LFT to feds: Beware unintended consequences of reform

LFT President Steve Monaghan

Union lists concerns about $4 billion Race to the Top Fund

As Louisiana enters the competition for over $4 billion in federal Race to the Top education funds, the Louisiana Federation of Teachers reminded Secretary of Education Arne Duncan that poorly defined or implemented reforms can produce painful consequences.

“Too often in the recent past, school reform has meant no student left untested and no teacher left unblamed,” said LFT President Steve Monaghan. “We hope that Race to the Top can open a new chapter in the school reform movement, one that values the professionalism of teachers and embraces a whole-community model for change.”

In comments posted with the U.S. Department of Education, Monaghan said that while the Federation supports efforts to improve schools, Louisiana’s experiences in the aftermath of Hurricane Katrina “have caused us to be much more sensitive to both the intended and the unintended consequences of every policy decision.”

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New Monroe superintendent celebrates with union

From all accounts, it seemed more like a festival than a back-to-school union meeting in Monroe last night. Less than a day earlier, the school board had finally severed its ties with a despised superintendent, and the new head of the district was feted like a conquering hero at his maiden appearance before teachers and school employees.

Interim Superintendent Julian Gray was greeted with cheers by more than a hundred union members at the Monroe Federation of Teachers and School Employees' "All Aboard" meeting.

For much of the day, school board members had been writing a contract for Gray, completing it in time for him to be recognized as the system's new leader at the union party.

Monroe Interim Superintendent Julian Gray is welcomed by Monroe Federation President Sandie Lollie. (Monroe News-Star photo. To see more pictures, please click here.)

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Louisiana AFL-CIO offers three scholarships

The Louisiana AFL-CIO will award three $1,000 scholarships at the 55th Annual AFL-CIO Convention, to be held March 15-16, 2010, at the Hilton Baton Rouge Capitol Center Hotel.

To be eligible for the scholarship, applicants must be high school seniors residing in the State of Louisiana, and have at least one parent who is a member of an AFL-CIO affiliated union (including the Louisiana Federation of Teachers and its local chapters).

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Vietnam Veterans Teacher of the Year Award

The Vietnam Veterans of America will recognize two Louisiana teachers for encouraging their students to develop values that portray Love of Country, Patriotism and appreciation for veterans and those currently serving in the military. Each recipient will receive a plaque and a $500 Award.

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Other resources

Louisiana Federation of Teachers Web site: click here

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American Federation of Teachers Web site: click here