Volume 44, No. 4NCAEN E W S B U L L E T I NN O R T H C A R O L I N A A S S O C I A T I O N O F E D U C A T O R SNovember 2013

Walk Into a Public School and Walk Out Inspired! During American Education Week, November 18-22, NCAE is sponsoring a statewide “Walk Into Your Public School and Walk Out Inspired” initiative focused on getting state and local elected officials, and community members to visit and take an active role in a school in their community. Historically, NEA and NCAE have always promoted school visits by elected officials during American Education Week, but this year, said NCAE President Rodney Ellis, the Association wants to put greater emphasis on community leaders, and parents, spending a day in a public school to see how a caring community of professionals provide each child with the attention they need to move ahead in their education and move up in the world. “We invite lawmakers to walk into a school in their community and work with teachers, administrators and support staff as they use their skills and talents to bring out the best in each student,” said Ellis. “We challenge not only legislators, but county commissioners, members of the business community and members of the faith-based community to spend some quality time having conversations with school personnel and showing their willingness to ‘walk in their shoes’ and do their jobs for a day.” Ellis said the idea for the Walk-In event was borne out of the NC Teacher Walk-Out Movement that was scheduled to take place on November 4. Educators across the state were being encouraged to walk out as a way to get lawmakers’ attention about education funding cuts, the layoffs, the lack of raises and the lack of respect for the profession. “NCAE was opposed to this event and felt it would

be in our best interest as an education organization to take a positive position.” NCAE has extended a formal invitation to state lawmakers to participate in this event, Ellis said, and the Association is also working with communications directors in school districts throughout the state to get their buy-in and assistance in getting the word out. Participants will be asked to select a day during AEW in which they want to volunteer in their school of choice. The idea is to have participants engage in things such as shadowing a teacher, assisting in a classroom, performing hall or bus duty. If Wednesday, Nov. 20, is the day of choice, participants will be encouraged to spend time with education support professionals, such as bus drivers, cafeteria workers or custodians in celebration of Education Support Professionals Day. Everyone is also encouraged to wear red each day of American Education Week. “We want to make this a week of learning for lawmakers and community leaders,” Ellis added. “Hopefully the outcome will be a better understanding of the challenges and successes that public schools are experiencing that in turn will lead to better decision-making relating to public schools and public school educators. “I would like the Community Walk-In to become an annual event where the week is

used by legislators to visit schools and monitor the progress of public schools. Ideally, we want them in schools as much as possible, but at the very least, this can be an annual commitment for them to spend time in schools and use that knowledge to make sound decisions.” Ellis knows members are busy, but encourages them to find a moment to reach out to community leaders and invite them to participate. “Please find a moment to contact them and insist that they participate in this very important event; be persistent! Don’t just extend an invitation and let it fall through the cracks. We want and need them in schools. Besides, this will also give you an opportunity as educators to voice your concerns.” An informational flyer about the event is being e-mailed to all local affiliate presidents, as well as a suggested list of activities that can be implemented at the elementary, middle and high school levels.

     

Visit the NCAE Web site, www.ncae.org, for information about the Association’s AEW event. Below is a list of activities that are part of the week-long NEA AEW celebration. For more information, visit www.nea.org.

Monday, November 18: Kick-off DayTuesday, November 19: Parents DayWednesday, November 20: Education Support Professionals DayThursday, November 21: Educator for a DayFriday, November 22: Substitute Educators Day

During a press conference, President Rodney Ellis talks about the NC Teacher Walk-Out and welcomes supporters of that event as they join in collaboration with the Walk-In activity being sponsored by NCAE.

NCAE

President Rodney Ellis

Message From the President

News Bulletin November 20132

Legislative UpdatesSubstitute Teacher Fee Eliminated

House Bill 259 (Substitute Teacher Deduction/Personal Leave) now prohibits school districts from charging a teacher taking personal leave a substitute teacher fee when no substitute teacher is hired. NCAE drafted the language for this bill and worked closely with Rep. Bryan Holloway to have the bill filed and debated. It was passed unanimously by both chambers of the General Assembly. North Carolina teachers were required to pay $50 when taking personal leave to help school districts pay for the costs of a substitute. However, many school districts did not hire a substitute teacher but still deducted the $50. The funds deducted could be spent for other purposes (allowed by law), but still must be accounted for to the state.

Grants for School Resource Officers and PanicAlarm Systems

LEAs, regional schools and charter schools are eligible to apply for funding for School Resource Officers in elementary or middle schools settings. Awards will be matched on the basis of two dollars ($2) in state funds for every dollar ($1) in local funds. Local funds must supplement and not supplant state, local and federal funds for School Resource Officers. LEAs, regional schools and charter schools are eligible to apply for funding for panic alarm systems in schools. Awards will be matched on the basis of one dollar ($1) in state funds for every dollar in local funds. Panic alarm systems shall be defined as systems that send a signal to the nearest law enforcement agency via a button, switch or pendant that will elicit an immediate response from the local law enforcement agency. Local funds must supplement and not supplant state, local and federal funds for panic alarm systems. NCAE worked closely with Rep. Bryan Holloway and Rep. Rick Glazier to get this language included in the budget.

Two NCAE Members to Serve on Special LegislativeTask Force

Michael Putney, Ed.D., principal of Dabney Elementary School in Vance County, and Rich Nixon, a teacher at Corinth Holders High School in Johnston County, have been appointed by Speaker Thom Tillis to serve on the Task Force to Study Teacher and School Administrator Effectiveness and Compensation. The task force will make recommendations on whether to create a statewide model of incentives to encourage the recruitment and retention of highly effective educators and to consider the transition to an alternative compensation system for educators. The task force will have scheduled meetings during the fall and winter prior to the 2014 Legislative Session and make recommendations to the General Assembly.

MARK THE DATE:

NCAE Law ConferenceSlated for November 16 Public school legislation, strategies for addressing the loss of career status and the parameters of activism are some of the hot topics that will be explored at the 2013 NCAE Law Conference, slated for November 16 at the NCAE Center. Sponsored by the NCAE Legal Center, the conference will provide extensive information on recently passed legislation that affects public school educators and the profession. Participants will learn about the 25 percent contract provision, receive information on important judicial races, and will have an opportunity to meet NC Court of Appeals and Supreme Court judges who will make decisions on vital employment and education law cases over the next few years. NCAE attorneys and staff, and human resources professionals from school districts will also lead discussions on evaluations and advocacy. “While the information that will be shared is pertinent to all educators, we especially encourage those who are ready to be a voice for public education to attend – whether it is serving on your School Improvement Team or finding another way to be an advocate,” said Ann McColl, NCAE General Counsel. “We know that educators are frustrated and are looking for ways to make changes. This conference will be a great opportunity for you to come as a local team to gain additional tools to equip your school district for the challenges we face together.” The conference is open to members ($35 -- to be refunded) and non-members ($100). Space is limited and registration (which ends November 8) is encouraged as soon as possible. Information about the conference and how to register is available at http://www.ncae.org/ncae-law-conference-2013/. Participants will earn .5 CEU credits for attending.

In his message, President Rodney Ellis shares information about a special American Education Week project that encourages local affiliates to invite community members to spend a day in their public schools. He also gives details on ways the Association has and is continuing to act and respond to the budget and bad legislative policies passed by the General Assembly.

News Bulletin November 2013 NCAE 3

Hope Comes in Many SizesNC Foundation for Public School Children Makes it Easy for Educators to Help Students

There’s a saying that “life is about the little things.” Liesa Hawks, a member at Cedar Ridge Elementary School in Surry County, couldn’t agree more. That’s why when a student was in need of “little things” -- items that we sometimes take for granted – she turned to the NC Foundation for Public School Children (NCFPSC) for assistance. “The student was in need of undergarments and clothing due to medication which caused her to outgrow all of her clothes,” said Hawks, who serves as president of the Surry County Association of Educators. “She was forced to wear her brother’s clothes and was embarrassed to come to school; the thought of this just tore me apart. I was a new member of NCAE at the time and had just learned about the Foundation. I had to admit that I didn’t know what to expect when I called but I received an immediate response. It was truly awesome!” Operational since 1995, the Foundation is a resource that educators can use to help eliminate distractions that can hinder a child from learning by providing basic necessities such as eyeglasses, medication and clothing. The Foundation also offers professional development for educators and a Parent Academy, which helps parents improve skills that assist their children in being successful. In addition, the Foundation manages Teacher Cadet, a program designed for high school juniors and

seniors who are interested in the field of education. “The Foundation offers many great services that impact so many lives and any educator can apply,” said Chairman Leonardo Williams. “We have a functioning Web site that is easy to navigate and the Board of Directors is a diverse

group of individuals who are strategically working to implement more programs and resources. The need is great and we want educators to have a place void of red tape that they can turn to.” Darlene Hampton knows about the need first hand. Since the beginning of the school year, she has contacted and sought assistance from the Foundation nine times; most recently for a set of twins. “Both parents were laid off from their jobs, which led to a lapse in health insurance,” said Hampton, the parent/family resource and outreach liaison at Central High School in Orange County. “The twins needed glasses but the parents had no extra

funds to purchase them. Their grades dropped from A’s to C’s as a result of not being able to see well. After having an eye screening and getting glasses, they are back on track and achieving higher grades.” Contributing to the Foundation is something all members should consider doing, Hampton added. “Our youth are often placed in unfortunate situations out of their control,” she said. “Being deprived of necessities sometimes fosters unwarranted behavior such as lack of motivation and lack of social interests. If we don’t look out for and serve our students our daily roles as educators are meaningless.” Although Hawks is not employed in the same school system she was when she assisted the young lady, she shares the story with colleagues and tells them how they can contact the Foundation. “The Foundation is a blessing. It’s wonderful to have a resource such as this to help students, especially when you work in a school system that doesn’t have many options available to help families.” All donations made to the Foundation are tax deductible. To make a contribution, or for more information, visit www.ncfpsc.org.

“Champions for Children” Raffle...Be a Winner!

The NC Foundation for Public School Children (NCFPSC) is aware that the needs of school-age children are greater than ever! Poverty is on the rise, and educators are trying to find ways to assist in keeping students in school learning and achieving. The Foundation’s Children’s Fund is one place they can turn to for help, but the Fund will exceed the amount that has been budgeted without your help. For the first time, the Foundation is sponsoring a “Fall Champions for Children Raffle” to benefit the Children’s Fund. There will be an opportunity to win one of three giveaways:

• First Prize – Two round-trip Southwest Airlines tickets and $1,000 cash• Second Prize -- $500 cash• Third Prize -- $250 cash

Tickets are $2 each or six for $10. They are available on the Foundation’s Web site, www.NCFPSC.org, or by e-mailing Marca.Hamm@ncfpsc.org. Tickets must be turned in by December 13. The drawing will take place on Monday, December 16. You do not have to be present to win. Winners will be notified by phone or e-mail.

4 News Bulletin November 2013NCAE

Shifting to the Common Core

Did I do enough for my students? That was the question teachers across the state faced recently as we began a new school year and the second year of Common Core implementation. Last year, many teachers made changes to instruction based on the new standards, but like me were left wondering if the changes we made were enough to prepare students for success in the following grade. For some teachers, instruction changed radically during the first year of implementation. Lecture formats were replaced with student collaboration and discourse, leaving teachers feeling vulnerable and uneasy about student learning. Others only implemented minor changes, but, like me, were still left puzzled. I constantly questioned what more I could do to “teach the Common Core.” I finally realized that success with the Common Core is not measured by the amount of change you make in your classroom. The best measure of Common Core success is to be sure the shifts of the Common Core Standards have been applied to each lesson and standard we teach. The shifts describe the essential changes in practice of the Common Core Standards. For English Language Arts classrooms, teachers should be shifting instruction in three major ways. First, build student knowledge through

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content rich non-fiction. Second, allow students to complete activities where reading, writing, and speaking is grounded in evidence from the text. Third, allow students to have regular practice with complex text and its academic language. Math teachers also need to shift in three ways: focus, coherence and rigor. When planning lessons, math teachers should focus strongly where the standards focus, build coherence across grades and topics within the grade, and build rigor by pursuing conceptual understanding, procedural skill and fluency, and application. As we reflect upon our success with the first year of Common Core implementation, we should not judge that success by the number of new units we wrote or resources we gathered. What we should do is reflect upon whether or not our classroom practices have been shifted in these major ways for each subject. As the school year continues and we continue to wonder if we are doing enough for students, keep these shifts in mind. By shifting instruction in these major ways, chances are we are doing more than enough to help students find success.

Lauren Sabo, curriculum coachClayton Middle School, Johnston CountyNCAE NBCT Caucus ChairNEA Common Core Working Group

Marcus Bass has been hired as a UniServ director for the South Central Region (Charlotte) and as the coordinator for the NCAE 35 and Under Group. He was a middle school teacher and high school tennis coach in Sampson County for three years prior to joining the Association. A graduate of North Carolina A&T State University in Greensboro, Bass is excited about the work he has been charged with over the next year, especially with the under 35 group. “I think there is a disconnect relating to professional development for those under 35,” he said. “I think we do a good job recruiting but need to do a better job of retaining young educators. I look forward to helping younger teachers find their niche and adapting to the classroom.” When Bass is not working, his passion is helping young people. He is the coordinator of Camp Lead Up, a leadership development institute that serves students ages 10-15 in Sampson, Cumberland and Wake counties. He is also an active member of Alpha Phi Alpha Fraternity Inc.

NCAE Welcomes

to the Staff...

Teachers and Students are Seeing Red “I wear red so students can see they are my passion and my heart. I wear red to symbolize that my heart bleeds for them. And I wear red because North Carolina’s elected officials are bleeding public education.” Meredith Licht, an English/Language Arts teacher at Brevard High School in Transylvania County, recently wrote an editorial to The Transylvania Times on why educators across the state are wearing red each Wednesday. She also expressed her love for what she and her colleagues do every day, and encourages everyone who supports public education to WEAR RED! “We love our kids. We love our schools. We are angry because they bear the brunt of a political

bludgeon. I hope you see red when you think about what the divestment in public schools means for students. And I hope you’ll wear read on Wednesdays to stand with educators and others support public schools and NC’s students.” Licht is also a Teaching Fellow graduate, president of the Transylvania County Association of Educators, and a 12-year teaching veteran. Click here to read her editorial in its entirety. Continue to post “Wear Red” photos to the NCAE Facebook wall.

NCAENews Bulletin November 2013 5

NCRSP Names New Executive Director The NCRSP Administrative Council has named Tom Bennett as the new executive director of the North Carolina Retired School Personnel. He replaces Interim Executive Director Pam Deardorff. Prior to joining the NCRSP team, Bennett served as director of the Child Fatality Task Force. He has also worked as the communications director of the NC Medical Society, and served as executive director of the NC Dental Society, where he promoted Children’s Dental Health Month and enabled the state’s dentists to counter prejudice and panic caused by the AIDS epidemic. While serving as executive director of the NC Association of Rehabilitation Facilities, he was instrumental in persuading key legislators to increase funding for disability employment by $3 million, the first such increase in more than 20 years. Bennett said he wants the NCRSP to be the foremost resource for retired school personnel in the country. “I want the Division to be known as the best in terms of the service provided to members and in terms of members’ continued service to their own communities.” A native of Knoxville, TN, Bennett was educated in Tennessee’s public schools. He completed his undergraduate work at Maryville College and received a master’s degree in communications from the University of Tennessee. He fondly refers to North Carolina as home, moving here more than 30 years ago. His father grew up in Yancey County, NC, and he was a member of the United States Coast Guard unit in Atlantic Beach. Bennett lives in Cary with his wife. They have a 22-year-old son, who is studying mechanical engineering at Asheville-Buncombe Technical College in Asheville.

Are You Preparing to Retire? You most likely have some idea of how you'd like to spend retirement. A happy and rewarding retirement has various meanings for different people. To most, it may mean transitioning from a full-time career to spending more time with family. If you are thinking of retiring, notify the NCAE Membership Department. Send an e-mail or letter noting the date of your retirement, include your full name, membership number (located above your name on your membership card) and your retirement date. This notification will help ensure dues are not deducted after you retire. For those on E-dues contact: Janice Wedel, and those on payroll deduction contact: Rose DeLeon. If you are a member who has retired and dues were drafted after you retired, you can opt to join the NCRSP/ NCAE/ NEA and your dues will be transferred and applied to your Retired Division membership. If you are already a Retired Division member, contact the membership department for assistance. For more information about the Retired Division membership, contact Danielle Cooke: 1-800-662-7924.

Class Size Matters!

NCAE would like to thank the 2,505 members who took time in September to complete the Class Size Matters survey. We will keep on file the name and contact information of those who provided it and call on you in the future to share your insight into what happens in the classroom on a daily basis. There were no surprises regarding the overloaded classes for the arts and PE. In grades six through 12, based on the data provided, 16 classes exceeded 50 students, while 94 classes have more than 36 students but less than 45 students. Click here to access the chart. We know that class size averages for K-3 should not exceed 24 within an LEA, but the data provided showed differently.

One thousand eighty-nine (1,089) teachers responded to the question of class size in K-5 and more than 184 classes have more than 24 students. Chart can be accessed here. The interesting data for the support elementary teachers receive from teacher assistants is distressing and provides a foreshadowing of possible negative outcomes for the success of young children who have special needs. We all know that kindergarten is not all fun and games. Foundational skills are formed with hands-on activities, running formative assessments and teaching basic skills. A full-time TA is needed in the modern 21st century K-3 classroom. It is our hope that K-3 teachers have good community and parent volunteers to assist them with some of the hands-on projects as the teacher administers formative assessments that consume much of the day. See chart here on the amount of time K-3 teachers have access to a teacher assistant.

6 NCAE News Bulletin November 2013

Common Copyright Misperceptions for Educators

You’ve seen an article online or in a magazine that you want to incorporate into a lesson. You’re tempted to print, copy and distribute but aren’t sure if you need permission to do so. Most educators and librarians don’t know the answer, according to a survey conducted by the American Library Association (www.ala.org). The research found that a majority of educators have a fear of copyright litigation, which leads them to make overly cautious decisions about the learning materials they bring into their classrooms. Following is a Q & A with Carrie Russell, director of the American Library Association’s Program on Public Access to Information and author of the book “Complete Copyright for K-12 Librarians and Educators” on common copyright misconceptions.

What is the purpose of the copyright law?Many believe that the purpose of the copyright law is to financially reward authors and other creators. The purpose of the copyright law is the betterment of society, particularly a democratic society, by advancing learning. Authors should be paid, but payment is not the purpose. Think of it as a means to an end. By distributing their work to the public (by sale, rental, or some other mechanism), authors and other creators provide access to creative works which benefit the public.

Can an educator show an entire film in the face-to-face classroom?Yes, as long as the copy being used is lawfully obtained. Congress created this exception in the law to educators because they were trying to make the spread of information as broad as possible. Uses that advance learning are favored. Uses that do not advance learning are not favored and generally require prior permission and a fee, even when there is a “no profit” motive.

Can students use music in their presentations?Students can use any music in their presentations even if it is protected by copyright, but keep it in the classroom. Permission may be required if the presentation occurs elsewhere, such as on YouTube. Including materials that may be protected by copyright is expected in the educational setting. Think balance when considering copyright.

What about “fair use guidelines” which dictate only a portion of a work can be copied?The guidelines are arbitrary rules that do not have the force and effect of the law. Sometimes using a larger portion or, when necessary, the entire work can be fair use. The opposite is also true. Small portions might rise to infringement depending on the situation. Making copyright decisions should be based on fair use and the situation at hand.

What is the difference between copyright infringement and plagiarism?Plagiarism is taking credit for another person’s work. Passing off a work assignment by copying

another’s work is plagiarism. Copyright infringement is breaking the law by using protected works in ways that are not fair. Avoiding a sale of a work by making copies is a clear example of this.

What is Fair Use?

The Fair Use Doctrine is one of the most important limitations on the exclusive rights of the copyright holder. It allows that copyright can be infringed because strict application of the law impedes the production and dissemination of works to the public. The Fair Use Doctrine was added as Section 107 of The Copyright Act of 1976 and was based on a history of judicial decisions that recognized that unauthorized infringements of copyright were “fair uses.” – www.ala.org

AmbassadorBrian G. Bowler

2014 MLK Scholarship Gala...Now is the Time for Dreams to Come True!

Join us for a night of pizzaz and entertainment at the second annual Martin Luther King Jr. Scholarship Gala on Friday, January 10, 2014, at the Jane S. McKimmon Center in Raleigh. This formal event will feature guest speaker His Excellence Ambassador Brian G. Bowler, dean of the Malawi Diplomatic Corps and Permanent Representative of the Republic of Malawi to the United Nations. Tickets are $50 for members and $75 for the general public, and can be ordered at www.NCFPSC.org. The Gala is being sponsored by the NCAE Human and Civil Rights Commission. For more information, visit www.NCFPSC.org.

7NCAENews Bulletin November 2013

Positions stated in this publication do not necessarily reflect the official position of NCAE unless so identified. The NCAE News Bulletin, a journal of the Association, is published by the North Carolina Association of Educators, 700 S.Salisbury St., Post Office Box Box 27347, Raleigh, NC 27611, 1-800-662-7924.

Linda Powell-Jones, Editor/Designer

N C A E N E W S B U L L E T I N Follow NCAE eventsand activities on:

www.ncae.org

SNCAE: Falling Into Action, Springing Into Success First I want to welcome everyone to what is sure to be a great year. As the SNCAE Division president, I am excited to work with each and every campus in the state in any way possible! Given our theme for the year is “Fall into Action…Spring into Success,” this summer, the SNCAE Executive Committee worked diligently to plan a number of events for all of our members; one of which turned out great already! In September, the North Carolina A&T State University chapter hosted the Fall Leadership Conference. There were nearly 100 campus leaders at this event where we discussed officer roles, how to grow and

engage members, how to apply for and receive NEA grants, and much more! Campus leaders received a number of materials that will help them build their new chapters, grow the existing ones, and engage members in all of them! We also had a special guest! David Tjaden, NEA Student Program Chair, came and spoke to us about advocating for our profession. Throughout the year we will have a number of Regional Professional Learning Days at which students will learn about different things that effect teachers daily. We are also planning an Outreach to Teach event where members across the state will take over a school and give it a makeover. We will make bulletin boards, paint classrooms, landscape, and many other things to give students a more comfortable and inviting place to learn. We will conclude our year with our Spring Conference. Here we will have a number of sessions that focus on how to become effective teachers, organizing members, and advocacy! As you can see, SNCAE has a year full of great things to keep our members engaged! We truly want to become great teachers who advocate for the profession.

Jaalil Hart, presidentSNCAE Division

Dates to RememberNovember 2013

11th Veteran’s Day (NCAE Offices Closed)16th NCAE Legal Conference, NCAE Center National Board Certification Cluster Drive-ins

• TC Robeson High School, Asheville• West Forsyth High School, Winston-Salem• South Central High School, Winterville• Location TBA, Monroe

18th-22nd American Education Week28th-29th Thanksgiving Holiday (NCAE offices closed)

December 2013

6th Deadline for Multicultural Arts Contest (due by 5 p.m.)10th Nominations for Awards Due7th SNCAE/NCAE Regional Professional Learning Day Campbell University, Buies Creek24th NCAE Winter Holiday (offices closed through January 1)

➡ The School Improvement Team (SIT) meetings are subject to the open meeting law including notice of meetings, maintaining minutes, and posting team members, along with their positions and the date of their election on the school Web site.➡ The components of the SIP require a plan to address school safety and discipline concerns. A new provision in the law specifies that deliberations by the SIT on the school safety components must be in closed sessions.➡ The School Improvement Plan (SIP) must be posted on the school Web site (check out your school Web site to see if the SIP is there. If not, you may want to take a copy of the law to your SIT). Review SIP laws at http://www.ncga.state.nc.us/gascripts/statutes/statutelookup.pl?statute=115C-105.25 and http://www.ncga.state.nc.us/gascripts/statutes/statutelookup.pl?statute=115C-105.27, and the new laws affecting SIPs at http://www.ncae.org/?attachment_id=3792. NCAE Legal will discuss these changes at the upcoming NCAE Law Conference. Other questions can be forwarded to NCAE Legal at www.askNCAE.org.

Did You Know?