Protecting Bargaining
CTA is battling a bad bill that would harm teachers and their students in schools of greatest need. The Assembly is expected soon to take up CTA-opposed SB 1655, by Senate Education Chair Jack Scott (D-Pasadena). The measure wrongly identifies teacher transfer rights as the reason these schools cannot attract and retain enough highly qualified teachers.
SB 1655 would rip out of the collective bargaining law a chapter's right to bargain transfer policies that would help attract and retain teachers. Instead, the bill would
- Bar Decile 1-3 school principals from having to accept any transfer applicant - even if the teacher is fully credentialed and "highly qualified" as defined by the No Child Left Behind Act (NCLB). This provision could actually impede highly qualified teachers from transferring into these schools, where the need for these teachers is so great. For instance, it could allow a principal to bar a teacher who is outspoken about curriculum and other needed changes or who is a union activist. Under SB 1655, the principal is not required to give any reason.
- Prohibit districts and collective bargaining agreements from giving any preference to volunteer transfers - no matter how highly qualified - until after April 15. This provision would also make it more difficult for highly qualified teachers to transfer into these schools of greatest need.
- Require all contracts agreed to after the bill's effective date to include language from the bill spelling out those transfer limitations. This provision would undermine collective bargaining by reducing the scope of negotiations. The bill provides a state answer to a recruitment problem that should be worked out locally.
CTA representatives have been informing members of the Assembly that the real solution to these issues is for districts and chapters to decide collectively on effective strategies to attract highly qualified teachers to these schools of greatest need. More funding is also needed to make Decile 1-3 school attractive places to teach. Improvements are needed in class size, safety, and instructional materials. These schools also need more high quality principals who understand teaching.
CTA Members:
Write or call your state Assembly Member c/o The State Capitol, Sacramento, CA 95814, in opposition to SB 1655 (Scott). Urge your friends and colleagues to call or write letters, too.