Monthly Archives: January 2012

A recent Texas AFT survey of public school superintendents from 241 districts found that state budget cuts of $5.4 billion are having a significant impact on classroom instruction, teacher morale and help for struggling students. How have the budget cuts … Continue reading →

A recent Texas AFT survey of public school superintendents from 241 districts found that state budget cuts of $5.4 billion are having a significant impact on classroom instruction, teacher morale and help for struggling students. “Students are not being sheltered … Continue reading →

Do you think teachers should have to do additional duties to increase student attendance? Click here to comment on our Facebook page.

Recently, there has been some confusion between learning/data walks and walk-throughs. Learning/Data Walk — Can be as brief as 2-3 minutes or longer if necessary. The focus of these is professional growth and development, rather than evaluation. Feedback is provided … Continue reading →

The San Antonio Alliance will be holding a Know Your Rights workshop on two separate day to educate employees on their rights in the district. Who: SAISD Employees What: Know Your Rights Workshop Where: Alliance Office (120 Adams Street, 78210) When: … Continue reading →

Here in Texas we’re already seeing the beginnings of a new attack on retirement security for school employees and other state and local public employees in the 2013 legislative session. (See the October 31, 2011, Hotline:  http://texasaftblog.com/hotline/?p=1382.) The same sort … Continue reading →

The Winter 2011-2012 edition of American Educator (http://www.aft.org/newspubs/periodicals/ae/index.cfm), professional magazine of the American Federation of Teachers, offers some clarifying commentaries on what is going awry these days in educational policy and politics. Everyone involved in public education should read “The … Continue reading →

Today’s hearing of the Texas House Public Education Committee showcased a rising tide of discontent in Texas with standardized testing. The message came from parents, teachers, principals, superintendents—all agreed something is badly awry. And their critique of standardized testing was … Continue reading →

Earlier this school year, the Alliance filed a group grievance on behalf of Pre-K and Head Start teachers and assistants.  Over 150 teachers and assistants signed onto the grievance.  The grievance was heard at level one on November 15, 2011, … Continue reading →