Category: Education News Unveiled Page 1 of 2

Friendship is a topic that has been explored and cherished for centuries, yet it remains one of the most intriguing and timeless subjects. From our earliest years, we are taught the value of friendship and its importance in our lives. However, the concept of friendship goes beyond simply having people to spend time with; it encompasses trust, loyalty, and unconditional support. In this article, we will delve into the complexities of friendship, reflecting on its beauty, examining its dynamics, and analyzing its significance in our lives. So, let’s take a closer look at this reflective topic and uncover the true meaning and impact of friendship.

Exploring the topic of friendship

Friendship is a bond that connects individuals and enriches their lives. It is a topic that has been explored in various forms of literature, from ancient Greek philosophers to modern-day poets. The concept of friendship has stood the test of time as one of the most important aspects of human relationships.

Friends are often described as the family we choose for ourselves. They are the people who understand us, support us and stay by our side through the highs and lows of life. But what exactly makes a friendship so special? And why is it a topic that never goes out of style? Let’s delve deeper into the world of friendship and reflect on its significance.

The importance of friendship

Friendship plays a crucial role in our lives. It not only brings joy and happiness but also helps us navigate through challenging times. In fact, studies have shown that having strong friendships can lead to better physical and mental health. Friends provide emotional support, reduce stress and boost self-esteem.

In today’s fast-paced world, where technology has made it easier to connect with people, the meaning of true friendship has often been diluted. We have hundreds of friends on social media, but how many do we truly consider our close friends? It is the quality of friendships that matter more than the quantity.

True friends are the ones who accept us for who we are, flaws and all. They listen without judgment, offer advice when needed and are always there to lend a helping hand. They celebrate our successes and are there to pick us up when we fall. Such friendships are invaluable and cannot be replaced by mere acquaintances.

Unpacking the concept of friendship

Friendship is not a one-size-fits-all concept. It can take various forms and mean different things to different people. Some friendships are forged in childhood, while others may develop later in life. Some are based on shared interests, while others are formed through a common bond or experience.

The dynamics of friendships may also vary. Some friends may be more like siblings, constantly teasing and bickering with each other. Others may have a more serious relationship, where they discuss deep and meaningful topics. The beauty of friendship lies in its versatility and the ability to adapt to different situations.

Friendships also have an unwritten code of trust, respect and loyalty. These values are essential for a strong and lasting friendship. Trust allows us to confide in our friends without fear of judgment. Respect ensures that we accept their opinions and choices, even if they differ from our own. Loyalty means standing by our friends’ side no matter what and never betraying their trust.

Friendship: A personal perspective

For many, friendship is a subject that hits close to home. It is a personal experience that shapes us in many ways. Each one of us has a unique story to tell about the friendships we have made over the years.

Some may cherish their childhood friends who have been with them through thick and thin. Others may be grateful for the friendships formed in college, which helped them cope with the stresses of academics and growing up. Then there are those who have found true friends at work, making their job more enjoyable and fulfilling.

As an international student, I have had the opportunity to form friendships with people from different backgrounds and cultures. These friendships have not only broadened my perspective but also enriched my life in countless ways. From sharing meals to exploring new places, my friends have made my university experience truly memorable.

Analyzing the dynamics of friendship

Friendships, like any other relationship, have their highs and lows. There may be times when friends drift apart due to various reasons, such as moving to a different city or getting busy with work or family. However, the beauty of true friendship is that it can withstand the test of time and distance.

Communication is vital for maintaining a healthy friendship. Regular catch-ups, whether in person or through technology, help to keep the bond alive. In times of conflict, open and honest communication can prevent misunderstandings and strengthen the friendship.

Another crucial aspect of friendship is the ability to forgive and let go. No friendship is perfect, and disagreements are inevitable. But true friends are able to resolve conflicts and move forward, without holding grudges or dwelling on past mistakes.

The beauty of true friendship

The beauty of true friendship lies in its simplicity. It is not complicated or driven by selfish motives. True friends accept each other for who they are, without trying to change them. They create a safe space where one can be vulnerable without fear of judgment.

Friendship is also a two-way street. It requires effort and commitment from both parties. Just like a plant needs water and sunlight to grow, friendships need time and attention to flourish. It is important to show our friends how much we appreciate them and make an effort to stay connected, even amidst our busy lives.

Friendship: A timeless subject

As we reflect on the topic of friendship, it becomes evident that it is a timeless subject. From the earliest forms of storytelling to modern media, friendship has been a recurring theme. It is a topic that will continue to be explored and celebrated for years to come.

Friendship is a universal concept that transcends age, gender, and culture. It is a constant source of joy, support, and inspiration in our lives. As we grow and evolve, so do our friendships. They are constantly evolving, just like we are.

Reflecting on the bonds of friendship

No matter how much time passes, true friendships always have a way of bringing people back together. They are a reminder of the memories shared and the bond formed over the years. It is the kind of bond that cannot be broken, no matter how far apart we may be physically.

In times of crisis, it is often our friends who provide us with the strength and support to overcome challenges. They pick us up when we are down and push us to be our best selves. They are the ones who understand our quirks and love us for them.

Friendship is a bond that continues to grow and become more valuable with time. It is a never-ending journey of learning and experiencing life together. As we reflect on the bonds of friendship, let us appreciate the people in our lives who have been there through thick and thin.

Delving into the complexities of friendship

In conclusion, friendship is a complex and multi-dimensional topic that can be explored in numerous ways. It holds different meanings and significance for each person, making it a deeply personal experience. As we continue to build and cherish our friendships, let us remember to nurture and value this special bond.

So, what to write about friendship? The possibilities are endless. From reflecting on our personal experiences to analyzing the dynamics of friendships, this is a topic that never gets old. As we continue to navigate through life, let us hold on to the true friends who make the journey worthwhile.

Link: what to write about friendship

In conclusion, friendship is a timeless and complex topic that holds great importance in our lives. Through this exploration of the subject of friendship, we have delved into its various aspects, from its personal impact to its dynamics and complexities. We have reflected on the beauty and strength of true friendship and how it enriches our lives. While the definition of friendship may vary from person to person, one thing remains constant: the bonds of friendship are an essential part of the human experience. As we continue to navigate our relationships and friendships, let us remember to cherish and nurture these connections, for they bring joy, support, and fulfillment to our lives. So, let us continue to explore and celebrate the topic of friendship, and may it always hold a special place in our hearts.

When you are assigned an essay about a book, you may feel overwhelmed. How do you condense a novel or story into a few paragraphs? And what do you say that will do the book justice?

Here are some tips on how to write an essay about a book:

-Start by reading the book closely, taking notes on the most important points.

-Then, outline your essay. In your introduction, introduce the book and give a brief summary. In the body of your essay, discuss the most important points and what they mean. In your conclusion, summarize your thoughts on the book.

-Be sure to use strong evidence from the book to support your points.

-Make sure your essay is well-organized and easy to read.

-Edit and revise your essay to make sure it is well-written.

Understanding the Purpose of Writing an Essay about a Book

When you are assigned an essay about a book, your teacher is asking you to do two things: to engage with the text and to think critically about it. In order to do this, you need to understand the purpose of writing an essay about a book.

The purpose of writing an essay about a book is to engage with the text on a deeper level. When you write an essay, you are not just summarizing the plot or providing a synopsis. You are analyzing the text and discussing its themes and implications.

In order to write an effective essay, you need to read the book carefully and make sure that you understand it. You should also take notes as you read, so that you can refer to them later when you are writing your essay.

Once you have read the book and taken notes, it’s time to start writing your essay. The first step is to come up with a thesis statement. Your thesis statement should be a clear and concise statement of your argument.

Next, you need to develop your argument. This involves discussing the themes and ideas that are presented in the book. You should also discuss how the author presents these themes and ideas.

Finally, you need to conclude your essay. This is where you summarize your argument and discuss the implications of your argument.

Reading and Analyzing the Book

Enhance your understanding of feedback in education. Explore Development of Feedback Literacy: Barriers to Student Use of Feedback.

When you are assigned an essay about a book, it is important to read and analyze the book in detail. The following tips will help you write a strong essay about a book.

1. Read the book thoroughly.

It is important to read the book thoroughly before you start writing your essay. This will help you understand the book and the author’s message.

2. Identify the main themes of the book.

It is important to identify the main themes of the book in order to analyze them in your essay. Some common themes in books include love, loss, friendship, and betrayal.

3. Analyze the characters in the book.

It is important to analyze the characters in the book in order to understand their motivations and actions.

4. Analyze the plot of the book.

It is important to analyze the plot of the book in order to understand the story.

5. Write a thesis statement.

Your thesis statement should summarize the main points of your essay.

6. Write a body paragraph for each point.

Each body paragraph should summarize one main point that you make in your essay.

7. Use evidence from the book to support your points.

It is important to use evidence from the book to support your points. This will help your essay be more convincing.

8. Write a conclusion.

Your conclusion should summarize the main points of your essay.

Formulating a Clear Thesis Statement

When you are assigned an essay about a book, one of the most important things to focus on is developing a clear thesis statement. This statement will summarize the main points that you want to make about the book and will serve as a roadmap for the rest of your essay.

To write a strong thesis statement, you will need to make sure that it is specific and arguable. In other words, your thesis should not be a statement of fact about the book, but rather a position that you plan to argue in your essay. It should also be something that can be supported with evidence from the text.

For example, if you are writing an essay about the book "The Great Gatsby," your thesis statement could be something like "The themes of doomed love and the American Dream are explored in depth in The Great Gatsby." This is a specific and arguable thesis that can be supported with evidence from the text.

Outlining the Structure of the Essay

The essay structure is typically introduction, body and conclusion. However, it can be modified to fit the needs of the writer and the book being discussed.

The introduction usually contains a brief overview of the book, including the setting, the characters and the main conflict. It can also include the writer’s thoughts on the book and why it was chosen for discussion.

The body of the essay will typically discuss the characters, the setting, the plot and the themes of the book. It can also include the writer’s thoughts on how well the book was written and what, if any, changes or additions they would make.

The conclusion will typically summarize the main points of the essay and offer the writer’s thoughts on the book as a whole.

Incorporating Textual Evidence and Examples

When you are assigned an essay about a book, one of the most important things to think about is how you will incorporate textual evidence and examples into your essay.

Your essay should not simply summarize the plot of the book or retell the story. Instead, it should analyze the text and discuss how the author uses different literary elements to create a specific effect.

To use textual evidence in your essay, you will need to find specific passages from the book that support your argument. Then, you will need to explain how those passages support your thesis.

For example, if you are writing about how the setting creates a sense of dread in the novel, you might quote a passage that describes the dark and foreboding woods near the protagonist’s home. Then, you would explain how the setting contributes to the overall mood of the book.

As another example, if you are writing about how the theme of betrayal is developed throughout the novel, you might quote a passage in which the protagonist’s friend betrays her trust. Then, you would discuss how that betrayal reinforces the theme of betrayal.

When incorporating textual evidence into your essay, be sure to:

– Quote the passage accurately and include the page number
– Explain how the passage supports your argument
– Avoid summarizing the plot of the book

Analyzing the Themes and Motifs of the Book

When you are assigned an essay about a book, one of the most important things to do is to read the book carefully and analyze the themes and motifs. In order to write a successful essay, you need to be able to discuss the themes and motifs of the book in detail, showing how they are important to the overall story.

In order to get started, it is important to come up with a thesis statement that will guide your essay. Your thesis should be something that you can argue and support with evidence from the book. For example, you might want to argue that the theme of the book is redemption or that a certain motif is particularly important.

Once you have a thesis, you need to start thinking about how to support it. In order to do this, you need to analyze the themes and motifs of the book in detail. Each theme or motif should be discussed in its own paragraph, and you should use evidence from the text to support your argument.

For example, if you are discussing the theme of redemption, you might want to talk about how the protagonist goes through a journey of self-discovery and growth. You could also discuss how the redemption theme is shown in other characters in the book. If you are discussing a motif, you could discuss how it is used throughout the text to create a certain effect.

When you are writing your essay, it is important to make sure that your arguments are clear and well-supported. You should also make sure to be concise and to stay on topic. In order to do this, it is helpful to make an outline of your essay before you start writing. This will help you to stay organized and to make sure that your essay flows smoothly.

Overall, when you are writing an essay about a book, it is important to be clear and concise. You should analyze the themes and motifs of the book in detail, showing how they are important to the overall story. If you can do this, you will have a successful essay.

Providing a Critical Evaluation of the Book

When it comes to writing an essay about a book, one of the most important things to keep in mind is to provide a critical evaluation of the book. This means giving your honest opinion on the book, both the good and the bad.

It’s important to start by introducing the book you’re writing about and providing a brief summary of the story. Then, you can discuss your thoughts on the plot, the characters, and the writing style. Be sure to highlight what you liked about the book as well as what you didn’t like.

In the conclusion, you should summarize your thoughts on the book and explain why you think others should or should not read it. You may also want to discuss any themes or ideas that you found in the book.

Crafting a Strong Conclusion

The conclusion of an essay is where you remind the reader of what you’ve said and what you’ve argued. A strong conclusion will echo the main points of your essay without restating them verbatim. It will leave the reader with a sense of closure, as if the essay had a point all along.

There are a few techniques you can use to write a strong conclusion:

1. Summarize your main points.

2. Give your opinion on the essay’s main argument.

3. Suggest ways in which the reader could apply the information in the essay.

4. Leave the reader with a thought-provoking question.

Wednesday’s National School Walkout Kicks Off a Month of Student-Led Marches and Protests to Challenge Gun Laws

Tomorrow, numerous students will participate in a walkout to express their concerns regarding America’s gun policies and to pay tribute to the victims of the Marjory Stoneman Douglas High School tragedy in Parkland, Florida. The walkouts will occur at 10 a.m. in every time zone across the nation and will last for 17 minutes, symbolizing each life lost in Parkland.

This walkout is just one of the many student-centered events taking place nationwide in the coming month to address the issue of gun violence. Students from Stoneman Douglas High School are organizing a march in Washington D.C. on March 24, called March for Our Lives, which will also take place in numerous other cities. Additionally, a second national school walkout, led by students, is scheduled for April 20, which marks the 19th anniversary of the Columbine school shooting.

Women’s March Youth, the youth affiliate of the Women’s March organization, is facilitating the march on Wednesday and has provided resources to aid student organizers. They are demanding legislative action on gun violence and have presented a list of demands to Congress.

Many colleges and universities have released statements assuring students that any disciplinary consequences resulting from peaceful protests will not impact admissions decisions.

In New York City, participating students who will turn 18 by the end of the year will have the opportunity to register to vote, as reported by the New York Daily News. The Hartford School District in Connecticut will allow students to peacefully protest during authorized walkouts without facing disciplinary actions. The district’s website also states that it will provide alternative platforms for social and political expression in addition to the walkout.

In Vermont, students at one school conducted a walkout on Tuesday since they did not have classes scheduled for Wednesday.

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The Incredible Mr. Powers: Texas Middle School Teacher Retires After 60 Years of Perfect Attendance

This article is part of a series on that showcases the remarkable individuals, accomplishments, success stories, and acts of kindness found in schools across America. For more inspiring profiles, visit The74million.org/series/inspiring.

In the classrooms of Walker Junior High in Texas, many things have changed over the years, but one constant presence has remained: Howard Powers, the art teacher. After an impressive 60 years of teaching, Mr. Powers is now retiring. However, his final days on the job have been marked by another extraordinary achievement: perfect attendance throughout his entire career.

What kept Powers going day after day, without fail, was his genuine love for teaching. As he shared with CBS 7, the most fulfilling part of his role was witnessing his students enjoy themselves. The subject he dedicated his life to, art, brought a unique kind of joy. He explained, "It’s thrilling, it’s captivating, and it also allows others to experience a part of you. It might inspire them to create something for themselves."

Throughout his tenure, Powers taught over 1,000 students ranging from second to eighth grade. One of those students, Chad Branham, is currently the principal at Walker Junior High. Powers presented the school with a parting gift – an oil painting. This was not an isolated act; Powers had donated several paintings to the school over the years, leaving behind tangible evidence of his unwavering dedication and passion.

Last month, after enjoying decades of good health, Powers received a diagnosis of leukemia and pneumonia. However, he maintains a positive perspective, stating to CBS 7, "Why worry about it? Life is too short to be concerned with trivial matters."

Powers made a significant impact not only on his students but also on his colleagues. Florenda, a school employee and former pupil, expressed her gratitude, stating, "We are losing a coworker who is generous and kind. We were fortunate to have him."

Before bidding farewell on his last day, Powers had some final words for his students and colleagues: "I consider it a privilege to have been your teacher and to have learned from you about life. I wish you all the best."

Howard Powers, the art teacher at Walker Junior High in Texas, is 80 years old and has been teaching for 59 years without ever missing a day of school!

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Opinion: New California Accountability Dashboard Provides Little Light for Poor Families

"Not everything that is confronted can be altered, but nothing can be altered until it is confronted." —James Baldwin

For over a year, families belonging to Parent Revolution’s Parent Power Network have expressed their concerns regarding the trajectory of California’s school accountability system. They have engaged with legislators, embarked on numerous overnight bus trips to Sacramento to address the State Board of Education, gathered petitions, participated in meetings and webinars organized by the Department of Education, penned op-eds in both English and Spanish, and extensively spoken to the media.

These esteemed parent leaders, predominantly from low-income African-American or Latino households in Los Angeles, have consistently conveyed a message derived from their own collective experiences: families necessitate clear and practical information about their children’s schools to make informed decisions and hold the schools accountable.

Demanding accessible and transparent information about school quality for all families in California is a reasonable expectation, and it should not be an impossible task. In any system’s design, be it an app for grocery sales or regulations for voter registration, prioritizing functionality for the intended audience is paramount. When it became evident that the state was moving in the wrong direction, we partnered with Teach Plus California and the Center for American Progress to propose a comprehensive plan for improving California’s school system design and ensuring it caters to the needs of all Californians.

Despite our continuous efforts, the recently released California school accountability dashboard falls short for many families within the state. In fact, it fails in such a profound and fundamental manner, even after more than three years of planning, that the state’s intentions seem dubious, and its role in closing opportunity gaps remains unclear.

While the dashboard does present data on various indicators of school quality and importantly breaks them down by student subgroups, it disappoints families in almost every other aspect.

Certain indicators rely on data that is two years old or lacks data altogether. It lacks a feature for comparing performance across districts or individual schools. Furthermore, it fails to provide an overall rating that would allow families to easily and swiftly assess school quality and compare their public school options. Astonishingly, the dashboard is not optimized for mobile phones, lacks printable reports, and except for a Google translate button, is only available in English.

Considering that most low-income families in California do not have access to home computers and predominantly use the internet in languages other than English, these omissions clearly demonstrate the state’s intention to provide useful school information exclusively to affluent, English-speaking families. By designing a system that hinders access to and understanding of school information, California has knowingly chosen to exacerbate inequity. And it has done so at the worst time possible, as it is increasingly evident that families are the only ones who will urgently hold schools accountable for student outcomes.

The limitations of this dashboard become even more significant when viewed within a statewide and nationwide context. The federal government is increasingly taking a hands-off approach to holding schools accountable for student outcomes, repealing regulations established during the Obama administration, revising the state ESSA plan template, and failing to incentivize efforts to improve underperforming schools.

While California’s leadership may present itself under a different political guise, it too eagerly adopts a similar approach, championing Governor Jerry Brown’s philosophy of local control and decentralization. Under this leadership, a complex structure has been established, wherein struggling schools receive limited technical support and collaboration, which is ultimately delivered not to the schools themselves, but to counties and districts.

Unfortunately, this is not just a challenge confined to California. In recent weeks, we have observed other states seizing upon this newfound federal "flexibility" as a means to shirk responsibility.

Reasonable individuals may disagree as to whether primary responsibility for educational equity lies with the federal or state government. However, what happens when states decide to pass the buck to districts, and then districts shift the burden onto schools, without any form of accountability up or down the line?

California’s experiment with school funding serves as a cautionary tale. In the Los Angeles Unified School District, mounting evidence indicates that when entrusted with a significant amount of state funding to address inequity, the district has misdirected and misspent these funds. We cannot claim to be serious about tackling inequity while simultaneously undermining interventions and impeding families’ ability to take action on behalf of their children.

California’s current trajectory represents a perilous trend for our most vulnerable children and families, both locally and across the nation. While it is essential to engage in rigorous debates on policy specifics, we cannot cease from boldly and clearly speaking the truth, nor can we afford to lack a sense of urgency when it comes to shaping the future of our children.

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Success Academy’s Top Lawyer Is Leaving to Start Her Own Charter Network

New York City

The largest charter school network in New York City, Success Academy, is experiencing a loss as one of its top officials and chief attorney, Emily Kim, is leaving to start her own charter network, according to an article by Chalkbeat.

Kim, who currently holds the position of executive vice president of policy and legal affairs at Success Academy, will step down at the end of June to establish her own schools. Although Kim did not provide many details about her new venture, she mentioned that it will likely draw inspiration from Success Academy. Information about the model, location, and timeline of her new schools was not disclosed.

With six years of experience at Success Academy, Kim is seen as a dedicated and loyal member of the network. Eva Moskowitz, the founder and CEO of Success Academy, praised Kim for her work and referred to her as a "bureaucracy-buster" and a committed education reformer.

Prior to joining Success Academy, Kim worked as a high school English teacher and is also a parent of two Success Academy students. She holds a master’s degree in education from Columbia University’s Teachers College (1999) and graduated from Columbia law school in 2005.

During her time at Success Academy, Kim played a crucial role in defending the network against various lawsuits, including a federal suit related to the treatment of children with disabilities. She also represented Success Academy in an ongoing case against New York City regarding participation in the city’s universal pre-K program.

Kim joined Success Academy in 2011 as general counsel and was later promoted to chief policy and legal officer before assuming her current position in 2015.

In 2014, when Kim was chief policy and legal officer, the network’s legal team issued a memo advising staff members not to share sensitive information with journalists, elected officials, or other lawyers without consulting network officials first.

Success Academy has faced challenges with elected officials, particularly Mayor Bill de Blasio, over the use of public space for charter students. The network’s popularity continues to grow, with over 17,000 children applying for 3,017 seats at the Success Academy lottery for the upcoming school year. Additionally, a study released in 2017 revealed that there are 47,000 children on charter school waiting lists citywide.

Advocates for charter schools have been pushing to lift the current cap on charters, and this issue may become prominent in the coming weeks as state lawmakers decide whether to renew de Blasio’s control over city schools.

Success Academy, which consists of 41 schools and approximately 14,000 students, has been named a finalist for the annual Broad Prize for the second consecutive year. The prize is awarded to charter networks that show significant improvement in student outcomes, closing the achievement gap, and increasing graduation rates. The winners will be announced in June.

It is important to note that Campbell Brown, a board member of , also serves on the board of Success Academy.

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‘Heroes to Zeroes’: L.A. School Staff Plans Strike Vote

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The dedicated staff members who ensure the smooth functioning of schools in Los Angeles, and who have been at the forefront of preparing them to reopen during the pandemic, are now considering going on strike. To take a step towards authorizing a strike, they organized a rally on Tuesday in front of the district’s main office.

While Superintendent Alberto Carvalho and the school board conducted their meeting inside the downtown building, custodians, cafeteria workers, bus drivers, and classroom assistants gathered outside, arriving from various parts of the district. They waved placards and chanted "no justice, no peace" to amplify their discontent.

SEIU 99 President Conrado Guerrero spoke from the flatbed of a truck, highlighting the efforts made by the staff members to ensure clean air in classrooms through the installation of air filters. He expressed disappointment, stating that they have gone from being considered heroes to feeling undervalued.

Edna Logan, who belongs to the buildings and grounds staff at Manual Arts High School, addressed the crowd and shared that certain restrooms on campus have been closed for two years because the toilets are not functional.

Negotiations between the two sides have been ongoing since 2020, but were disrupted by the pandemic. The 30,000 members of SEIU 99 claim that the district’s offer for the 2020-21 school year includes no raise, a 5% raise for 2021-22, and a 4% increase for 2022-23. Max Arias, the union’s executive director, argues that this proposal is inadequate, as it only amounts to an additional $1,000 per year for most workers. A vote to authorize a strike is scheduled to take place in January.

Arias is pushing for an increase in minimum wages for union members, from $18.50 per hour to $24. The union’s demands also include more eight-hour workdays and paid training for bus drivers and other positions. Arias believes that they have reached an impasse in negotiations.

The district issued a statement emphasizing their commitment to fair compensation for employees, while also ensuring the sustainability of their services in the current economic climate, with a focus on promoting long-term student achievement.

The rally took place after school hours, coinciding with the district board meeting inside the building.

This potential strike is just the latest in a series of conflicts between the district and its labor unions. The United Teachers Los Angeles (UTLA) previously opposed Superintendent Carvalho’s plan to distribute four learning "acceleration days" throughout the school year, advocating for them to remain as originally scheduled. The district eventually rescheduled these days for winter and spring breaks, despite the fact that fewer students are likely to participate due to their vacation plans. The original schedule would have provided additional work opportunities for SEIU 99 members, which is why they insisted on maintaining it.

Although the teachers union, UTLA, has not yet reached a strike vote, its members are increasing pressure on the district. They recently organized rallies at multiple locations.

In January 2019, the teachers union went on a six-day strike with similar demands, including smaller class sizes, reduced standardized testing, and increased staffing for nurses, librarians, and counselors. They are now pushing for a 20% raise, arguing that the district has over $3 billion in budget reserves to cover the cost.

Despite their own ongoing negotiations, members of the teachers union were present at the rally in support of SEIU 99 members, showing solidarity in their shared struggles.

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EDlection2018: Janet Mills Will Be Maine’s First Female Governor

EDlection2018: This is one of the many races we have examined for the 2018 midterms that could potentially impact state or federal education policies. Stay updated with the latest news by subscribing to Newsletter and receive headlines directly in your inbox.

After waiting until Wednesday morning for the final tally of votes, Democrat Janet Mills has celebrated her victory as Maine’s first female governor. With 84 percent of the ballots counted, Mills secured 51 percent of the vote, giving her an 8-point advantage over Republican Shawn Moody.

Expressing her excitement for the future, Mills was quoted by the Portland Press Herald as saying, "I am so thrilled about what lies ahead. They say it is time for hope once again… and for a new era in Maine."

The newly elected Governor, Janet Mills, made her way to Becky’s Diner in Portland this morning. During a conversation with reporters, she emphasized that healthcare is a top priority for her administration. Additionally, she expressed her eagerness to collaborate with the recently elected legislative leaders and assemble her administration.

In a competitive electoral field, independent candidates Terry Hayes and Alan Caron also participated. Although all four candidates acknowledged the need for improvement in Maine’s K-12 schools, their ideas regarding the approach varied, with the exception of advocating for higher teacher salaries. Mills opposes the removal of the current 10-school limit on public charter schools and intends to increase the state’s contribution to school funding.

Janet Mills replaces the conservative Paul LePage, whose confrontational style created continuous conflict with both the state legislature and Mills herself, who served as the attorney general by appointment. During her tenure, Mills refrained from supporting LePage’s positions whenever she believed they were unlawful. She even joined a lawsuit against Betsy DeVos, the U.S. Education Secretary, over the Education Department’s decision to halt protection for students who had taken loans to attend "predatory" for-profit colleges.

EDlection2018: This is one of the numerous races our team has assessed for the 2018 midterms that could have an impact on state or federal education policies. Stay up to date with the latest news by subscribing to Newsletter and receive the most recent headlines directly in your inbox.

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Between Victory in West Virginia and (Likely) Defeat Before the Supreme Court, Teachers Unions Find Themselves at Historic Crossroads

Last updated on March 20th.

The recent statewide strike in West Virginia, which came to an end after the legislature granted a 5 percent raise to all public employees, was a significant win for teachers unions. The unexpected spontaneity and coordination of the walkouts, especially in a state with a long history of weakened union activism, caught many people off guard.

Now, organizers in Oklahoma are openly considering launching their own wildcat strike if their demands for a pay raise are not met soon, and Arizona teachers may follow suit. Both groups share similar concerns to those expressed by their counterparts in Charleston last month. The average salary for teachers in West Virginia ranked 48th in the country, according to the National Education Association, the largest union in the United States. Oklahoma ranked 49th, and Arizona 43rd.

However, even as activists in other states are gearing up for future actions and wearing red shirts as a symbol of solidarity, organized labor is preparing for what could be a major setback: the Supreme Court’s ruling in the Janus v. AFSCME case. This ruling could potentially put an end to "agency fees" and significantly diminish the financing and power of unions. If the Court rules as expected, the entire country will become a "right-to-work" jurisdiction for public employees, just like West Virginia.

So is this the best or worst of times for teachers unions? Are they on the brink of a crushing defeat or on the cusp of a major organizing surge?

"The strike was an incredible event," says Joseph Slater, a labor law professor at the University of Toledo College of Law. "Public workers in West Virginia not only lack the legal right to strike, but they also have no right to bargain collectively. So this serves as a reminder that unions can sometimes achieve great things."

Unrest in the public sector workforce, particularly in the form of statewide strikes, has been decreasing for decades following a period of intense turmoil in the 1960s and 70s. This is partly because unionized teachers, police officers, and government workers cannot always rely on public support, especially when it comes to their contracts and benefits during difficult economic times.

The worst economic downturn in nearly 80 years, the Great Recession, preceded the recent wave of anti-union measures that have caused the most damage. Since the 2010 midterm elections, which brought Republican governors and legislative majorities to statehouses across the country, six states have enacted right-to-work laws, including West Virginia in 2016. In Michigan and Wisconsin, the two states where anti-union forces have made the most progress, union membership has steadily declined.

These setbacks have pushed some union members to consider drastic measures. The West Virginia strike not only violated state law, but it also began without the approval of the union’s leadership.

"It’s a risk – these strikes are illegal," Slater says. "The unions could face fines, and the individual strikers could be fined as well. So it’s a risky strategy, but it seems like unions in other states are also considering it."

If teachers in Oklahoma, Arizona, and other states successfully take statewide action, there is a good chance that their demands will be met, if only because of the chaos and disruption it would cause for families. During the West Virginia strike, parents struggled to find childcare for the two weeks it lasted, and eventually, Republican lawmakers gave in to the teachers’ determination and voted in favor of a salary increase.

"In West Virginia, there are 20,000 teachers, and if they unite, it becomes very difficult to ignore their demands," says Jon Shelton, a historian of labor movements at the University of Wisconsin–Green Bay and the author of a recent book on teacher strikes. "You can’t simply fire and replace 20,000 teachers. Even though striking is illegal in West Virginia, you can’t arrest 20,000 teachers. So even in states where the odds are stacked against workers, there is a practical impossibility of stopping them from striking."

If public employees are becoming more emboldened and have rediscovered a tool that can help them secure concessions from state governments, the question is how will the Janus decision impact them? Once again, the Court’s conservative majority, which currently stands at 5-4, suggests that unions are likely to face defeat. The only reason agency fees were not abolished two years ago in the Friedrichs v. California Teachers Association case was due to the death of conservative Justice Antonin Scalia.

“It wouldn’t surprise me if certain labor unions intensify their internal organizing efforts, possibly even resorting to vilifying employers, in order to persuade their members to maintain their union membership," stated Martin Malin, a professor of law and the director of the Institute for Law and the Workplace at Chicago-Kent College of Law. Malin explained that union leaders may struggle to control such heightened militancy, which could hinder successful partnerships between unions and management that benefit employees and the public.

The chief attorney for the union also argued this point before the Supreme Court. David Frederick, lead attorney for AFSCME, explained, "The fees are the compromise. Union security is the compromise for no strikes…This ruling could potentially lead to widespread labor unrest across the country."

However, Slater, who believes that unions will experience a significant decrease in their organizing capabilities and resources if the Court rules against them, does not consider this outcome probable. He cites examples in states like Wisconsin and Michigan, where unions saw a decline in influence and capacity after being deprived of membership and revenue.

Slater argues that there is not much historical evidence to support a link between ending agency fees and an increase in illegal strikes, especially in states that have already adopted right-to-work laws.

Shelton, who has observed the consequences of anti-union reforms in Wisconsin, agrees that the future looks unfavorable for teachers unions. However, he notes that they have taken measures to mitigate the impact since Justice Scalia’s death.

"Act 10 came as a surprise, and I believe the unions in this state were unprepared," he explains. "But because there was an expectation that the Friedrichs case would overturn agency fees in 2016, I know that unions have been recommitted to thorough organizing efforts. If this had occurred two years ago, the devastation would have been much worse."

National organizations like AFSCME and NEA have recently made significant efforts to persuade non-members to join and encourage existing members to pledge their commitment to the union even after the elimination of agency fees. Many have utilized this crisis as an opportunity to identify and cultivate new leaders within local branches.

"I’m not blindly optimistic about this. I do anticipate negative consequences in the short term," Shelton admits. "However, in the long run, it is possible that unions in states known for collecting agency fees could become more democratic, particularly through partnerships within the communities where they operate."

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Analysis: A Coalition of Opposition Factions Is Looking to End a 60-Year Line of Leadership at NYC’s Teachers Union. Will It Succeed?

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Mike Antonucci’s Union Report is typically published on Wednesdays; check out the complete archive on his blog, EIAOnline.

In most American Federation of Teachers (AFT) chapters, the elected officers form a caucus, which is essentially an internal political party. For over six decades, the Unity Caucus has held exclusive control over the United Federation of Teachers (UFT) in New York City. However, an election is currently taking place to determine if their reign will continue.

United for Change has emerged as a coalition of various opposition groups seeking to challenge Unity’s control over the UFT. The outcome of this election and the extent of the challenge remain uncertain.

UFT President Michael Mulgrew is facing significant scrutiny. He has held the position since 2009, taking over after Randi Weingarten stepped down to focus on her role as AFT president. Mulgrew and Unity have typically relied on the support of retirees, which has led to comfortable victories in previous elections. However, this time, a substantial number of retirees are angry due to a UFT-approved plan that aimed to transition them from traditional Medicare to Medicare Advantage programs. A judge intervened by issuing an injunction against the plan, and subsequently sent it back to the city for revisions that would have nullified the anticipated cost savings, effectively killing the plan.

Despite these setbacks, many retirees remain furious, to the point where Mulgrew had to cancel a UFT event due to planned protests.

If you want to delve into the platforms, claims, and official positions of each caucus, you can visit their respective websites or social media pages. However, I recommend exploring two sites run by veteran union activists.

NYC Educator, managed by Arthur Goldstein, provides a unique perspective. Goldstein was previously a member of the opposition and a vocal critic of the Unity Caucus and what he called their "loyalty oath." He currently serves on the union’s executive board and is seeking re-election with Unity. In 2018, the opposition caucus he collaborated with undertook a sort of cleansing process, which left him disillusioned. Despite this, Goldstein offers insightful viewpoints from the Unity side, providing a reasonable understanding of the union’s environment.

On the other side of the debate is Norm Scott, the founder of Ed Notes, which began as a print publication in 1997, marking a significant year in teacher union coverage history. Scott taught in the city’s schools for over 30 years and holds a deep understanding of the evolution of the UFT. He has been actively involved with United for Change and has participated in numerous opposition movements within the union over the past 25 years. Scott is known for his consistently left-wing views. Similar to Goldstein, he is not a puppet of any specific group but offers a distinct perspective. He recognized early on that it was crucial for the union’s divergent caucuses to unite against common adversaries. However, Scott also acknowledges the fragility of such a coalition composed of disparate factions.

In my evaluation of the situation, I anticipate Unity will emerge victorious. The crucial question lies in how both sides will respond to a close contest. Will the opposition build on their momentum or disintegrate? Will Unity embrace reform or adopt stricter measures?

While these internal dynamics may seem inconsequential to the general public, they hold significant influence over how the union interacts with the city, schools, and the wider community. Hence, it is worth closely observing the situation, and NYC Educator and Ed Notes Online offer the best vantage points for doing so.

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