October 1, 2009 Consultation Agenda

HOUSTON FEDERATION OF TEACHERS

Please include the following to the October 1, 2009 Instructional Consultation agenda:

1. H1N1 Vaccinations

We are still waiting for the district plans regarding H1N1 vaccinations. An informal poll of our nurses indicates that they are universally opposed to being forced to vaccinate employees and students.

2. Jury Duty leave

Has there been any change in the jury duty leave policy?

3. Core Works

There needs to be a clarification. This program is in direct violation of TEC 11.164. Teachers are being reprimanded for not logging on to the system and making their entries. We are getting complaints from the north and the east regions. We also have a complaint from a teacher who was given incomplete information regarding requirements for a training session and was treated rudely by the trainer.

4. What is a teacher to do?

We need a policy clarification. When a child (usually elementary) runs out of class without permission, and sometimes out of the building, what is the teacher to do? In the South Region we have had two teachers written up for not leaving their classes unattended and chasing after the children. If they did leave the class and actually catch the child are they supposed to physically drag the child back? In each case the teacher did not chase the child but instead called the office only to be told they should have stopped the child? How? Will HISD indemnify them if they grab the children to stop them from leaving the classroom?

5. Grading policy

Part 3 of the new grading policy states “A student shall be allowed a reasonable opportunity to make up or redo a class assignment or examination for which the student received a failing grade.”

Failing has long been defined in state law as any grade below 70%. We have at least one complaint from Westside High School where the principal is requiring retakes for any grade less than 80%. Why can’t very simple policy language be followed?

6. Lesson Plans

We continue to get complaints regarding violations of TEC 11.164 regarding lesson plans. The following is part of a complaint from Ortiz MS:

Not only do we have to submit detailed lesson plans, but we have to send a ROUGH DRAFT on Wednesday. When the instructional coordinator reads them, she makes recommendations to change them. We are spending way too much time on these frivolities. Finally on Friday the plan is e-mailed to 3 more people (they may want changes too). We are planning on Monday; cluster meeting on Tuesday, tutoring on Wednesday, grade level meeting on Thursday and faculty meeting on Friday. When do we have time to make all these plans? Oh, we no longer say the pledge or get a moment of silence. It is work, work, work, HELP!

What is wrong with your principals? Why don’t they get it?