Issue link: http://digital.copcomm.com/i/65746
MAY 2012 CONTENTS FEATURES IN THIS ISSUE 20 TAKING A STAND 20 22 22 24 26 How many things in your school are governed by politics? The CTA-supported tax plan will be on November 2012 ballot Making a difference in the political arena New state shortfalls increase need for CTA-backed tax initiative Two bad dismissal bills are amended and moved 28 MAKING A DIFFERENCE 28 30 8 Rebecca Mieliwocki named National Teacher of the Year Summer training builds skills and knowledge IS YOUR DISTRICT BREAKING SPECIAL EDUCATION LAW? 32 ACTION 32 Teachers like Carol Siddle are seeing greater numbers of special ed students in general education classrooms. A new CTA report reveals districts are taking extreme measures to cut special education costs. 33 34 Elk Grove preserves benefits, saves jobs Meet your local negotiators The one and only community college ESP chapter 36 EXTRA CREDIT 36 38 'Thank You, Teacher' project Hearing the language of love ON THE COVER SPECIAL EDUCATION DISTRICTS BREAK THE LAW? FEATURE PAGE 8 THE HUNGER GAMES WHETS APPETITES FOR READING FEATURE PAGE 16 PLUS BILLS THREATEN RIGHTS ELK GROVE SETTLEMENT ESP DAY 26 32 35 16 THE HUNGER GAMES Teachers like Mindy Ahrens are using the popular book to help spark lively classroom discussion and to teach topics like math. May 2012 Volume 16 Issue 8 TEACHER OF THE YEAR ยป PAGE 28 MIELIWOCKI NATIONAL REBECCA Burbank seventh-grade teacher Rebecca Mieliwocki is the National Teacher of the Year. May 2012 / www.cta.org 3 Congratulations Our Photo by Ron Sachs, CNPWashington