MDCTA Conversations: Recent Comments

Comment on RIF Criteria

2009-12-17T16:40:53Z

What can we do to avoid this situation before it happens?
I won't even go to the fact that this is truly unfair.
Some dedicated and loyal teachers could lose jobs.

Comment on RIF Criteria

2009-12-17T03:24:27Z

Here is the deal... if the position is eliminated, then the person in that position is eliminated. That doesn't prevent that person from applying for another position, it just doesn't guarantee them one any longer.

Comment on RIF Criteria

2009-12-11T22:40:10Z

We see the legislature’s dirty work as an opportunity for the MDCTA. One of our core values is teaching as an esteemed profession. If we are truly professionals then shouldn’t we use a new RIF policy to promote our profession? Reduction in force needs to be based on a meritocracy included should be:
1. The Madison District evaluation with an inter-rater reliability that is tight, say ±5%, and a method in place for insuring the validity of the inter-rater reliability as stated in a written district policy that is renormed each year.
2. A checkmark system in place of at least 10 drop-in visits by the principals over the school year. Items to be checked should be:
a. active teaching
b. written, visible outcome and assessments
c. students on task
3. Total years of experience, education, certification, and endorsements.
These three criteria are positive and productive and are a measurement of added value. We would like to see the district develop some input from the students for use as a mitigating factor.
Obviously, teacher qualifications need to be matched with district needs so that we don’t end up with 40 highly qualified language arts teachers and only 6 positions for them.

Comment on RIF Criteria

2009-12-11T02:49:51Z

I agree with Chris. If the position is to be eliminated it shouldn't mean the teacher is eliminated. If that teacher is qualified, has more experience, etc. that teacher should stay and someone else 'more deserving' should go.

Comment on RIF Criteria

2009-12-10T03:32:52Z

Ranking:

10. Teachers on improvement plans.

11. Total years of experience - This must count for something.

4. Education/certification/endorsements

7. Professional attributes

1. Attendance

9. Site recommendation

6. Evaluations

2. District service

5. Educators with part-time student contact

3. Data - our data is supposed to be formative. I do not believe it is a reliable indicator of teacher efficacy.

8. Retirees - As valuable as these teachers are to us... They are taking a job from a teacher who is not drawing retirement from the state.

Comment on RIF Criteria

2009-12-09T18:25:09Z

Look what our esteemed elected leaders have done to us. They are forcing districts to determine who gets a job and who doesn't based on who knows what criteria. I appreciate MDCTA's attempt to get feedback from the membership. Hopefully our Superintendent and Governing Board will listen to what WE have to say.

I hate this because it takes away the black and white of seniority in the district. The task is a difficult one indeed.

So now what? This is a call to you as a member to voice your opinion and not sit back and take a wait and see attitude. The time is here... Voice your opinion so that a solid, objective RIFF procedure can be built not just for this year, but for years to come if the law is not appealed. Make it fair. Life changes, jobs change, so don't just put down the things that will save YOUR job, but the things that will benefit the greater good of education for children in Madison.

Comment on RIF Criteria

2009-12-09T16:31:28Z

I think that we need to consider removing the positions, not the teachers, in situations where teacher-student contact is limited.