Each year, the NEA Urban Grants Program opens a competition to local associations with 500 or more members that emphasizes cooperation, collaboration and community.

As many as 25 grants worth up to $5,000 a year are awarded by a committee made up of local association leaders. This year, 33 applications were received and 25 were granted. Four of those were in the Midwest region and two in Illinois.

Those winners were:

• The District Education Association in Palatine to Krissi Griffin, Michelle Garza and Janine Vaughan, the project coordinators and Eydie Cohen, the local president.

With their project, the members of the association and Arlington Heights School District #59 will work together to provide the tools and materials that families need to support their students’ literacy development. The goal is to foster a love of reading, writing and promoting academic success in general.

• Maine Township District 207 West in Des Plaines to Claudia C. Rueda-Alvarez, project coordinator, and Emma Visee, president of the local.

This project will be an effort to improve student achievement among Latino students. It’s hoped it will decrease the dropout rate by motivating and encouraging them to remain in school. The Latino Summit, which has a proven success record, will provide the opportunity for students to meet successful Latino professionals, current Latino college students and college representatives.

School district wants line of credit to make up for late state payments
Springfield State Journal – $28 million from the state on Friday, and we need a line of credit just to cover that day,” Sherman said. Also at Monday’s meeting, the board will hear how much proposed reforms to teacher pensions could cost the district if it’s forced to take over the burden of paying for them. Board members have been told the district could have to cough up as much as $21 million  

Shifting pension burden could costs District 186 $7 million
Springfield State Journal Register – Shifting pension burden could costs District 186 $7 million  -  The Springfield School …7 million in annual payments if the state defers the costs of teacher pensions.  

Knoxville school district says no to federal Race to Top funds
Galesburg Register Mail – fear that the required guidelines would confine teachers to using specific programs not necessarily best for students. The U.S. Department of Education awarded Illinois $42.8 million through its Race to the Top program, which is aimed at improving student scores. Half of the money will be given to the Illinois State Board of Education to fund its programs while half will be given 

Litchfield Board Faces Tough Budget Issues
Hillsboro Journal News – …on the expenses side, including a new teachers contract with the Litchfield Education Association (LEA) next fall.The board will be looking at several retirements this …teacher Lynne Taylor, who was just elected as president of the Litchfield Education Association 

State Supreme Court sides with CPS on teacher layoffs
Chicago Tribune – Illinois’ Supreme Court sided with Chicago Public Schools on Friday in a protracted legal battle with the Chicago teachers Union over the fate of hundreds of teachers laid off in 2010. The state’s high court determined 5-2 that, unlike other school districts throughout Illinois, Chicago’s public school system 

Court: Chicago teachers don’t have rehire rights
Chicago Defender – The Illinois Supreme Court has ruled that laid-off tenured teachers in Chicago do not have a right to be rehired later. The 5-2 ruling Friday came after budget cuts in 2010 forced the city to lay off nearly 1,300 teachers. 

100 activists stage sit-in at Chicago school
WAND (NBC) 17 Decatur – As of late Saturday morning, police say about 70 people remained camped outside and 15 others were holed up inside the school. Protesters are demanding a meeting with Mayor Rahm Emanuel and Chicago school board members. 

Parents occupy Humboldt Park School
CLTV-Chicago – Brian Piccolo has been on academic probation for the past five years but the protesters say a turnaround is not the answer. The protestors say they want to meet with the mayor and school board members to discuss other options. The protesters set up tents Friday evening and say they will occupy the school until either Mayor Emanuel or five members of the school board

Political News 

Analysis: Quinn faces big questions on state budget   Gov. Pat Quinn is about to deliver his fourth and perhaps most anticipated budget proposal. He already has cut spending and raised taxes, yet Illinois remains in dire financial shape, in large part because of ballooning health and pension costs. 

5 questions for Quinn on next budget
Chicago Sun Times – in dire financial shape, in large part because of ballooning health and pension costs. When Quinn delivers his speech Wednesday, he’ll face big questions. … 

Quinn: Cut state budget 9 percent, but spare education, health care, police
Chicago Sun Times – It’s gonna be tough love in the state budget. Sneed has learned Gov. Pat Quinn asked all constitutional officers and a majority of state agencies to cut their budgets by at least 9 percent this year, but has spared education, health care and state police.

Finke: Quinn readies big budget reveal
Peoria Journal Star – …collections the state expects next year will be needed just to pay pension costs. It also says that about; $8 billion in unpaid bills …already know Quinn is flirting with an idea to move some downstate teacher pension costs to local school districts and away from the state.

Quinn Seeks To Invest $50 Million In State Scholarship Program
Chicago WBBM 780 Radio – Quinn Seeks To Invest $50 Million In State Scholarship Program

Quinn: Bring state spending to 2008 levels
WBEZ 91.5 (Chicago) – …pensions and Medicaid funding could be on the chopping block when Illinois governor …by nine percent. And hes suggested Illinois workers, including downstate and suburban teachers and university employees, may have to pay more into their retirement accounts to ease the states massive pension burden.

Illinois school officials concerned about talk of shifting pension costs
Quincy Herald-Whig – Quinn has proposed that pension contributions that have been covered by the state for decades now be passed off to the institutions that employ teachers or other staff covered by state pension systems. “About 22 percent of the state pension payments is for state employees.

Illinois Chamber president gives Quinn C, C+ on jobs
Peoria Journal Star – Illinois Chamber president gives Quinn C, C+ on jobs

Gov. Quinn responds to C grade
WREX (NBC) 13 Rockford – Governor Pat …Quinn was given a C grade on jobs Monday. Illinois Chamber of Commerce President Doug Whitley gave the governor a C grade on his job-creation policies. Whitley then praised Quinn for renewing focus on international trade, but says the …governor has not done enough to curb state spending.

State Senate: Rep, incumbent differ on pension reforms
Chicago Sun-Times – Ramey has taken $31500 from the political action committee of the Illinois Education Association, which has fought pension givebacks that he calls …

State Senate: 22nd District Sen. Mike Noland can’t quite shake …
Chicago Sun-Times – But a reason he remains viable in this race is his newfound backing from the powerful Illinois Education Association, which means union volunteers, …

Quinn not so mighty when it comes to appointments
Springfield State Journal Register – Gov. Pat Quinn has made more than 1,800 mostly – non-controversial appointments since taking office in 2009, but divisive nominations to high-profile posts, including the most senior-level positions in his cabin

Sheila Simon’s office says she’ll cut budget by 9.4%
Rockford Register Star – is considering similar cuts suggested by the governor, his spokesman said. The governor’s office confirmed Saturday that Gov. Pat Quinn has asked the state’s constitutional offices to consider cutting their budgets by at least 9 percent. Quinn is expected to detail his budget plan Wednesday.

Rutherford: State needs to improve closure process
Southern Illinoisan – Illinois should adopt a long-term planning process to determine whether prisons, mental health facilities and other large institutions should be shuttered or improved, says a top Illinois Republican. Just days before Gov. Pat Quinn is expected to announce a slew of more facility closures as part of a budget-cutting proposal,

National News

Is pro-teacher school reform possible in this country?
Chicago Tribune – The White House could use a little help from Aretha Franklin to boost its new education initiative. The $5 billion plan aims to elevate the status of America’s teachers, and is dubbed RESPECT — although inspiring that particular sentiment may be wishful thinking. The name is an acronym for Recognizing Educational Success, Professional Excellence and Collaborative Teaching. Doesn’t exactly roll off the tongue.

Scott Walker, Targeted For A Recall, Which Heartland Institute Aims To Fight, Documents Show
City Best Chicago – Recently leaked documents show that a Chicago-based conservative think tank plans to spend money on an issue-advocacy campaign timed to influence a potential recall election of Wisconsin Gov. Scott Walker, a Republican, which could happen as early as April. The proposed campaign highlights the invisible hand that nonprofits, shielded from disclosure laws, can wield in electoral politics.

Do unions have too much power?   While there is more than enough blame to go around, one of the factors that must be considered is our nation’s unions. In the national interest, here is a question that I would like for you to ponder with me for a few minutes: Do unions have too much power? From my perspective, the answer to this question is both “yes” and “no.” If you are a member of a union and, over time, your union leaders have been able to negotiate you a higher salary, fringe benefits and a better work environment, the answer is “no.”

Guest Column: Quality education more than adopting latest gimmick
Rockford Register Star –  but only if the ideas are researched and planned by teachers first. Depth of programming and a blind faith in technology often backfire on schools if they are introduced by school boards and administrations that press to upgrade first and ask questions later. I think W. Edwards Deming, journalist and former Marine, said it best, “Quality is never an accident;   

TIME.com’s Top Stories

Vatican Confidential: Why Are So Many Rumors Coming out of the Holy See?

Even as Pope Benedict XVI prepares to elevate more than a score of prelates into the College of Cardinals, the church’s bureaucracy seems to be in disarray

FBI Arrests Terror Suspect, Says Man Was Targeting U.S. Capitol

A 29-year-old Moroccan man was arrested Friday in an FBI sting operation near the U.S. Capitol while planning to detonate what police said he thought were live explosives

The Misplaced Criticism of Rick Santorum’s Tax Returns

Santorum is the third of the four remaining Republican presidential candidates to unveil a peek into his family’s finances

Under the Cowboy Hat: Foster Friess, Santorum’s Controversial Benefactor

For the past several weeks, few people have been enjoying the Republican presidential campaign quite as much as Foster Friess.

The Mess in Angela Merkel’s Own Backyard: Who Will Be Her Third President?

The ceremonial post of President of Germany has been tainted by allegations of financial impropriety. Now, the Chancellor has to find yet another person to fill the job

TIME’s Best Pictures of the Week, February 10–17

From freezing conditions across Europe to New York City’s Westminster Dog Show, TIME’s photo department presents the most compelling images of the week.

Nigeria’s Abandoned Youth: Are They Potential Recruits for Militants?

There are millions of boys sent off to ramshackle Islamic schools by impoverished parents. Now, the government is worried that Boko Haram may have them in its sights

Are We Already Planting the Seeds of the Next Financial Crisis?

The wreckage of the housing bubble and the banking crisis haven’t yet been cleared away completely, but already there are hints of renewed speculation

Media’s Gender Gap: Where My Girls At?

The representation of women in U.S. newsrooms is weak.

In Turns Poignant and Rousing, Friends Celebrate Whitney Houston

Whitney Houston’s beloved family and friends have descended on her hometown of Newark, N.J. for the pop singer’s private funeral.

The Michigan GOP Primary: Where All Politics Is National

The nationalization of our politics was one of the major stories of the 2010 midterms, when political experience became a liability and races boiled down to which candidate could claim the outsider’s mantle. So it is again this year

A Salute to John Glenn — 50 Years Later

Why a very short space flight still matters today

Storm Clouds over News Corp., but Murdoch Declares the Sun Will Shine Every Day

The World’s Largest University Struggles to Educate Millions of New Students

In less than 10 years, the number of college goers in India is expected to increase to 40 million. Can the nation’s universities keep up with the demand for a more educated workforce?

A Hunger Striker at Death’s Door Turns Up the Heat on Israel — and on the Palestinian Leadership

“The West Bank’s Bobby Sands” is how some in the British media have begun referring to Khader Adnan, as the 33-year-old Palestinian detainee marks Monday as his 65th day of refusing food from his Israeli gaolers

Santorum’s Big Bet: Will Tough Talk on Social Issues Propel Him Into the Lead?

To position himself as a credible threat to Barack Obama, Santorum had use the spotlight afforded by his three-state sweep on two weeks ago to demonstrate the breadth of his appeal

Take Two: Can a Second Bailout Actually Save Greece?

Tough-Talking McCain Has Soothing Words on Egypt’s NGO Crackdown

U.S. Senator seeks to calm rising tensions over the fate of 16 Americans facing trial in Cairo for their democracy-promotion efforts

Jerry Brown’s Risky Crusade: How to Raise Taxes in California

In a campaign that may influence the policies of other states (and even the federal government), the three-time governor is heading down a hazardous political path

LinkedIn’s Reid Hoffman: How to Build Your Career in a Network Economy

The Washington Post

Gingrich archives show his public praise, private criticism of Reagan

In an unnoticed 1992 speech, Newt Gingrich in a single utterance took aim not only at a beloved conservative icon but also at a core tenet of the conservative movement: that government must be limited.

Read full article >>
(Jerry Markon)

GOP presidential candidates bring Founding Fathers back into political spotlight

The Republican presidential campaign is breathing new life into the Founding Fathers.

Read full article >>
(Steven Mufson)

Returning military members allege job discrimination — by federal government

Every year, more than a thousand National Guard, reserve and active-duty troops coming back from Iraq, Afghanistan or other military duties complain of being denied jobs or otherwise being penalized by employers because of their military obligations.

Read full article >>
(Steve Vogel)

Editorial Board: Las Vegas on the Potomac

THE PROPOSAL to build a $1 billion casino barely a mile south of the District in Prince George’s County — a project tantamount to Las Vegas on the Potomac — is a grandiose grab for easy money. It is the latest symptom of gaming fever gone wild in Maryland, which, having trumpeted the supposed benefits of slot machine parlors only to discover they were badly hyped, is now flirting with the idea of doubling down with a headlong rush into the casino business. It shouldn’t.

Read full article >>
(Editorial Board)

European leaders meet Monday on Greece bailout; public tiring of austerity measures

ATHENS — European leaders gather Monday to decide whether to give Greece a bailout to save it from bankruptcy, but they face a growing problem: a fed-up Greek public that is questioning the strings attached to the aid.

Read full article >>
(Michael Birnbaum)

Word of the Day for Tuesday, February 21, 2012

bespeak \bih-SPEEK\, verb:

1. To show; indicate.
2. To ask for in advance.
3. To reserve beforehand; engage in advance; make arrangements for.
4. Literary. To speak to; address.
5. Obsolete. To foretell; forebode.

Hilton Chicago
720 S. Michigan Avenue
Chicago, IL 60605

March 15 – March 17, 2012

Guestroom rates:

$179.00 – Single occupancy (1 bathroom)
$189.00 – Double occupancy (1 bathroom)
$214.00 – Triple occupancy (1 bathroom)
$239.00 – Quad occupancy (1 bathroom)

Additional packages and promotions are available at an additional cost.  The above rates do not include any applicable taxes –16.4% beginning in January.

Guestroom internet access will be complimentary for all attendees.

Reservations

Reservation cutoff date is Tuesday, February 21, 2012

Online: Make your online reservations

Phone: 1-877-865-5320
Identify that you are with the Illinois Education Association

Group Name:  Illinois Education Association
Group Code:  NEA
Check-in: Wednesday, March 14, 2012
Check-out: Saturday, March 17, 2012
Hotel Name: Hilton Chicago
Hotel Address:  720 South Michigan Avenue, Chicago, Illinois, 60605
Phone Number: 312-663-6514 (For post-reservation issues)

Delegates must provide a first night’s deposit, refundable up to 72 hours in advance of the arrival date.  Checks and major credit cards are acceptable to establish deposit prepayment.  All credit cards used to prepay will be charged immediately.

Restaurants:

Hilton Chicago area restaurants - download this list of restaurants that are in a close vicinity to the Hilton.

Parking/Transportation:

Self parking at the Hilton is $29.00 per day (this rate does not apply to Valet Parking).

Don’t want to hassle with driving or parking?  Take Metra (commuter rail)

Amtrak offers a 10% “IEA convention” discount off the best available rail fare to (Chicago, IL) between (March 11, 2012 – March 21, 2012).  To book your reservation call Amtrak at 1 (800) 872-7245 or contact your local travel agent.

Convention discounts cannot be booked via Internet.  Please be sure to refer to Convention Fare Code X61I-938 when making your reservation.  This offer is not valid on the Auto Train and Acela Service.  Fare is valid on Amtrak Regional for all departures seven days a week, except for holiday blackouts.  Offer valid with Sleepers, Business Class or First Class seats with payment of the full applicable accommodation charges

We invite all of you to come, learn, and enjoy the 15th annual conference, Friday, April 27 - Saturday, April 28, 2012 at the Doubletree Oak Brook.

Newly and nearly-retired members are especially encouraged to attend this conference to discover how informative and enjoyable the IEA Retired Conference is.

View the agenda | Register now!

When:
Friday, April 27, 2012 11:30 AM – Saturday, April 28, 2012 3:15 PM

Where:
Doubletree Oak Brook
1909 Spring Rd.
Oak Brook, IL 60523

Fees:
Conference Registration $25.00

Registration:

• Register for the IEA Retired Conference

Questions?

This change would return the regulations to original language that ensures students receive a full and comprehensive assessment by a highly qualified, certified school nurse who has had educational preparation to conduct this assessment. We all want to ensure that our students are evaluated by appropriately credentialed individuals.

Here is a fact sheet on the issue.

How can you help support this? Between Feb. 10 and March 26,there are two ways to send your comments supporting the changes that a full and comprehensive assessment will be done by a highly qualified, educated and certified school nurse.

1.  You can send an e-mail of support for the proposed changes to 23 Illinois Administrative Code 226.840 to the Illinois State Board of Education.
2. You can write to: Shelly Helton, Agency Rules Coordinator, Illinois State Board of Education, S-493, 100 North First Street, Springfield, Il 62777-0001. Here is a sample letter, if you’d like to use it.

IEA’s Director of Government Relations has the latest on the 2012 Illinois General Assembly, who will likely tackle public pensions during the next few months. Jim Reed is urging IEA members to lobby lawmakers in their home districts via the IEA’s Back Home Lobby Days initiative.

The key dates lawmakers should be available in their home districts include: Feb. 13-17, March 12-16, April 2-6 and 9-13.

Click here for more information on Back Home Lobbying.

Order your 2012 scholarship shirt for the RA

Please help fund IEA scholarships with the purchase of a 2012 scholarship shirt. Choose from a T-shirt, polo, crew neck sweatshirt or hoodie. Download the order form here.

Half of the profits from your purchase will support a scholarship offered by Region 1. The other half of the profits will go to support the IEA-NEA Education Grant program.

Those attending the RA, please wear your shirt on Saturday at the IEA RA to show your support of public education.

Those not attending the RA, please check with your region chair to see if they would be willing to bring your shirt to you.

NBPTS candidate fee subsidy opens Feb. 15

The National Board Resource Center at Illinois State University has announced the window for the National Board for Professional Teaching Standards candidate fee subsidy will open Feb. 15, for 500 first time candidates. Click here for more information on the ISU website.

Let your imagination soar with The Lorax and Read Across America

NEA’s Read Across America campaign will showcase the Lorax book as well as NBC/Universal’s The Lorax (featuring the voices of Taylor Swift, Zach Efron, Danny Devito and Betty White). The film opens nationwide March 2, and Universal, Dr. Seuss Enterprises and Random House have joined NEA’s Read Across America, creating new posters and classroom guides for the campaign.

Let us be part of your plans by contacting IEA Listens. It’s not too early to begin the Seussational celebration!

NEA Member Benefits has a $50 offer for you
Save money and earn cash rewards on all purchases, including NEA Click & Save! Apply now for the NEA Cash Rewards Card and receive $50 in statement credits, three times cash back on qualifying purchases and 1 percent cash back on all other purchases. Click here to find out more.

You could win tickets to see the Chicago Symphony     

Send us an email message with “Symphony” in the subject line and you’ll be entered to win two tickets to the April 5 performance at the Symphony Center.

Tickets will be awarded Feb. 28.

The IEA Store is back, featuring your old favorites, new items and a new way to order!

With IEA Store items, you can:

• Show your pride in being a member of the Illinois Education Association-NEA;
• Provide incentive gifts for meeting attendance;
• Thank your members who volunteer;
• And more…

All with items available to you, at cost, featuring the IEA logo.

Download the Committee appointment procedure letter and form

Recommendations are due  no later than March 15, 2012.

Please wear your shirt on Saturday at the IEA RA to show your support of public education.

Download:

2012 IEA Scholarship Shirts Order Form

The Administration endorsed plans by Colorado, Florida, Georgia, Indiana, Kentucky, Massachusetts, Minnesota, New Jersey, Oklahoma and Tennessee. New Mexico’s application has not yet been approved.

“We’re encouraged by President Obama’s and Secretary Duncan’s efforts to provide NCLB waivers for relief,” said NEA President Dennis Van Roekel.  “These states have committed to working with teachers, parents, and other community stakeholders to implement changes designed to better support students. Our members look forward to being part of a true partnership with school and community leaders to think creatively about how to help all students thrive with this new flexibility.”

“But this is only a stopgap measure. We will continue to work with Congress on a comprehensive bill that works for students and reflects the important federal role of ensuring equity while working with states and local school districts to support the public education system,” said Van Roekel. “Any ESEA reauthorization bill must ensure that all students have access to quality early education, well-rounded instruction, a safe and supportive learning environment, and access to qualified, caring, and committed teachers.  As a nation, we must do more to implement a new vision of public education that helps all students succeed.”

Van Roekel underscored the importance of the new version of ESEA legislation including provisions that ensure educators have a seat at the table for all key decisions, including the development and implementation of school improvement plans. “The face of public education is changing all over the country. We’re seeing great success and long-lasting progress when educators, school administration, parents, and communities come together for the students,” said Van Roekel.

For more information on NEA’s push for comprehensive NCLB reauthorization, please go to http://www.nea.org/home/NoChildLeftBehindAct.html.

]]> http://www.ieanea.org/featured/nea-supports-temporary-nclb-relief-in-10-states-pushes-for-law-revamp/feed/ 0 http://www.ieanea.org/featured/insider-for-feb-7-2012/ http://www.ieanea.org/featured/insider-for-feb-7-2012/#comments Tue, 07 Feb 2012 22:02:35 +0000 IEA Communications http://www.ieanea.org/?p=18991 Back Home Lobby Days start NOW!

IEA’s Director of Government Relations reports on the first meeting of the 2012 Illinois General Assembly. Jim Reed is urging IEA members to lobby lawmakers in their home districts via the IEA’s Back Home Lobby Days initiative.

The key dates lawmakers should be available in their home districts include: Feb. 13-17, March 12-16, April 2-6 and 9-13.

Click here for more information on Back Home Lobbying.

GPAs meet at the state capitol

Grassroots Political Activists and their GO-Team members met Feb. 3-4 for a legislative update, preview of the 2012 elections and a simulation that followed a bill through the committee process. The GPAs role-played as members of various advocacy groups and testified in a mock committee at the state capitol. After committee, GPAs and their teams enjoyed special access to the Senate floor and heard from Sens. John Sullivan (D-Rushville) and Dale Righter (R-Mattoon) about their roles in the legislative process.

Find out more about the GPA program on the IEA website

NBPTS candidate fee subsidy opens Feb. 15

The National Board Resource Center at Illinois State University has announced the window for the National Board for Professional Teaching Standards candidate fee subsidy will open Feb. 15, for 500 first time candidates. Click here for more information on the ISU website.

Let your imagination soar with The Lorax and Read Across America

NEA’s Read Across America campaign will showcase the Lorax book as well as NBC/Universal’s The Lorax (featuring the voices of Taylor Swift, Zach Efron, Danny Devito and Betty White). The film opens nationwide March 2, and Universal, Dr. Seuss Enterprises and Random House have joined NEA’s Read Across America, creating new posters and classroom guides for the campaign.

Let us be part of your plans by contacting IEA Listens. It’s not too early to begin the Seussational celebration!

Give your valentine a gift that sparkles

Shop for jewelry or that next vacation package with NEA Member Benefits Click & Save program. You’ll save money and make your someone special very happy.

Visit the NEA MB website to register or sign in to find all the values that your membership allows.

You could win tickets to see the Chicago Symphony     

Send us an email message with “Symphony” in the subject line and you’ll be entered to win two tickets to the April 5 performance at the Symphony Center.

The IEA Store is back, featuring your old favorites, new items and a new way to order!

With IEA Store items, you can:

• Show your pride in being a member of the Illinois Education Association-NEA;
• Provide incentive gifts for meeting attendance;
• Thank your members who volunteer;
• And more…

All with items available to you, at cost, featuring the IEA logo