RESOURCES

STAY INFORMED!

Jan. 21, 2012: Social Media offers us new ways to communicate
with each other, our students and our students' families. It can also
leave us vulnerable to new problems. Click on the "Social Media
Advisory" link in the side navigation window on this page to stay
informed about the potential risks teachers face when using Social
Media, and read recommendations for what we can do to avoid them.

Jan. 15 , 2012: Read The Center for the Future of Teaching & Learning at WestEd publication, Status of the Teaching Profession 2011 (released Dec. 13, 2011).

"The Status of the Teaching Profession 2011 finds that the state’s historic budget cutbacks present significant challenges to classroom teachers and school site leaders are struggling to find the time, resources and capacity they need to meet the dual challenges of effective school management and ensuring quality instruction for California’s students. The report also provides new information on key issues impacting the teaching workforce, including more than $100 million in cutbacks to teacher professional development, a dramatic decline of more than 50% in the enrollment of prospective teachers in preparation programs, a 40% drop in the production of newly credentialed teachers, and escalating educator retirements.

Amid an increasing state and national focus on teaching quality, the report also examines the capacity of principals to conduct teacher evaluations. While a majority of principals have prior experience in key areas of evaluation, more than one third of principals say they had no or minimal experience in formally evaluating teachers prior to becoming a principal. One quarter report they had no or minimal experience in conducting classroom observations. Once on the job, about one third of principals say they receive minimal or no professional development in these areas of teacher evaluation.

The report includes recommendations for strengthening teaching and leadership in California’s schools focused on improving the state’s system of teacher development and evaluation in ways that strengthen the quality of classroom practice and address the challenge of preparing for the implementation of the new Common Core State Standards."

Click Here to visit The Center for the Future of Teaching & Learning Website "Publications" page to download a Summary Report, or Full Research Report.

Dec. 20, 2010: The California Report Card 2011, Setting the Agenda for Children, is now available online. The "report card" is based on an annual study by CH1LDREN NOW, a nonpartisan research and advocacy organization that focuses on youth-related issues. The California Report Card 2011 reviewed issues ranging from education (preschool and K-12), to health care, foster care, coordination of services and data collection. Click Here to go to the "Reports and Research" page of the CH1LDREN NOW Website where you can download the report.

FYI: Visit the California Teacher Credentialing
Examinations Web Site @ www.ctcexams.nesinc.com
for complete information about the CBEST, CSET, CTEL,
and RICA exams.

NOTICE: If you suspect poor air quality or contamination
in the workplace, call:
Bay Area Air Quality Management District (AQMD)
415-771-6000

HEALTH & SAFETY RESOURCE: California Division of Occupational Safety and Health CalOSHA - Foster City office 650-573-3812