshops (which last approximately 90 minutes), and are open to any teacher who wants to attend. If you're coming from another campus,you might want to double check beforehand in case of any last minute schedule changes.
Hughes Adult Learning Center (5607 Capistrano Ave. Woodland Hills, CA),Wednesday, May 16, 1:00 p.m.
Reseda Adult School (18230 Kittridge Ave. Reseda, CA),Wednesday, May 16, 4:30 p.m.
University High School, (11800 Texas Ave. Los Angeles, CA) Wednesday, May 16, 7:45 p.m.
Banning Adult School (1527 Lakme Ave. Wilmington, CA), Friday, May 18, 3:30 p.m.
Eastside Learning Center (4343 New York Street, Los Angeles, CA) Tuesday, May 22, 1:30 p.m.
Fairfax High School (7850 Melrose Ave. Los Angeles, CA) Friday, May 25, 3:45 p.m.
South Gate CAS (2525 Firestone Blvd., South Gate, CA) Tuesday, May 29, 1:00 p.m. and 7:30 p.m.
North Hollywood CAS (12431 Roscoe Blvd., North Hollywood, CA) Wednesday, May 30, 1:00 p.m.
North Hollywood- Whipple Campus (10852 Whipple St. North Hollywood, CA) Wednesday, May 30, 4:00 p.m.
North Valley OC (11450 Sharp Ave. Mission Hills, CA ) Thursday, May 31, 12:45 p.m and 7:45 p.m.
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FAQ Correction
Disclaimer: The following is general information, the purpose of which is to provide initial guidance only. It should not be interpreted as definitive or accurate in all circumstances and may not be applicable to all individuals in every situation. It is provided for informational purposes only and is not reflective of advice or policies of UTLA or any of its affiliates. Individuals are encouraged to seek out their own guidance and need to be responsible for their own specific circumstances.
The previous version (4/27/12) of the Retirement FAQ contained an error in the answer to Question #5 regarding last day of paid service and potential retirement dates.
If the 4 furlough days hold (and we don't take a fifth furlough day), the dates to resign and retire should have been listed as June 19 and June 20, respectively. Q & A FAQ Revised 5-6-12
However, because of ongoing negotiations, we want to reiterate that the issue of furloughs and final date for paid active service has yet to be determined as of this writing (5/6/12).
As previously stated, we advise that, except in unusual circumstances, teachers wait to file retirement papers until the last date of paid service is determined. Individuals who wish to file their papers now can use the last date of active service with unpaid furloughs, June 25, as date of resignation. However, if individuals use the last date of paid service, either June 18 or 19, they will be eligible for retirement pay for the days between June 18 or 19 and June 26.
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Rally at Venice High School this Saturday
After the great success of the Rally in the Valley, we're following up with another rally to save adult ed, this time on the westside. The Rally to Save Adult Ed is this Saturday, May 5 from 11:00 a.m. - 1:00 p.m. at Venice High School (13000 Venice Blvd, between Beethoven and Walgrove Aves.) Check out the flyer below and let's get the word out. See you on Saturday!
Download:
 save ADULT.doc
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Request Your Longevity Deadline May 1
It's very important this year that you, as a teacher, have an official record of your longevity with LAUSD. Don't rely on your school to have that information. You need to request it in writing to the Division of Adult Education. If you haven't requested your longevity yet, you can print the form below and walk it in to 333 S. Beaudry, 18th Floor because the deadline is this Tuesday, May 1 by 5:00 p.m. The Division does not accept faxes.
Download:
 Longevity+Status+Form.pdf
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Survival Workshop this Saturday
The Adult Committee has organized a Survival Workshop this Saturday, April 28 after the CCAE/DACE Conference from 1:00-2:30 p.m. in the Van Nuys Adult School Auditorium. Van Nuys Adult School is located at 6535 Cedros Avenue in Van Nuys. There will be a panel of experts there including a CalSTRS representative, Ernest Kettenring, CCAE Rep to CalSTRS Advisory Board, Janice Sawyer, LAUSD Health Benefits, LAUSD Human Resources, Adult Ed Human Resources (tentative)
For those not yet able to retire, we have also arranged for representatives from the City of L.A.'s Rapid Response team to have a table at the conference. We will work with the Rapid Response team and each school's chapter chair to set up workshops at each school site that will provide unemployment benefits information, as well as job info, resources for retraining and business opportunities.
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Frequently Asked Questions
The Adult Committee tried to answer all of the questions you had for us at last month's meeting. Our members had many questions about retirement, unemployment and health benefits, and staffing. Please take a look at the list of questions and answers below.
Download:
Q & A for April 20 2012.doc
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Rally in the Valley
We need everyone to come out to the Save Adult Ed Rally in the Valley Friday, April 27 from 2:00 to 4:00 p.m. at the Van Nuys Government Center-6262 Van Nuys Blvd., Van Nuys, CA. Please find a flyer for the Rally below. Tell your students, tell your co-workers. Tell everyone that cares about adult education and let's get out there and keep up the fight!
Download:
new_valley_rally_date_april_27_friday.pdf
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RIF Forms Due April 5
Many LAUSD Adult School Teachers who requested a hearing for their RIF notices, received or will receive this week, an accusation letter from LAUSD.
There are two forms you need to fill out and fax or send on or before April 5.
1. The Notice of Defense form. The form can be found on the final page of the stapled materials sent to you.
Send to: LAUSD Headquarters
Attn: Vivian Ekchian
Chief Human Resources Officer
PO Box 3307
Los Angeles, CA 90051
Fax to: 213-241-8418
http://www.utla.net/system/files/RIF2012_nod.pdf
2. The Consent to Representation form. Fill this out and send to fax to UTLA RIF Department @ 213-487-1262
http://www.utla.net/system/files/RIF2012_legrep.pdf
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Stop the RIFs/Save Adult Ed Rally
Join us on Tuesday, March 13, 1:00 p.m.-5:00 p.m. at LAUSD HQ, 333 S. Beaudry Ave., L.A. 90017
Bring pots, pans and spoons or empty water bottles filled with dried beans. It's time to make some noise!
Come when you can during your break between classes. Wear red shirts and your yellow "Adult Education - Lifelong Learning - Pre-K thru A" button if you have one.
We need to make our voices heard loud and clear during the school board meeting!
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Board Postpones Budget Vote til March 8
The LAUSD Board of Education today voted to postpone any budget decisions until March 8. The Board Members wanted more time to come up with alternatives to cutting Adult Education and Early Childhood Education Centers. However, Board Member Steve Zimmer did say that there would be cuts. There were many speakers there to praise adult education including the mayors of Cudahy, South Gate, and Huntington Park as well as City Council Members Eric Garcetti and Richard Alarcon. Board Members seemed moved by the stories from Adult School students who found success because of Adult Education.
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SaveAdultEd - Phase 2
This week starts Phase Two of our action plan to save the Adult Ed program from its proposed elimination by the Superintendent and the School Board. To send the most powerful message we can, it is imperative that we act in unity. There are two kinds of power: organized money and organized people. We've got the people.
"If many little people, in many little places, do many little deeds, they can change the face of the earth." ~ African proverb
1. Call your school's local state Assemblymember/Senator using our automated call system ~ (323) 929-2529
We're turning our attention now to local state elected officials to help pressure the School Board to save Adult Ed. Call your representative, have students call their representatives, to tell them how important our programs are to the communities he/she represents, and that you would appreciate it if they would let the LAUSD School Board know how important it is to continue the Adult Ed program. When you call the number, like last week, you will be be given prompts to follow to direct you to the appropriate legislator for your school. This information will also be posted on the http://saveadulted.org website.
2. Students and teachers also need to write letters to these same state representatives
The message is the same - tell your elected representative that the LAUSD School Board is possibly eliminating the Adult Education program. You are asking the representative to contact the School Board to ask them to keep our program. Here's a sample template you and your students can use:
3. Ask your community organization, church, neighborhood council, etc. for a letter supporting Adult Education
As with our signs (see banner pix), we want to make our case by showing widespread community support for Adult Education. We have been working on getting letters of support from various officials and organizations in the community (like churches, Neighborhood Councils and political organizations). Please ask your organization to write a letter to the School Board (with a cc to us) in support of Adult Education.
Here's a template to give the organization:
Request for Community Organization Letter of Support
4. Petitions must be dropped in the mail or turned in by Friday, February 3
Students: Turn in petitions to your teacher
Teachers: Turn in your petitiions to your Chapter Chair
Chapter Chairs: Turn in petitions to Matthew Kogan, Julie Carson, Ralph Ortolano or Laura Vasquez (see
http://saveadulted.org website for contact info)
You can also mail petitions by U.S. Mail to: SaveAdultEd, c/o Julie Carson, 10927 Louise Avenue, Granada Hills 91344
If all else fails, please contact Matthew (323) 678-6432 or Julie (818) 642-1802 to make arrangements to get them turned in.
_____________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________
Keep in mind that this is a six month fight for survival. February 14 is not the end of the struggle, but only one milestone along the way. We will not be surprised if the board votes that day to eliminate Adult Ed; however, it's not the end of the story. It's not the end of the school district's budget process. And it's definitely NOT the end of our determined fight to maintain educational programs for the adults in our community. Chins up, heads down, move forward! Stay calm and carry on.
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What You Can Do To Save Adult Ed
1. Download a petition and get your students to sign it. Have their friends sign in. Wherever you can, get signatures. They don't have to be registered voters. See PDF attachments below for English/Spanish, English/Russian, and English/Korean petitions.
DEADLINE: February 3 Give to your chapter chair or send them by US mail to Julie Carson 10927 Louise Ave. Granada Hills, CA 91344.
2. Get "Support Adult Ed" signs in store windows around the community. Ask your chapter chair for signs.
3. Attend the School Board Meeting on Tuesday, February 14 where Superintendent Deasy will be proposing his budget.
3. Call the Board of Education and tell them how much Adult Ed. means to you and the community. Sean Adajian has set up a telephone number that will connect you immediately to the Board member for your school. See attachments below or check out http://SaveAdultEd.org
4. Organize a curbside demonstration at your site in support of Adult Ed.
5. Attend townhall meetings or other venues to get the word out.
6. Contact Elementary VP, Juan Ramirez, about appearing on his radio show to talk about the importance of Adult Ed. He can be emailed at jramirez@utla.net
Download:
support-adult-education-petition-korean.pdf
,
support-adult-education-petition-russian.pdf
,
saveadulted-flyer-community-adult-schools.pdf
,
saveadulted-flyer-occupational-schools.pdf
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New CALSTRS Center in SoCal
The California State Teachers' Retirement Systems is opening a new full-service member center in Glendale. The center is located at 505 N. Brand Blvd., Suite 200, two blocks from Highway 134 and two miles from Interstate 5. The center will provide benefit counseling, workshops, and walk in assistance. It will be open Monday - Friday from 8:00 a.m. - 5:00 p.m.
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LAUSD Doomsday Budget Zeros Out Adult Ed
These are challenging economic times for all teachers, but it can be particularly worrisome to the small groups in UTLA such as adult education, early education, nurses and counselors.
We've received anxious calls from many of you, so this is to let you know what's going on. Your administrators may have shared that the LAUSD 2012-13 budget being presented to the school board on Tuesday, December 13, shows no funding for adult education.
It's part of the normal budget process
The District has a legal obligation to present a balanced budget to the County Office of Education. This is the only the first step of many in the budget process, not the final one, not by a long shot. The Governor and Legislature have yet to figure out California's finances for next year; the district doesn't know what monies it will receive yet; the district and UTLA haven't started negotiating any potential cost saving measures yet (like furlough days or using reserve funds, etc.). So, now, in order to meet their statutory requirement, the District is using smoke and mirrors to present a balanced budget to the County. It's not the first time the CFO has chosen to whack adult ed in her initial budget, and probably not the last either.
It's premature to be reactive
It's early in the budget process; this is a time to wait and gather information. Unfortunately, the exaggerated rumors and "the sky is falling" attitude being spread by DACE only makes the situation more uncomfortable. This attitude of doom and gloom only serves to manipulates teachers' and students' fears, instead of assessing the situation thoughtfully and rationally.
The Adult Ed Committee leadership has spoken to UTLA officers about this. UTLA President Warren Fletcher and Secondary V.P. Gregg Solkovits called this a "fantasy" budget. We're working closely with them; we're communicating with board members and planning appropriate actions as the situation develops (like a more realistic budget). At this time, we're not going to the school board on Tuesday.
It would be unreasonable to say we shouldn't be concerned about possible cuts to Adult Education; however, the reports of our death are not only premature and exaggerated, but highly unlikely. Please consider the source (your administrator gets his/her information from one place and one place only, DACE Executive Director Ed Morris), and PLEASE seek out your union for our perspective and updates.
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Strategic Plan for Adult Ed
The California Department of Education's Adult Education Office has posted the final version of its strategic plan for adult education. While they state it's not open to further revision, a comment period is open until December 16.
The plan is flawed from its inception, because it did not have any input from teacher representatives. Despite input from over 200 stakeholders, the CDE did not request either the California Teachers Association or California Federation of Teachers to select representatives to serve on their panels. (Check the list of participants at the end of the report yourself - not one teacher or teacher organization is listed.)
They had, however, representatives from state administrators organizations, like the Association of California School Administrators (ACSA) and California Adult Education Administrators Association (CAEAA).
Here's what we're asking you do to
-
Click on the link below.
-
In the general comments section, tell the CDE that because no teacher representatives were involved in their process, this plan is one sided, flawed, invalid, unacceptable, illegitimate, or other words that strike your fancy, but mean the same thing.
http://www.otan.us/strategicPlanning/plan.html
Teachers must be part of any planning for the future of the programs and communities we serve. Collaboration is a key ingredient for the success of any plan for adult education in California.
We also believe this report is a continuation of the status quo, and does not move adult education forward. Stopping this self-serving, highly flawed plan is one tangible way you can contribute to protecting the future of adult ed.
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Teacher Evaluation Process
This year, LAUSD is requiring administrators to evaluate all non-tenured teachers. Typically only tenured teachers have been regularly evaluated; however the contract allows them to evaluate all certificated employees. Many DACE administrators have decided to use the Stull evaluation forms that are used to evaluate permanent (tenured) teachers. This should not be a problem. Since this might be new territory for non-tenured teachers, we have developed guidelines (below) for teachers to consider during this process. We also have (below) an example of Initial Planning Sheet for an I.I. Lab class.
Download:
Evaluation guidelines.doc
,
Example of IPS for II Lab.doc
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Adult Ed At Occupy LAUSD
Joining the worldwide Occupy protests against economic and social injustice, UTLA members held their own Occupy LAUSD protests this week. Adult Ed was there in a major way.
Our own Michelle Cohen was, in fact, one of the organizing forces behind this movement. On Tuesday, October 18, Adult Ed teachers showed up and marched from City Hall to LAUSD Headquarters to protest understaffing of schools and the giving away of public schools to charter companies.
After all the protestors went home, Matthew Kogan and Michelle Cohen camped out overnight along with other protestors in front of the LAUSD Headquarters.
On Saturday, October 22, Adult Ed again marched with the California Teachers' Association from the Bonaventure Hotel in downtown L.A. to the LAUSD Headquarters on Beaudry. Check out the news coverage below and see even more pictures in the Photo Gallery in the Main Menu.
http://www.ktla.com/videogallery/65595615/News/KTLA:-Teachers-Fight-For-Education-at-Occupy-LA-Rally---Chris-Wolfe-reports
http://www.atvn.org/news/2011/10/occupy-lausd
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AB 189 Signed Into Law!
Governor Brown signed AB 189 into law this past weekend. The legislation proposed by Assemblymember Mike Eng (D-Monterey Park) requires school districts to provide greater public notice when they are considering cuts to or the elimination of categorical programs, like Adult Education. This legislation is meant to empower parents, students, and community groups to take a greater role in the decision making process. The Adult Committee lobbied hard for this bill. Thank you to all the teachers and students who called, emailed, or wrote in support of this bill.
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2011 UTLA Leadership Conference
UTLA held their annual Leadership Conference from August 19-21 in La Quinta, CA. Adult Ed had a great turn out this year. The event featured speakers such as new UTLA President, Warren Fletcher, Congresswoman Maxine Waters, and LAUSD School Board Members, Bennett Kayser and Marguerite LaMotte. In fact, we were very lucky to have Bennett Kayser and the new CTA President, Dean Vogel, drop by our Adult Ed meeting.
Matthew Kogan, Julie Carson, and Ernest Kettenring discussed our goals and plans for the upcoming year which include electing chapter chairs at adult schools without one, improving communication between chapter chairs and the Adult Committee Leadership, and fighting for Adult Ed issues within UTLA and California. In addition to being informative, we all had a great time out in the desert. Check out the pictures in the Photo Gallery in the Main Menu.
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Furlough Agreement Implementation
Once again this year, LAUSD and UTLA negotiated an agreement for unpaid furloughs. Unlike previous years, however, Adult Ed was explicitly included in the agreement. The money gained through furloughs is to be used to restore positions to Adult Ed teachers who had their assignments reduced or eliminated because of the budget cuts. Unfortunately, DACE has passed out the money to principals without any directive to make sure the money is used to restore those positions reduced or lost. We are fighting back to make sure this money, gained through our sacrifice, goes towards our members who need it most. To find out what you can do if you have lost hours or for more information, see the attached document on furlough implementation.
Download:
Furlough Agreement Implementation 7-21-11(1).pdf
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Unemployment Benefits/Underemployment Resources June 17 Workshop Information
Many people could not attend the Adult Ed Teachers Unemployment Benefits/Underemployment Resources workshop held at UTLA on Friday, June 17. The following is a summary of the information and resources provided at the workshop, as well as other information that we have written ourselves or acquired. There are several "attachments" at the bottom of this article that will provide you with further information. This article is also attached as a pdf.
This is provided as a service to our members in attempt to help us through these difficult times. UTLA is not responsible for the information provided here. If you have any questions or need further information, please contact the people listed.
Unemployment Benefits/Underemployment Resources Workshop
June 17, 2011 at UTLA
Topics covered included:
1) How to file for Unemployment Benefits
2) Starting your own business
3) Supplemental job opportunities
4) Resources for more job info and training
5) Rapid Response Team Workshop Presenter info
6) Financial info: Health insurance, retirement
1) EDD (Employment Development Dept.) on filing for Unemployment Benefits (UI)
Presenter from EDD gave information about filling out the application, but wasn’t
particularly well versed in the nuances of the Adult Ed teacher’s employment
situation. Therefore, we refer you to the handout written by Ernest Kettenring,
which has been revised (minor changes) from the one handed out at the workshop
Friday (see below).
You can file for unemployment benefits on-line at www.edd.ca.gov/eapply4ui
24 hrs. a day. You may also file by phone at: (800) 300-5616
For more information, including frequently asked questions such as: General UI
information, the best time to call EDD, the status of your UI check, go to:
www.edd.ca.gov
We are also posting a Power Point presentation in pdf format made for part-time community college
instructors on how they should file for unemployment benefits (this was not avail-
able at the Friday 6/17 workshop). Their circumstances are almost identical to ours:
wherever you read “community college instructor”, substitute “adult ed instructor”.
This should give you more guidance about how to file for UI.
2) If you have thought about starting your own business, now might be the time; here’s the contact info for the presenter at Friday’s workshop: Kimberly Rolfe, Financial & Entrepreneur Empowerment, Workshops & Resources, (323 ) 384-7784. Email: kimberly@krfs.org
3) For connections to jobs in the educational field, help with resume writing, job clubs and other job training resources, contact Tony Jaramillo, Senior Project Coordinator, Job Training for L.A. Valley College, (818) 947-2941. Email: jaramiaj@lavc.edu Here are a couple of upcoming events and trainings you might want to take advantage of:
a. Job Fair, Tuesday, June 28, 10:00 a.m.-1:00 p.m., Room 281, L.A. County Office of Education, 9300 Imperial Highway, Downey 90242. Free parking; must bring photo ID and 15 copies of your resume). Jobs available throughout L.A. County; bring your passion for sports, arts, music, clubs and youth tutoring. Jobs require background check, TB test, 18 yrs +
b. Job Club, June 24, L.A. Valley College Cafeteria, 5800 Fulton Avenue, Valley Glen 91401, Park in LOT B. 9:00 a.m. This is a golden opportunity for job seekers to network in person with employers and others; peruse over 300 job leads; refine job search techniques; meet with professional job counselors; workforce readiness workshops. Bring your resume – they will help you fine-tune it. The job club meets on the last Friday of each month on the L.A. Valley College campus. (818) 947-2941. Website: www.lavc.edu/jobtraining/jobclub.html
c. Workforce Readiness Skills Certificate of Completion: Combining education and workplace skills to maximize career advancement. Topics covered include: Time management, effective communication, methods to achieve workplace goals, getting hired, maintaining employment, interview preparation. NO COST. Register with Devon Werble (818) 947-2941. Email: werbledm@lavc.edu
4) City of L.A. WorkSource Centers: There are about 50 WorkSource Centers around the Southland whose purpose is to connect workers and employers. They have job listings and networking opportunities, provide access to job boards, websites and databases; they assist with filing for Unemployment Insurance; career counseling; education and job training; resume and interview skills. To find a WorkSource Center online go to: www.lacity.org/wib
5) The City of L.A.’s Rapid Response Team presenter and coordinator of this workshop was Elvia Magallon. She handed out a packet entitled “Rapid Response Career Transition Services” from WorkSource that included a sample unemployment benefits application along with other information. Her phone number is: (213) 744-7170. Email is elvia.magallon@lacity.org
6) John Stokes Financial: This presenter gave information about what your options are if you lose your health insurance (like COBRA and gap insurance), as well as what you could do with your retirement accounts (whether STRS or private). Website: http://www.johnstokesfinancial.com Email: john@johnstokesfinancial.com Phone: (949) 477-1245
Please also note that we have a handout on our website (www.aeutla.net) (below) about how to maintain your health benefits with LAUSD if you’re laid off.
Download:
Unemployment Benefits - CC Presentation.pdf
,
Unemployment Benefits-Underemployment Resources Workshop Info 6-17-11.pdf
,
How Do I Maintain My Health Benefits-6-2011.doc
,
Unemployment Benefits Eligibility 6-19-11.doc
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