Issue link: https://digital.copcomm.com/i/81698
Taking care of business NEA RA delegates direct the work of the association through "New Business Items" Here is one examle of a "New Business Item" that passed. To see more, go here: http://www.nea. org/grants/33354.htm Misuse of Standardized Tests NEA will: • Call on governors, state legisla- tures, state education boards, administrators, and assessment sys- tem consortia or developers, to reexamine public school accounta- bility systems in the state, and work with educators to improve them based on fair testing standards promulgated by experts in testing practice; • Call on states and districts to develop systems based on multiple forms of evidence of student learn- ing that do not require extensive standardized testing, are used to support all students and improve schools; and are not used for pur- poses for which they have not been validated; • Share the NEA Policy Statement on Teacher Evaluation and Accountability with relevant stake- holders in order to inform conver- sations about the appropriate use of assessments in evaluation systems to support instruction and student learning. • Disseminate criteria regarding the validity of assessments and pro- mote the productive use of high quality, valid, and reliable standard- ized assessments as part of robust, authentic accountability systems that include multiple forms of evi- dence of student learning and school quality designed: • to improve learning by identify- ing students' strengths and chal- lenges, • to identify successful practices in schools, • to support struggling schools, and • to inform educators' practice. • Uphold our belief as stated in Resolution B-66 and shall support parents'/guardians' rights to opt out of standardized testing. 38 Delaware delegates attend the national convention, some funded by DSEA, some by their local association Appoquinimink Julie Harrington Ann Neubauer David Wright* Brandywine David Bradley Kelli Bradley Jeannette Wilt Capital Paras Michael Brown Margaret Martinez Patty Reid Mary Jo Faust, DSEA's NEA director (representative on the NEA Board), helps first- time delegate Mike Matthews. The days begin early, with break- fast, pouring over the days agenda, and a Delaware Caucus meeting before going to the Convention Center for deliber- ations and voting. From left are Mike Kempski, Jeannette Wilt, Ariel Hardy, Pat Murrell, Cora Booth, Mary Jo Faust and Ashley Williamson. DSEA loves its NEA RA Rookies: (from left) Amy Johnson, David Wright, Jackie Kook, Mike Kempski, Elaine Autry, Shirin Skovronski and Candice Ruckle. Missing are Mike Matthews and Ashley Williamson. Christine Valente watches Shirin Skovronski speak during a legisla- tive hearing. You can see her on the big screen. Cape Henlopen Diane Albanese Candice Ruckle* Christina Shirley Brown David Davis Ariel Hardy Mike Kempski* Jackie Kook* Shirin Skovronski* Colonial Elaine Autry* Stephanie Ingram Nicole Markey Michael Renn Ashley Williamson* DSEA Leadership Team Frederika Jenner, president Mike Hoffmann, vice president Karen Crouse, treasurer Mary Jo Faust, NEA director Indian River Sherry Abbott Cora Booth Amy Johnson* Adele Jones Patricia Murrell Milford Denise Waples Red Clay Michael Bank Deanna Bilecki Sarah Brady Jennifer Dalby Mike Matthews* Christine Valente *First-timers Next year's Representative Assembly will be held July1-6 in Atlanta, Georgia (www.nea.org/ra). www.dsea.org September 2012 DSEA ACTION! 5