RA Action:

News from the NEA Annual Meeting

July 3, 2008

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Weaver To Open His Final RA

NEA President Reg Weaver will call to order "Team NEA" and the NEA Representative Assembly for the last time today.

Today at 11 a.m., President Reg Weaver calls to order the NEA Representative Assembly for the last time. Weaver, whose six-years as leader of “Team NEA” have been characterized by an unwavering commitment to ensuring the best possible education for every child and promoting respect and workplace justice for educators, will also give his final keynote address during the first session of the Association’s 87th RA.

Tonight, delegates will honor Weaver with a special Friendship Night concert—headlined by Maze, featuring Frankie Beverly—in the Washington Convention Center ballroom.

During the RA’s afternoon session, the Association will present Governor Mike Easley of North Carolina with its first America’s Greatest Education Governor award. Easley won praise from educators for his support of raising teachers’ salaries and his innovative “Learn and Earn” program, which aims to give students a head start on a debt-free college education.

Plenty of Association work awaits delegates on this first day of the RA, including discussion of proposed amendments to the NEA Constitution and Bylaws and an hour of new business.

NEA’s reform call draws Obama praise; delegates tackle dropouts and training

There should be a new balance in the federal role in education, NEA President Reg Weaver said yesterday, unveiling a comprehensive NEA proposal that spells out how to get there. Under the so-called “No Child Left Behind” law, there’s far too much testing and punishing, and not enough funding, Weaver said. “Federal education policy needs more than a legislative tweak here and there.”

NEA President Reg Weaver lays out NEA’s program for a new balance in the federal role in education, at a press conference yesterday.

NEA’s proposal calls on the federal government to better enforce civil rights laws to promote access and opportunity, fund past congressional actions and current federal mandates, and help create the capacity at local and state levels for school transformation.

Also on Tuesday, delegates packed a forum on the dropout crisis among ethnic minorities. ABC Primetime anchor John Quiñones and actor/activist Hill Harper joined education experts on a panel that emphasized students and educators must be supported by parents, communities, administrators, and legislators. Too often they aren’t, said Norma Cantú, a civil rights attorney and professor. “For many of our students, let’s call it what it is: not dropouts, but pushouts.”

Obama’s education advisor, Linda Darling-Hammond, encouraged a standing room-only crowd of attendees at the annual Teacher Quality policy briefing to “take charge” in her keynote speech. “All children have the right to learn, but we must also guarantee that teachers have the same right,” she said. She urged teachers to campaign for candidates and education reform that values them, including greater professional development and mentoring opportunities.

RA Action:

News from the NEA Annual Meeting

July 4, 2008

Resolutions Amendments, New Resolutions, and Set-Asides:

This page will be updated during the Representative Assembly, and will reflect daily Resolutions exactly as they are printed in RA Today, our official convention newspaper.

New B. Expanding Student Graduation Options Preliminary Report

Amend by addition on page 34 of the Preliminary Report, line 15, “New B. Expanding Student Graduationand PromotionOptions.” Amend by addition on lines 16-17, “public high schools should expand graduationand promotionoptions for students.” Amend by substitution on line 20, “in determining[promotion and graduation]graduation and promotionrequirements.”

Rationale
Many states with exit exams equate graduation to receiving a standard diploma, and as such, prohibit students with special needs who do not receive a diploma from participating in commencement exercises. These students have met their individualized education program (IEP) goals and all other requirements.

Submitted by
Ed Amundson, California

C-2. Nutrition Preliminary Report

Amend by addition on page 35 of the Preliminary Report, lines 14-16, “The Association also supports nutrition programs that are regulated by uniform standards, readily accessible, medically correct for students and employees who have special, documented dietary needs, and are supported by public funds.”

Rationale
We have many students and employees who have diabetes, severe food allergies, or other restrictions to personal diet. Many of the students come from family circumstances that cannot provide daily special food from home to meet the dietary needs of the children. Also, by schools not correctly meeting the nutritional needs of said students, there could be a case of liability if a student suffers a reaction because of ingesting food contrary to diet needs.

Submitted by
Sandra Hatley, North Carolina

C-18. Environmentally Safe Schools Preliminary Report

Amend by addition on page 38 of the Preliminary Report, line 25, “Further, school districts must complete corrective actions to eliminate the problem in a timely manner and report the results of said action.”

Rationale
Many times tests occur, and results may even be publically reported, but no corrective action follows and the problem continues. Therefore, employees and students continue to get sick, and in some cases, die.

Submitted by
Sandra Hartley, North Carolina

RA Action:

News from the NEA Annual Meeting

New Business Items

July 4, 2008

This page is updated during the Representative Assembly to reflect daily New Business Items (NBIs) exactly as they are printed in RA Today, our official convention newspaper.

NEW BUSINESS ITEM A

NEA’s basic policies on both the importance of health care coverage and the urgent need for health reform are set forth in NEA Resolutions B-7, C-1, D-23, F-52, F-62, H-7, and I-21, and in the NEA Legislative Program. These policies express NEA’s belief that all residents of the United States, its territories, and the Commonwealth of Puerto Rico should have access to quality, affordable, comprehensive, and secure health care coverage throughout their lifetime. While NEA believes that such goals can best be achieved through a single-payer health care system, it remains strongly supportive of reforms that move us closer to quality, affordable, comprehensive, and secure health benefits
for all.

Recognizing the importance of universal, quality health care in allowing all children to be ready and able to learn and in recruiting and retaining a quality education workforce, the Representative Assembly reaffirms its commitment to the policies set forth in these resolutions and the NEA Legislative Program, and believes that health care reform should take place consistent with several guiding principles. Health care reform must:

1. Guarantee that health benefits are universally available;
2. Result in comprehensive health care coverage that includes, but is not limited to, medical, surgical, hospital, behavioral health, prescription drug, dental, vision, hearing, and long-term care services;
3. Include preventive, wellness, and disease-management programs;
4. Incorporate provisions and standards related to medical safety and quality;
5. Make use of health information technology;
6. Control costs; 
7. Ensure that benefits are available through a current or former employer, a government-sponsored program such as Medicare, Medicaid, or SCHIP, and/or a new initiative that would meet the goals outlined here;
8. Maintain workers’ ability to negotiate enhancements to any basic benefits package.
9. This is not meant to diminish or replace existing health benefits that may be better.

The Representative Assembly further believes that NEA must be actively involved in the health care reform debate. As such, it directs NEA to take the following actions to move the organization forward in this effort and closer to fulfilling the goal of universal health care coverage, consistent with the principles above: compare and contrast major health reform proposals and initiatives with an emphasis on the probable impact of the proposals on meeting the health care needs of children and those who educate them; actively support proposals meeting NEA’s principles; develop legislative and political programs to enact supported programs; continue active participation in health care reform coalitions; assist state affiliates in educating members and communities on health care reform by distributing health care reform training materials to state affiliates and identifying opportunities for state affiliates to engage members in health care reform activities; and keep state affiliates and members informed about relevant health care reform developments through its regular communication vehicles, including, but not limited to, NEA Today and This Active Life. (2008-A)

Submitted by
NEA Board of Directors

Relevant Core Service
CS-1
Learning and Working Conditions

Cost Implications
This NBI can be accomplished within the proposed 2008-10 Strategic Plan and Budget at no additional cost.

NEW BUSINESS ITEM 1

Adopted

NEA shall create a comprehensive plan with the goal of at least doubling the number of NEA and NEA-sponsored cyber lobbyists over the next five years. Using existing NEA communications resources, the plan will provide support to NEA leaders and members at the national, state and local levels in order to promote the importance and effectiveness of cyberlobbying. (2008-1)

NEW BUSINESS ITEM 2

Withdrawn

NEW BUSINESS ITEM 3

Referred to the Executive Committee

That NEA Government Relations (GR) commit sufficient resources to the federal advocacy team program, continuing support for aspects of the program proven successful in the past and expanding the program, as GR deems appropriate.  This is to be accomplished within the existing GR budget. (2008-3)

NEW BUSINESS ITEM 4

Adopted

Using existing communication vehicles (NEA Today and the NEA Web site), NEA will inform its members about exemplary school-based mental health programs that promote prevention and classroom intervention strategies for children and adolescents including, but not limited to, those students with mental illness. (2008-4)

NEW BUSINESS ITEM 5

Defeated

NEW BUSINESS ITEM 6

Withdrawn

NEW BUSINESS ITEM 7

Adopted as Substituted

The NEA, through its various communications channels, will review and disseminate research and best practices for dropout prevention including, but not limited to, student retention, instructional strategies, appropriate individual academic interventions, and culturally relevant community and family involvement strategies.

NEW BUSINESS ITEM 8

Adopted

Move that NEA affirms its long-standing commitment to Resolution B-20, the Education of Refugee and Undocumented Children and Children of Undocumented Immigrants, and will engage in a campaign to highlight and improve the plight of students who have graduated from U.S. high schools but have no paths to citizenship because their parents are undocumented.  NEA will: (1) engage in member education on the plight of these students, including the publication of an article in NEA Today and other appropriate venues of communication, discussing their situation; (2) continue to promote legislative solutions that will, among other things, put high school graduates on paths to legalization, with a focus on coalition work and grass roots mobilization when appropriate; and (3) take steps to educate the public on the importance of ensuring that all high school graduates, regardless of immigration status, should have access to post-secondary educational opportunities, obtain in-state tuition where they reside, and become full citizens of our society.

NEW BUSINESS ITEM 9

The NEA include, as part of its regularly budgeted media campaign for 2008-09, a component that advertises the plight of our members and potential members regarding the Government Pension Offset (GPO) and the Windfall Elimination Provision (WEP) of Social Security .

Rationale/Background
States continue to have difficulty recruiting teachers, especially those contemplating second careers.  Portability of pensions are jeopardized.  We need to educate the general public to put pressure on Congress to pass the Social Security Fairness Act.

Submitted by
50 Delegates

Contact
Karen Russell, California

Relevant Core Service
CS–3
Communications

Cost Implications
This activity was not included in the proposed 2008-09 regular budgeted media campaign. Assuming this component incorporates earned media, and print and radio media in targeted markets, the estimated additional cost of this NBI is $100,000.

NEW BUSINESS ITEM 10

In an effort to strengthen the movement for repeal of the Social Security Offsets (Windfall Elimination Provision/Government  Pension Offset), NEA will continue and supplement ongoing grassroots strategies by increasing member, policymaker, and public awareness of the issue, and enhancing data to support arguments for repeal.

    Specifically, NEA shall:

• Secure outside expert assistance to analyze data and develop data-driven policy arguments for use in working with lawmakers.

• Implement a media campaign utilizing proven avenues of effective communication to educate the public about the offsets and increase pressure on lawmakers to act.

• Host at least one national lobby day at the appropriate legislative time.

Rationale/Background
The Social Security Offsets are oppressive laws that must be repealed.  The repeal of these laws will ensure a better quality of life for all members and individuals impacted by these laws.  This NBI will assist NEA in moving this issue forward with lawmakers.

Submitted by
Majority vote at regularly called meeting of the state delegation in connection with the annual meeting.

Contact
Tom Wellman, Nevada

Relevant Strategic Goal
SG–4
Political Action and Member Communications

Cost Implications
Assuming the media campaign is limited to earned media, and print and radio ads in targeted markets, the estimated cost of this NBI is $175,000.

NEW BUSINESS ITEM 11

NEA will compare the historical rates of return of selected small public sector defined benefit pension plans to those of selected larger public defined benefit pension plans. NEA will also compare the administrative costs of the smaller and larger plans. Based on the quality of the data available, NEA will draw upon existing data series from multiple sources (particularly those that furnish risk-adjusted results) as well as utilizing direct analysis of specific plans’ investment returns and administrative cost. NEA will then analyze the results to see if conclusions can be drawn about the relationship between the size of the investment pool and rates of return and administrative costs.

Rationale/Background
The purpose of this project is to determine whether NEA members are better served from a net financial returns perspective—by participating in larger (typically consolidated) retirement systems or in smaller (typically more localized or homogenous) plans, and if so, to what degree?

Submitted by
Majority vote at regularly called meeting of the state delegation in connection with the annual meeting.

Contact
Jay Kaplan, Vermont

Relevant Core Service
CS–1
Learning and Working Conditions

Cost Implications
This NBI can be accomplished at the additional cost of $20,000.

NEW BUSINESS ITEM 12

The NEA will make the benefits of chess available to teachers through available methods of communication like: NEA Today, Website and association mailings.

Rationale/Background
The benefits of chess to the developing brain has been catalogued. Increase test scores, academic improvement and positive interpersonal skills make chess an important tool for teachers. Awareness through NEA communications will improve greater participation in this skill building activity.

Submitted by
50 Delegates

Contact
Carmen Childress, California

Relevant Core Service
CS–1
Learning and Working Conditions

Cost Implications
This NBI can be accomplished within the proposed 2008-10 Strategic Plan and Budget at no additional cost.

NEW BUSINESS ITEM 13

Using existing communication vehicles (including NEA Today, This Active Life and the NEA website), the NEA will publish information regarding the student privacy option on the Armed Services Vocational Aptitude Battery (ASVAB). This information will be directed to high school teachers, administrators, counselors and Career Advisors so that prior to the administration of the exam, they will be informed regarding the privacy option (Option 8).

Rationale/Background
The ASVAB is promoted as a career exploration program for high school juniors and seniors. According to the U.S. Army, its primary purpose is to provide military recruiters with “leads for enlistment into the active Army and Army Reserves.” In 2006, 250 schools in 34 states made this exam mandatory.

Submitted by
50 Delegates

Contact
Arlene Inouye, California

Relevant Core Service
CS-3
Communications

Cost Implications
This NBI can be accomplished within the proposed 2008-10 Strategic Plan and Budget at no additional cost.

NEW BUSINESS ITEM 14

NEA support high priority allocations of disaster assistance from state and federal sources to preserve governmental structures and services.

Rationale/Background
As post-Katrina events show, an anti-government administration uses disasters to disparage government services and exploits social distress to advance privatization, while impeding government functions. Public education provides the framework for social recovery and development. Education employees need early and substantial assistance to help restore social stability.

Submitted by
Majority vote at regularly called meeting of the state delegation in connection with the annual meeting.

Contact
Frank Olbris, Massachusetts

Relevant Strategic Goal
SG–4
Political Action and Member Communications

Cost Implications
This NBI can be accomplished within the proposed 2008-10 Strategic Plan and Budget at no additional cost.

NEW BUSINESS ITEM 15

School Land Trusts are an important part of our history and the development and funding of our educational system. As an association, we believe that any funding derived from these school land trusts should always be used to supplement already existing state revenue sources, never supplanting the funds. NEA will utilize existing media resources to educate our members of the history and value of these land trusts. We as an Association need to support those states with existing school land trusts and help them to maintain their funds.

Rationale/Background
It is important that members of this Association understand why these trust lands were established and how they became a funding source for public education.

Submitted by
50 Delegates

Contact 
Tom Wellman, Nevada

Relevant Strategic Goal
SG-5
Tax and Economic Policies and School Funding

Cost Implications
This NBI can be accomplished within the proposed 2008-10 Strategic Plan and Budget at no additional cost.

NEW BUSINESS ITEM 16

NEA and its affiliates will disseminate existing data and analysis demonstrating the relationship of socioeconomic status to standardized test scores. Further, NEA, using existing publications, will strive to counter the myth that teachers and the educational establishment alone can overcome social, economic, health and other barriers to equal educational opportunity in our society.

Rationale/Background
It is a myth that we can “fix” our schools without addressing problems of poverty. The so-called achievement gap is really an opportunity gap based on socioeconomic status, accounting for ¾ of the variation in student performance in U.S. schools.

Submitted by
50 Delegates

Contact
Betty Olson-Jones, California

Relevant Core Service
CS-1
Learning and Working Conditions

Cost Implications
This NBI can be accomplished within the proposed 2008-10 Strategic Plan and Budget at no additional cost.

NEW BUSINESS ITEM 17

I move that NEA, through its publications, lobbying, and affiliates, inform the public of the facts behind “CHIP” (the Children’s Health Insurance Program).

Rationale/Background
The Bush Administration opposes this program, yet it is successful, cost-effective, and enjoys bipartisan support. It is designed to protect the working poor, yet is underfunded, and children suffer and die because they do not get preventative care or care for chronic illness. Opposition from big insurance companies and cries of “socialized medicine” are unnecessarily denying health care to needy children.

Submitted by
Majority vote at regularly called meeting of the state delegation in connection with the annual meeting.

Contact
John Coulter, New Jersey

Relevant Strategic Goal
SG-4
Political Action and Member Communications

Cost Implications
This NBI can be accomplished within the proposed 2008-10 Strategic Plan and Budget at no additional cost.

NEW BUSINESS ITEM 18

I move that NEA, through its affiliates, programs, and publications, report on the extent to which children who are eligible for Free and Reduced Lunch fail to take advantage of this program; provide information and support through the public schools to low-income families to underscore the importance of good nutrition and provide information associated with this program to encourage participation.

Rationale/Background
Today $8.3 billion per year is dedicated to providing Free and Reduced lunch to 30.6 million disadvantaged children. Yet only 37% of eligible high school students participate. This program was designed to safeguard the health and well-being of America’s children and full participation should be encouraged and facilitated.

Submitted by
Majority vote at regularly called meeting of the state delegation in connection with the annual meeting.

Contact
John Coulter, New Jersey

Relevant Core Service
CS-1
Learning and Working Conditions

Cost Implications
Assuming the Health Information Network provides research and writing support, the cost is estimated to be $4,500.

NEW BUSINESS ITEM 19

I move that the NEA make passage of the Social Security Fairness Act in the 111th Congress a top priority.  Additionally, that the NEA work to get Senator Obama (a current co-sponsor) and Senator McCain to make this a part of their presidential platforms.

Rationale/Background
For over eight years we have supported the removal of the Government Pension Offset and the Windfall Elimination Provision.  This is the time to make it law.  A large number of our members have suffered too long.

Submitted by
50 Delegates

Contact
Dorothy Moser, California

Relevant Strategic Goal
SG–4
Political Action and Member Communications

Cost Implications
This NBI can be accomplished within the proposed 2008-10 Strategic Plan and Budget at no additional cost.

NEW BUSINESS ITEM 20

NEA enthusiastically endorses the Chicago 2016 bid to host the Summer Olympic Games.

Rationale/Background
Chicago is the official candidate city of the United States competing to host the 2016 Olympic Games. As Chicago welcomes the world, NEA recognizes the unparalleled educational opportunities that will result from this experience.

Submitted by
50 Delegates

Contact
Jerome Hoynes, Illinois

Relevant Core Service
CS-1
Learning and Working Conditions

Cost Implications
This NBI can be accomplished within the proposed 2008-10 Strategic Plan and Budget at no additional cost.

NEW BUSINESS ITEM 21

SmartCards will be given to all NEA members attending the NEA annual meeting regardless of delegate status.

Rationale/Background
Team NEA should reinstate the practice of giving SmartCards to all members attending the NEA annual meeting. SmartCards allow access to email, exhibit hall, drawings, and other giveaways. Many NEA member non-delegates attend the annual meeting as presenters, caucus leaders, as well as family and friends of delegates. These NEA members qualify for a SmartCard by their attendance at the annual meeting.

Submitted by
Majority vote at regularly called meeting of the state delegation in connection with the annual meeting.

Contact
Gretchen Hale, Indiana

Relevant Core Service
CS-4
Leadership Development/Governance

Cost Implications:
The estimated cost of this NBI is $5,000. The implementation of this NBI will be done pursuant to standing rule 6.W.

NEW BUSINESS ITEM 22

Move that the NEA encourage all state organizations to support or initiate state legislation which would enable military personnel and their dependents to obtain in-state tuition where they reside.

Rationale/Background
This NBI will recognize the reality that military dependents cannot always choose their place of residence.

Submitted by
50 Delegates

Contact
Tim Mennuti, Maryland

Relevant Strategic Goal
SG-4
Political Action and Member Communications

Cost Implications
This NBI can be accomplished at the additional cost of $15,000.

NEW BUSINESS ITEM 23

NEA help NYSUT submit legislation to eliminate residency requirement during military service in order to receive 3 years credit in state retirement systems of New York.

Rationale/Background
Former out-of-state veterans have valuable experience. When they retire earlier, jobs for new educators & military veterans’ salaries would be higher and pensions would be higher.

Submitted by
50 Delegates

Contact
Mike Shanteler, California

Relevant Core Service
CS-1
Learning and Working Conditions

Cost Implications
This NBI can be accomplished at the additional cost of $15,000.

NEW BUSINESS ITEM 24

NEA reads the Declaration of Independence is a video featuring NEA Pres. Reg Weaver and VP Dennis Van Roekel and members of the NEA from around the country reading the words from the Declaration of Independence. We request that this film by MTA-NEA member Bill Coleman be played at the RA on July 4th.

Rationale/Background
This film is a patriotic mosaic of our members in celebration of the Fourth of July, our nation’s birthday.

Submitted by
50 Delegates
Majority vote at regularly called meeting of the state delegation in connection with the annual meeting.

Contact
William S. Coleman, III, Massachusetts

Relevant Core Service
CS-3
Communications

Cost Implications
This NBI can be accomplished within the proposed 2008-10 Strategic Plan and Budget at no additional cost.

NEW BUSINESS ITEM 25

NEA will inform its members of the provisions and passage of California Senate Bill 1655 (Scott) and the role played by The New Teacher Project (TNTP) in this effort. Furthermore, NEA will work with state affiliates in combating similar efforts wherever they arise.

Rationale/Background
The passage of SB 1655 has made it such that a school district’s superintendent may not transfer a teacher who requests to be transferred to a school (K-12 inclusive) that is ranked in deciles 1-3 inclusive on California’s Academic Performance Index if the school’s principal refuses to accept the transfer. TNTP’s efforts increasingly influence decisions that negatively affect our members. It is imperative that our members know of them and that NEA lend support to its state affiliates when confronting them.

Submitted by
50 Delegates

Contact
Manny Lopez, California

Relevant Core Service
CS-1
Learning and Working Conditions

Cost Implications
This NBI can be accomplished within the proposed 2008-10 Strategic Plan and Budget at no additional cost.

NEW BUSINESS ITEM 26

The NEA will publicly oppose Ward Connerly’s campaign to place on the ballot and pass anti-affirmative action ballot measures in Arizona, Colorado, and Nebraska and the NEA will investigate supporting court challenges to fraudulent petition gathering and racially targeted voter fraud by Connerly’s anti-affirmative action supporters in these states.

Rationale/Background
The NEA should support all efforts to defend the historic gains of Brown v Board of Education and the civil rights movement. The fraudulent methods used by anti-affirmative action signature gatherers is well documented and the subject of court challenges. Connerly’s attempts to place affirmative action bans on the ballot in Oklahoma and Missouri have already been defeated. Now we must stop these attacks entirely.

Submitted by
50 Delegates

Contact
Tania Kappner, California

Relevant Strategic Goal
SG-4
Political Action and Member Communications

Cost Implications
This NBI can be accomplished within the proposed 2008-10 Strategic Plan and Budget at no additional cost.

NEW BUSINESS ITEM 27

The NEA will send a letter urging Congress to block attempts by the Bush administration to commit the U.S. to a permanent military presence in Iraq.

Rationale/Background
President Bush is negotiating with Iraq for the creation of 60 permanent military bases in a blatant attempt to tie the hands of his successor and sidestep Congressional approval. This makes it difficult for the next president to withdraw troops from Iraq and to reprioritize the budget to address education.

Submitted by
50 Delegates

Contact
Rhonda Hanson, Maryland

Relevant Strategic Goal
SG-4
Political Action and Member Communications

Cost Implications
This NBI can be accomplished within the proposed 2008-10 Strategic Plan and Budget at no additional cost.

NEW BUSINESS ITEM 28

NEA will encourage its local chapters to collaborate with their local governing boards to produce a proclamation denouncing the provision of ESEA so called “No Child Left Behind.” This proclamation would be developed collaborately between the local union and governing board. This proclamation along with a joint letter of support should be sent to the President of NEA to be used in our lobbying efforts for 2008-2009.

Rationale/Background
Accountability were already in place.  NCLB’s provisions are inflexible and unrealistic. There’s insufficient funding to implement its requirements.  It’s unworkable and it’s negative effects include whole sections of education being ignored. Well rounded programs for our children have been compromised. This activity will clearly demonstrate the universal agreement that “NCLB” is detrimental to public education. NEA support would lend national leadership in this effort.

Submitted by
50 Delegates

Contact
Mrs. Joan K. Gaut, California

Relevant Core Service
CS-1
Learning and Working Conditions

Cost Implications
This NBI is estimated to cost an additional $1,000.

NEW BUSINESS ITEM 29

NEA will develop a proactive, cross-unit plan during the NEA’s Fiscal Year 2009 targeted at alleviating budget pressures on local school systems caused by unfunded mandates. In particular, the plan will focus on developing grassroots activities to be conducted in conjunction with the upcoming reauthorization of the Individuals with Disabilities Act (IDEA. It will focus on informing and mobilizing educators from all areas of education, as well as parents and communities, with specific regard to the impact on general education as a result of years of under-funding IDEA and the need for the implementation of an appropriations schedule that achieves full funding for IDEA as soon as possible.

This effort will intensify and expand NEA’s efforts beyond lobbying to secure that all future appropriations meet the objective of the federal government’s promise of providing 40% of the excess cost above the national average per pupil expenditure (APPE), which is generally referred to as fully funding IDEA.

The plan will include an informational component to provide NEA members with useful knowledge such as how the federal government manages to continually under fund IDEA, and that illuminates the detrimental impact that under funded mandated programs have on our schools by siphoning funds away from our mainstream programs.

The plan should also include specific strategies to obtain major membership or grassroots engagement via the use of NEA print, website and online publications, presentations at NEA and state conferences, paid media, mailings and other means of communication with the ultimate goal of providing the membership with the resources and knowledge needed to mobilize their communities to effectively influence the U.S. Congress to fulfill its promise to fully fund IDEA.

Rationale/Background
Politician after politician swear undying support for Education, then turn their backs on funding it. Since 1975 IDEA has been underfunded by $300,000,000. Forcing Congress to fully fund IDEA is the first step toward ending un-funded Federal mandates.

Submitted by
50 Delegates

Contact
John Farrington, California

Relevant Stategic Goal
SG-4
Political Action and Member Communications

Cost Implications
The planning can be accomplished within the proposed 2008-10 Strategic Plan and Budget at no additional cost.

NEW BUSINESS ITEM 30

NEA Today will publish a series of articles on the effects on and impediments to education and human services created by conditions of war, occupation, natural disaster, and civil strife. These articles will cover these conditions in the US, as well as in the Middle East, Africa, Latin America, and elsewhere in the world.

Rationale/Background
Children lose opportunities for education and health care through military occupation, natural disaster, civil strife, and war. From the Middle East to Africa, the Gulf Coast to South America, throughout the world these conditions exist. Members should know about these barriers to
education.

Submitted by
50 Delegates

Contact
Andy Griggs, California

Relevant Core Service
CS-1
Learning and Working Conditions

Cost Implications
The estimated cost of this NBI is $3,000.

NEW BUSINESS ITEM 31

Utilizing existing communication vehicles, the NEA will encourage schools to create the category of “Middle Eastern” as part of their regular data collection for students.

Rationale/Background
Most public schools use the US Census’ categories for student data collection. These categories do not give schools the educational information necessary to best serve the learning needs of our Middle Eastern students.

At this time, Middle Eastern students are being included in the “White” classification. Having no specific classification, there isn’t a method of tracking the educational progress of Middle Eastern students to see how well our schools are serving their educational needs. Without this category, schools cannot disaggregate information on Middle Eastern students; thus, schools do not know what curricular improvements are necessary to develop alternative educational practices to improve student learning.

Submitted by
50 Delegates

Contact
Chelli Olsen, Nebraska

Relevant Core Service
CS-3
Communications

Cost Implications
This NBI can be accomplished within the proposed 2008-10 Strategic Plan and Budget at no additional cost.

RA Action:

News from the NEA Annual Meeting

Legislative Amendments

July 4, 2008

This page will be updated during the Representative Assembly, and will reflect daily Legislative Amendments exactly as they are printed in RA Today, our official convention newspaper.

Legislative Amendment 1

Insert on page 26, line 9, a new bullet reading “NEA opposes funding private military organizations with public tax money.”

Rationale
The trillions of tax dollars given to private military organizations should instead be used to promote education for all of our students and to adequately equip and supply our own military.

Submitted by
Majority vote of state delegation

Contact
Justin Hughey, Hawaii

Legislative Amendment 2

Insert on page 22, line 46 a new bullet reading, “NEA opposes legislation requiring biometric child fingerprint scanning in schools.”

Rationale
Imagine the consequences if someone were to get a hold of your child’s fingerprints and the subsequent data they could access with that information.

Submitted by
Majority vote of state delegation

Contact
Justin Hughey, Hawaii

Legislative Amendment 3

Insert on page 19, line 50, a new bullet reading, “NEA supports federal resources to subsidize solar panels.”

Rationale
Subsidizing solar panels will provide schools with increasing incentives to go solar.

Submitted by
Majority vote of state delegation

Contact
Justin Hughey, Hawaii

Legislative Amendment 4

Insert on page 14, line 43, a new bullet reading, “NEA supports legislation that requires examination of Genetically Modified (GM) food safety and adequate labeling.”

Rationale
Regulatory agencies are not requiring adequate safety data from these industries prior to marketing or field trials and therefore there are no incentives for this industry to sponsor safety studies.  It is the corporation’s job to make a profit, but it is the government’s job to ensure product safety.  We should be proactive rather than reactive when dealing with consumer protection, especially when taking into consideration that these products will eventually be served in school cafeterias to our children. 

Submitted by
Majority vote of state delegation

Contact
Justin Hughey, Hawaii

Legislative Amendment 5

On page 10 (postsecondary education):

—amend the ninth bullet (on line 40) under “NEA supports” by deleting the word “minority” so the bullet would read, “diversity in enrollments through programs that facilitate students’ entrance into and completion of postsecondary education regardless of their immigration status” and
—insert a new tenth bullet (on line 42) under “NEA supports” reading “access to higher education and in-state tuition for instate residents regardless of immigration status, as well as paths to legalization for undocumented high school graduates.”

Rationale
To strengthen NEA Legislative Agenda language in regard to post-secondary education for undocumented students.

Submitted by
50 Delegates

Contact
Susie Jablinske, Maryland

Legislative Amendment 6

Insert on page 18, line 41 a new bullet under NEA supports reading “strengthening private defined benefit plans through greater funding flexibility, including but not limited to, extending the plan funding period in excess of seven years.”

Rationale
The Pension Protection Act reduced the funding time frame for private funded pension plans, causing a financial hardship on state affiliates.  Relief is needed.

Submitted by
Majority vote of state delegation

Contact
Dale Lee, West Virginia

Legislative Amendment 7

Insert on page 25, line 51, a new b ullet under “NEA supports” reading, “legislation to make war-profiteering illegal.”

Rationale
War profiteering used to be illegal.  Eisenhower was correct in his grave concerns about the military industrial complex.  Trillions of dollars and thousands of lives have been taken in the name of profit. 

Submitted by
50 delegates

Contact
Justin Hughey, Hawaii

RA Action:

News from the NEA Annual Meeting

July 4, 2008

Amendments to the NEA Constitution, Bylaws, and Standing Rules

The Representative Assembly will vote on amendments to the Standing Rules by voice vote at the first business meeting, July 3, 2008. Standing Rule amendments, if adopted, are effective immediately unless otherwise specified.

The Assembly will vote on amendments to the Constitution and Bylaws July 5, 2008. Amendments will be discussed before the voting begins.

Amendments to the Constitution and Bylaws become effective on September 1 following their adoption unless otherwise specified.

Further information may be obtained from NEA Governance and Policy Support, 1201 16th St., N.W., Washington, DC 20036, (202) 822-7923.

Proposed deletions to the text appear in [brackets] and proposed additions are underscored.

Amendments to the Standing Rules

STANDING RULE AMENDMENT 1

Defeated

STANDING RULE AMENDMENT 2

Defeated

STANDING RULE AMENDMENT 3

Defeated

Amendment to the NEA Constitution:

CONSTITUTIONAL AMENDMENT 1

TITLE:   To allow the NEA Bylaws to provide NEA membership for certain persons who are not education employees, and to prohibit such members from serving as officers of the Association, members of the Board of Directors, or delegates to the Representative Assembly.

Article II. Membership
Section 2. Membership Eligibility: Provisions and Limitations.

a.  Membership, as provided in the Bylaws, shall be open to persons engaged in the profession of teaching or in other educational work and to persons interested in advancing the cause of public education who shall agree to subscribe to the goals and objectives of the Association and to abide by its Constitution and Bylaws.

e.  Persons interested in advancing the cause of public education who are not active or retired education employees and who are not student members and who are granted membership pursuant to Section 2(a) above shall not have the right to serve as officers of the Association, as members of the Board of Directors, or as delegates to the Representative Assembly.

IMPACT STATEMENT:
The first part of this amendment would amend Article II, Section 2(a) to allow the NEA Bylaws to provide NEA membership for certain persons who are not education employees. The 2006 Representative Assembly amended Bylaw 2-1(a) and (g) to establish an Associate membership category for non-education employees who are “interested in advancing the cause of public education,” and who meet certain other requirements. These Bylaw amendments have been held in abeyance and cannot be implemented without Constitutional authorization. They will be implemented if this Constitutional amendment is adopted.

The second part of this amendment would add a new Article II, Section 2(e), which would prohibit persons who are granted NEA membership because they are “interested in advancing the cause of public education”—but are not active or retired education employees, or NEA Student members—from serving as NEA officers, members of the NEA Board of Directors, or delegates to the NEA Representative Assembly.

An NEA membership category open to non-education employees interested in advancing the cause of public education existed prior to the 1993–94 membership year. The 1993 NEA Representative Assembly amended Article II, Section 2(a), of the NEA Constitution and NEA Bylaw 2-1 to eliminate the category.

An amendment that was the same as the proposed amendment to Article II, Section 2(a) was defeated by the Representative Assembly in 2006 and 2007, but the 2006 and 2007 amendment did not include the proposed addition of a new Article II, Section 2(e).

Contact: Jane R. Stern, Maryland

Amendments to the NEA Bylaws:

BYLAW AMENDMENT 1-A

The RA divided Bylaw Amendment 1-A into two parts, Bylaw Amendment 1-A(1) and Bylaw Amendment 1-A(2), as requested by the maker, the NEA Board of Directors.

BYLAW AMENDMENT 1-A(1)

TITLE:  To make persons employed in private sector preschool programs eligible for NEA Active membership.

Bylaw 2. Membership
2-1. Categories.

b. Active membership shall be open to any person (i) who is employed by or in a public school district, public or private preschool program, public or private college or university, or other public institution devoted primarily to education, regardless of the specific nature of the functions that the person performs at the work site and regardless of who actually employs the person; (ii) who is employed by a public sector employer other than a school district, college or university, or other institution devoted primarily to education but who is employed primarily to perform educational functions; (iii) who is on limited leave of absence from the employment described in items (i) and (ii) above; or (iv) who is serving as an executive officer of the Association or of a state or local affiliate. The Association shall continue to allow Active membership to those Active members (i) who have been laid off due to a reduction in force for as long as such persons are eligible to be recalled, or for three (3) years, whichever is longer; or (ii) who have been discharged for as long as a legal challenge to such discharge is pending.

An Active member who is engaged in or on a limited leave of absence from professional educational employment shall hold or shall be eligible to hold a baccalaureate or higher degree or the regular teaching, vocational, or technical certificate required by his or her employment or shall be an exchange teacher who is regularly employed as a teacher in another country.

Active membership is limited to persons who support the principles and goals of the Association and maintain membership in the local and state affiliates where eligible. The Association shall not accept as Active members persons who are not eligible for Active membership (or the equivalently designated membership category) in the state affiliate, unless the state affiliate (i) by action of its board of directors (or equivalent governing body) approves such acceptance and (ii) enters into an agreement with the Association pursuant to which the state affiliate agrees to function as the Association’s agent for the delivery of Association services and programs to the members in question. Approval by and a service agreement with the state affiliate shall not be prerequisites to the Association’s acceptance into Active membership of persons who are not eligible for active membership (or the equivalently designated membership category) in the state affiliate if said persons are members of a local affiliate that (i) is comprised predominantly of persons who are not eligible for active membership in the state affiliate and (ii) was a local affiliate of the Association as of the effective date of this amendment.

IMPACT STATEMENT:

Under Article II, Section 2(a), of the NEA Constitution, only “persons engaged in the profession of teaching or in other educational work” are eligible for any category of NEA membership.  In order to be eligible for NEA Active membership, a person must, in addition, meet the requirements set forth in Bylaw 2-1(b). With two exceptions, Bylaw 2-1(b) limits NEA Active membership to public sector education employees.  The exceptions are for (1) employees of private sector colleges and universities, and (2) private sector employees who perform their services “in” a public school district or other public sector education worksite.  This amendment would expand the categories of private sector education employees who are eligible for NEA Active membership to include persons employed in private sector preschool programs.  This amendment would notmake persons employed in private sector elementary/secondary schools and other non-preschool private sector institutions devoted primarily to education eligible for NEA Active membership.  Such persons would become eligible only if Bylaw Amendment 1-A(2) is adopted.

The fact that a person is eligible for NEA Active membership under Bylaw 2-1(b) does not necessarily mean that NEA can accept that person as an NEA Active member.  The third paragraph of Bylaw 2-1(b)—which is not changed by this amendment—makes the state affiliates the gateway to NEA Active membership.  If an employee who is eligible for NEA Active membership is also eligible for Active membership in the state affiliate, NEA can accept the person as an Active member.  If, on the other hand, the person is not also eligible for Active membership in the state affiliate, NEA can accept the person as an Active member only if the state affiliate gives its approval, and agrees to function as NEA’s agent for the delivery of services and programs to the member in question.

Contact:
NEA Board of Directors

BYLAW AMENDMENT 1-A(2)

   TITLE:   To make persons employed in private sector elementary/secondary schools and other non-preschool private sector institutions devoted
primarily to education eligible for NEA Active membership.

  Bylaw 2. Membership
   2-1. Categories.
   b.Active membership shall be open to any person (i) who is employed by or in a public school district, private elementary or secondary school, public or private college or university, or other public or private institution devoted primarily to education, regardless of the specific nature of the functions that the person performs at the work site and regardless of who actually employs the person; (ii) who is employed by a public sector employer other than a school district, college or university, or other institution devoted primarily to education but who is employed primarily to perform educational functions; (iii) who is on limited leave of absence from the employment described in items (i) and (ii) above; or (iv) who is serving as an executive officer of the Association or of a state or local affiliate. The Association shall continue to allow Active membership to those Active members (i) who have been laid off due to a reduction in force for as long as such persons are eligible to be recalled, or for three (3) years, whichever is longer; or (ii) who have been discharged for as long as a legal challenge to such discharge is pending.

   An Active member who is engaged in or on a limited leave of absence from professional educational employment shall hold or shall be eligible to hold a baccalaureate or higher degree or the regular teaching, vocational, or technical certificate required by his or her employment or shall be an exchange teacher who is regularly employed as a teacher in another country.
   Active membership is limited to persons who support the principles and goals of the Association and maintain membership in the local and state affiliates where eligible. The Association shall not accept as Active members persons who are not eligible for Active membership (or the equivalently designated membership category) in the state affiliate, unless the state affiliate (i) by action of its board of directors (or equivalent governing body) approves such acceptance and (ii) enters into an agreement with the Association pursuant to which the state affiliate agrees to function as the Association’s agent for the delivery of Association services and programs to the members in question. Approval by and a service agreement with the state affiliate shall not be prerequisites to the Association’s acceptance into Active membership of persons who are not eligible for active membership (or the equivalently designated membership category) in the state affiliate if said persons are members of a local affiliate that (i) is comprised predominantly of persons who are not eligible for active membership in the state affiliate and (ii) was a local affiliate of the Association as of the effective date of this amendment.

IMPACT STATEMENT:

Under Article II, Section 2(a), of the NEA Constitution, only “persons engaged in the profession of teaching or in other educational work” are eligible for any category of NEA membership.  In order to be eligible for NEA Active membership, a person must, in addition, meet the requirements set forth in Bylaw 2-1(b).  With two exceptions, Bylaw 2-1(b) limits NEA Active membership to public sector education employees.  The exceptions are for (1) employees of private sector colleges and universities, and (2) private sector employees who perform their services “in” a public school district or other public sector education worksite.  This amendment would expand the categories of private sector education employees who are eligible for NEA Active membership to include persons employed in private sector elementary/secondary schools and other non-preschool private sector institutions devoted primarily to education.  This amendment would notmake persons employed in private sector preschool programs eligible for NEA Active membership.  Such persons would become eligible only if Bylaw Amendment 1-A(1) is adopted.

The fact that a person is eligible for NEA Active membership under Bylaw 2-1(b) does not necessarily mean that NEA can accept that person as an NEA Active member.  The third paragraph of Bylaw 2-1(b)—which is not changed by this amendment—makes the state affiliates the gateway to NEA Active membership.  If an employee who is eligible for NEA Active membership is also eligible for Active membership in the state affiliate, NEA can accept the person as an Active member.  If, on the other hand, the person is not also eligible for Active membership in the state affiliate, NEA can accept the person as an Active member only if the state affiliate gives its approval, and agrees to function as NEA’s agent for the delivery of services and programs to the member in question.

Contact:NEA Board of Directors

BYLAW AMENDMENT 1

Withdrawn

BYLAW AMENDMENT 2

TITLE:To give NEA-Retired, rather than the NEA Board of Directors, the power to adopt (and amend) the NEA-Retired Bylaws. 

Bylaw 8. Affiliates and Special Interest Groups

8-6. NEA-Retired.

The NEA-Retired shall be an organization comprised solely of the Retired members of the Association. [The bylaws of NEA-Retired shall be adopted by the Board of Directors of NEA.] The president of NEA-Retired shall be chosen by the retired delegates to the NEA Representative Assembly.

8-14. Standards for NEA-Retired.

The NEA-Retired shall operate in accordance with its bylaws [adopted by the Board of Directors], which shall be compatible with the Constitution and Bylaws of the Association.

The NEA-Retired shall conduct all elections with open nominations and a secret ballot.

IMPACT STATEMENT:

The NEA Board of Directors currently has the power to adopt (and amend) the Bylaws of NEA-Retired. This amendment would take this power away from the NEA Board of Directors and allow NEA-Retired to adopt (and amend) its own bylaws. This amendment would not change the requirement in NEA Bylaw 8-14 that the NEA-Retired Bylaws “shall be compatible with the Constitution and Bylaws of” NEA.  This means that the NEA-Retired Bylaws could not change the eligibility criteria for NEA-Retired membership (which is addressed in NEA Bylaw 2-1(d) and NEA Bylaw 8-6), the dues of NEA-Retired members (which is addressed in NEA Bylaw 2-7(h)), the process for electing the NEA-Retired President (which is addressed in NEA Bylaw 8-6), and the requirement for elections with open nominations and a secret ballot (which is addressed in NEA Bylaw 8-14). In the event of a conflict between the NEA Constitution/Bylaws and the NEA-Retired Bylaws, the former would be controlling. 

Contact: NEA Board of Directors

RA Action:

News from the NEA Annual Meeting

July 2, 2008

Outreach to Teach | Read-In | A Star Teacher | Press Releases | Videos

Leading with Courage and Commitment

Nearly 9,000 delegates to the National Education Association’s 146th Annual Meeting hit the ground running in the nation’s capital this week as the Association prepares for the 2008 Representative Assembly and a historic political season for NEA members, their schools, and their students.

Delegates to NEA's 2008 Annual Meeting crowd the Convention Center in Washington, D.C.

This morning the Association issued a detailed policy statement on the federal role in education, Great Public Schools for Every Student by 2020: Achieving a New Balance in the Federal Role to Transform America’s Public Schools. NEA proposes that federal, state, and local leaders partner to make every public school great by the year 2020. Find out more about the statement and related materials.

Also on tap today: a forum addressing the dropout crisis among ethnic minorities, featuring national leaders from the ethnic minority community, including John Quiñones, co-anchor of ABC Primetime, and actor and New York Times best seller Hill Harper. Tonight, the 42nd annual Human and Civil Rights Awards Dinner celebrates the Association’s continued commitment to social justice and salutes contemporary civil rights heroes.

Off and Running

Delegates get to work early in a critical year

The Representative Assembly doesn’t start until tomorrow but many delegates got an early start debating issues, electing NEA Student Program and NEA-Retired leaders, and swapping ideas on how to close the achievement gaps.

Read Across Washington NEA members and Dr. Seuss characters galore kicked off a celebration of summer reading in partnership with D.C.-area public libraries. In support of NEA's Read Across Washington, public libraries in the city and surrounding Maryland and Virginia suburbs hosted (in Seuss style!) readings in English, Chinese, and Spanish, showing that summer reading is vital for all. Despite economic woes and rising gas prices, "children can still have a great vacation when they are in the company of a good book," NEA President Reg Weaver told attendees.

Everywhere, there was a buzz of anticipation that this election year, NEA members can help change the course of our nation and schools. President Reg Weaver captured the feeling in his message to the Joint Conference on Concerns of Minorities and Women, saying, “The air this election year is supercharged with the possibility of change. You can feel it. Not change that nibbles at the edges… but transformative change of our society.”

NEA-Retired celebrated 25 years of service to NEA’s mission of great public schools for every child. Even in party mode, Retired delegates were more than ready to raise money for the NEA Fund for Children and Public Education and team up with student members to refurbish a nearby high school.

Got tuition? That’s the question NEA-Student Program members are asking as part of a new campaign to lobby for college affordability. Although Congress recently acted to keep a lid on student loan interest rates—thanks in part to the efforts of Student Program members—this is no time to let the issue drop, said Student Program Chair Anthony Daniels.

At the Joint Conference , delegates shared strategies for meeting the real-world challenges—from poverty to trendy new drugs—that confront our schools, and spoke of getting politicians to do their part.

Sonia Nieto, an internationally renowned teacher educator, spoke about education in a diverse nation. "There's no town or city or even little hamlet that can escape that multicultural reality," she said, and the response from educators should be more than "food and festivals."

"Identity, difference, power, and privilege are all connected,” so educators should “welcome dangerous discourse" and encourage students to take action, Nieto said, citing a first grade class that registered 37 new voters.

RA Action:

News from the NEA Annual Meeting

New Business Items

July 3, 2008

This page is updated during the Representative Assembly to reflect daily New Business Items (NBIs) exactly as they are printed in RA Today, our official convention newspaper.

NEW BUSINESS ITEM A

NEA’s basic policies on both the importance of health care coverage and the urgent need for health reform are set forth in NEA Resolutions B-7, C-1, D-23, F-52, F-62, H-7, and I-21, and in the NEA Legislative Program. These policies express NEA’s belief that all residents of the United States, its territories, and the Commonwealth of Puerto Rico should have access to quality, affordable, comprehensive, and secure health care coverage throughout their lifetime. While NEA believes that such goals can best be achieved through a single-payer health care system, it remains strongly supportive of reforms that move us closer to quality, affordable, comprehensive, and secure health benefits for all. 

Recognizing the importance of universal, quality health care in allowing all children to be ready and able to learn and in recruiting and retaining a quality education workforce, the Representative Assembly reaffirms its commitment to the policies set forth in these resolutions and the NEA Legislative Program, and believes that health care reform should take place consistent with several guiding principles. Health care reform must:

1. Guarantee that health benefits are universally available;
2. Result in comprehensive health care coverage that includes, but is not limited to, medical, surgical, hospital, behavioral health, prescription drug, dental, vision, hearing, and long-term care services;
3. Include preventive, wellness, and disease-management programs;
4. Incorporate provisions and standards related to medical safety and quality;
5. Make use of health information technology;
6. Control costs; 
7. Ensure that benefits are available through a current or former employer, a government-sponsored program such as Medicare, Medicaid, or SCHIP, and/or a new initiative that would meet the goals outlined here;
8. Maintain workers’ ability to negotiate enhancements to any basic benefits package.

The Representative Assembly further believes that NEA must be actively involved in the health care reform debate. As such, it directs NEA to take the following actions to move the organization forward in this effort and closer to fulfilling the goal of universal health care coverage, consistent with the principles above: compare and contrast major health reform proposals and initiatives with an emphasis on the probable impact of the proposals on meeting the health care needs of children and those who educate them; actively support proposals meeting NEA’s principles; develop legislative and political programs to enact supported programs; continue active participation in health care reform coalitions; assist state affiliates in educating members and communities on health care reform by distributing health care reform training materials to state affiliates and identifying opportunities for state affiliates to engage members in health care reform activities; and keep state affiliates and members informed about relevant health care reform developments through its regular communication vehicles, including, but not limited to, NEA Today and This Active Life. (2008-A)

Submitted by
NEA Board of Directors

Relevant Core Service
CS-1
Learning and Working Conditions

Cost Implications
This NBI can be accomplished within the proposed 2008-10 Strategic Plan and Budget at no additional cost.

NEW BUSINESS ITEM 1

NEA shall create a comprehensive plan with the goal of at least doubling the number of NEA and NEA-sponsored cyber lobbyists over the next five years.  Using existing NEA communications resources, the plan will provide support to NEA leaders and members at the national, state and local levels in order to promote the importance and effectiveness of cyberlobbying. (2008-1)

Rationale/Background
Our efforts to advance our legislative agenda will become more effective by increasing the number of NEA cyber lobbyists.

Submitted by
Majority vote at regularly called meeting of the state delegates in connection with the annual meeting.

Contact
Len Paolillo, Massachusetts

Relevant Strategic Goal
SG-4
Political Action and Member Communications

Cost Implications
The first year of this NBI (which calls for a 5-year plan) can be accomplished within the proposed 2008-09 Strategic Plan and Budget at no additional cost. First year activities will include the development of a comprehensive plan.  Future activity costs cannot be determined until the plan is developed.

NEW BUSINESS ITEM 2

That NEA study the impact of the current NEA dues structure as a barrier to organizing the large number of part-time/adjunct faculty in higher education who teach less than 25% of full-time; the finding to be reported to the 2009 NEA Representative Assembly. (2008-2)

Rationale/Background
Quality education, NEA’s goal, is achieved by union representation of all faculty.  Currently, 400,000 part-time faculty are non-union.  Pro-rating dues for those teaching less than 25% will decrease organizing barriers.  The greater our numbers, the stronger our impact.

Submitted by
Governance body of affiliates – Wisconsin Education Association Council-Board of Directors

Contact 
Britt Hall, Wisconsin

Relevant Core Service
CS-2
Affiliate Programs and Services

Cost Implications
This NBI can be accomplished within the proposed 2008-10 Strategic Plan and Budget at no additional cost.

NEW BUSINESS ITEM 3

That NEA Government Relations (GR) commit sufficient resources to the federal advocacy team program, continuing support for aspects of the program proven successful in the past and expanding the program, as GR deems appropriate.  This is to be accomplished within the existing GR budget. (2008-3)

Rationale/Background
Political involvement at the local level and communication with local congresspersons are vital to the grassroots politics of education.  Engaging congresspersons in face to face dialogue allows locals to humanize issues resulting from the federal programs related to education.  

Submitted by
Majority vote at regularly called meeting of the state delegation in connection with the annual meeting. 

Contact
Robert Fullmer, Wisconsin

Relevant Strategic Goal
SG-4
Political Action and Member Communications

Cost Implications
Funding for this program does not exist in the 2008-09 proposed Strategic Plan and Budget.  Resources previously dedicated for this activity have been redirected and earmarked for the 2008 Presidential election.  This NBI can be accomplished at the additional cost of $1,325,252.

NEW BUSINESS ITEM 4

Using existing communication vehicles (NEA Today and the NEA Web site), NEA will inform its members about exemplary school-based mental health programs that promote prevention and classroom intervention strategies for children and adolescents including, but not limited to, those students with mental illness. (2008-4)

Rationale/Background
Mental health disorders affect significantly and negatively students’ learning and social-emotional development.  The opportunity that school personnel have to affect both the mental health of students and their academic success increases significantly when collaboration occurs with community agencies and parents.    

Submitted by
Majority vote at regularly called meeting of the state delegation in connection with the annual meeting. 

Contact
Arthur Anderson, Wisconsin

Relevant Core Service
CS-1
Learning and Working Conditions

Cost Implications
Using the appropriate NEA communications vehicles and NEA Health Information Network (HIN) Web site this NBI can be accomplished with an additional cost of $5,300.

NEW BUSINESS ITEM 5

The NEA, in an endorsing promotion of having qualified teachers in every classroom every day, shall, in conjunction with state and local affiliates-—for at least the next five years—promote the establishment of professional salaries for substitute teachers.  This would be based on the NEA’s professionally established standards of training, experience and state certification to “meet the same standards as other licensed teachers within the state” (per NEA Resolution F-54. Substitute Teachers: item a., p. 292).

The exact same salary schedule placement procedures used by a district for their “teacher, new hires” shall apply in evaluating each substitute teacher’s placement to determine their individual professional daily rate, so that they may “receive professional compensation and benefits” (per NEA Resolution F-54: item b.).

The challenges placed on a day-to-day substitute teacher, along with both his/her initial classroom responsibilities and initial credibility, are not the same as those of the students’ regular full-time teacher.  These do not change until an individual substitute assignment might progressively expand into becoming a full-time assignment.  During the intervening time frame, a structure for incremental salary percentage increases, as responsibilities increase, is required.

A substitute teacher’s professional salary would be determined by the proportion of classroom responsibilities that they have assumed.  This would be reflected as a percentage (no less than 70%) of their previously determined professional daily rate (e.g. day-to-day: 70%; 10 plus days in the same assignment: 80%, retroactively; 20 plus days in the same assignment: 90%, retroactively; 30 plus days in the same assignment: 100%, retroactively).  (2008-5)

Rationale/Background
Where the Representative Assembly created “National Substitute Teachers’ Day” for inclusion within 2007’s “National Teachers’ Week,” their professionalism should also be recognized with professional compensation.  Recruiting and retaining professionally qualified substitute teachers is essential in maintaining the continuity of daily education.    

Submitted by
Governance body of affiliates—United Educators of San Francisco

Contact
Dennis Kelly, California

Relevant Strategic Goal
SG-3
Improving Education Salaries

Cost Implications
Assuming utilization of existing promotional resources this NBI can be accomplished within the proposed 2008-10 Strategic Plan and Budget at no additional cost.

NEW BUSINESS ITEM 6

Upon being notified of possible or imminent termination from employment with NEA that employee shall be provided with the reasons(s) for said termination in writing and/or orally as per the request of the employee.

Rationale/Background
Although this is not a current procedure, it should be.  As a union we should set the standard as to how employees are treated.  “At will” employees can still be terminated “at will” but they should know why.

Submitted by
50 Delegates

Contact
Phil Rumore, New York

Relevant Core Services
CS - 5
Business Operations

Cost Implications
This NBI can be accomplished within the proposed 2008-2010 Strategic Plan and Budget at no additional cost.

NEW BUSINESS ITEM 7

The NEA, through its various communication channels, will disseminate a review of research regarding social promotion and retention.  This information would include but not be limited to the effect of these practices on students, the role of educators in the process, and how families are affected.

Rationale/Background
In order to make students and parents more accountable, our members need as many tools as possible.   The best research based practices regarding social promotion versus retention would assist us tremendously.

Submitted by
50 Delegates

Contact
Keith Tondro, Utah

Relevant Core Services
CS - 1
Learning and Working Conditions

Cost Implications
This NBI can be accomplished within the proposed 2008-2010 Strategic Plan and Budget at no additional cost.

NEW BUSINESS ITEM 8

Move that NEA affirms its long-standing commitment to Resolution B-20, the Education of Refugee and Undocumented Children and Children of Undocumented Immigrants, and will engage in a campaign to highlight and improve the plight of students who have graduated from
U.S. high schools but have no paths to citizenship because their parents are undocumented.  NEA will: (1) engage in member education on the plight of these students, including the publication of an article in NEA Today and other appropriate venues of communication, discussing their situation; (2) continue to promote legislative solutions that will, among other things, put high school graduates on paths to legalization, with a focus on coalition work and grass roots mobilization when appropriate; and (3) take steps to educate the public on the importance of ensuring that all high school graduates, regardless of immigration status, should have access to post-secondary educational opportunities, obtain in-state tuition where they reside, and become full citizens of our society.

Rationale/Background
The children of undocumented immigrants face countless challenges.  Not only should they be held harmless for decisions that were not of their making, but they represent a wealth of potential if they are afforded multiple paths of citizenship and access to lifegiving education.

Submitted by 
50 Delegates

Contact
Susie Jablinske, Maryland

Relevant Core Services
CS - 3
Communications

Cost Implications
This NBI can be accomplished within the proposed 2008-2010 Strategic Plan and Budget at no additional cost.

RA Action:

News from the NEA Annual Meeting

July 3, 2008

Amendments to the NEA Constitution, Bylaws, and Standing Rules

The Representative Assembly will vote on amendments to the Standing Rules by voice vote at the first business meeting, July 3, 2008. Standing Rule amendments, if adopted, are effective immediately unless otherwise specified.

The Assembly will vote on amendments to the Constitution and Bylaws July 5, 2008. Amendments will be discussed before the voting begins.

Amendments to the Constitution and Bylaws become effective on September 1 following their adoption unless otherwise specified.

Further information may be obtained from NEA Governance and Policy Support, 1201 16th St., N.W., Washington, DC 20036, (202) 822-7923.

Proposed deletions to the text appear in [brackets] and proposed additions are underscored.

Amendments to the Standing Rules

STANDING RULE AMENDMENT 1

TITLE:  To require a delegate to ask a question when recognized to speak on a point of information.

Rule 6. Order of Business and Debate
(no location in the Standing Rules given)

Delegates recognized to speak on points of information must ask a
question.

IMPACT STATEMENT:

Because the NEA governing documents do not define points of information, the matter is controlled by Robert’s Rules of Order Newly Revised, which states that a point of information “must always be put in the form of a question.” Consistent with Robert’s, a delegate who is recognized to speak on a point of information is not only required to ask a question, but is also prohibited from entering into debate. If a delegate fails to adhere to this prohibition, it is the practice of the presiding officer to direct him or her to do so. This amendment would not change the current practice. 

The maker of the amendment did not indicate a location. If adopted, the Committee on Constitution, Bylaws, and Rules will insert it at an appropriate place in Standing Rule 6.

Contact:
Jack Tucker, Illinois

STANDING RULE AMENDMENT 2

TITLE: To require that new business items requesting dissemination of information via NEA Web sites and publications be accepted only if certain conditions are met.

Rule 6. Order of Business and Debate
(no location in the Standing Rules given)

Items of new business requesting dissemination of information via NEA Web sites and publications, such as NEA Today, will only be accepted if:

1.   A written request for dissemination of information has been made directly to the NEA Interactive Media staff; and
2.   The above request has been turned down by the staff or dissemination has not occurred within a year of the request.

IMPACT STATEMENT:

If this amendment is adopted, the maker of all new business items that request, in whole or in part, dissemination of information via NEA Web sites and/or publications would be required to submit with his or her new business item a written statement indicating when, by what means (e.g., e-mail, letter), and to which NEA Interactive Media staff member he or she had made the necessary request, and the response received. (The Committee on Constitution, Bylaws, and Rules would prepare a form to be used for this purpose.) If the maker does not provide the necessary information, or if there has been timely compliance with the request to disseminate the information, the Committee would not accept the new business item.

If this amendment is adopted, it will become effective with new business items submitted for action at the 2009 NEA Representative Assembly. The maker of the amendment did not indicate a location. If adopted, the Committee on Constitution, Bylaws, and Rules will insert it at an appropriate place in Standing Rule 6.

Contact:
Kathy Stonitsch, Wisconsin

STANDING RULE AMENDMENT 3

TITLE: To require that the position taken by the NEA Board of Directors on proposed amendments to the Constitution, Bylaws, or Standing Rules be presented with the amendment text.

Rule 11. Constitution, Bylaws and Standing Rules: Committee and Amendment Procedures

E. Board of Director Positions
An NEA Board of Directors recommended position, including no position, shall be included with the text of any proposed amendment to the Constitution, Bylaws, or Standing Rules.

IMPACT STATEMENT:

This amendment would require that the position taken by the NEA Board of Directors on proposed amendments to the Constitution, Bylaws, or Standing Rules (i.e., support, opposition, no position) be included with the text of the proposed amendments. If this amendment is adopted, the positions taken by the Board of Directors would be included with the text of the proposed amendments printed in RA Today.

Contact:
Kimberly Rose, Washington

Amendment to the NEA Constitution:

CONSTITUTIONAL AMENDMENT 1

TITLE:   To allow the NEA Bylaws to provide NEA membership for certain persons who are not education employees, and to prohibit such members from serving as officers of the Association, members of the Board of Directors, or delegates to the Representative Assembly.

Article II. Membership
Section 2. Membership Eligibility: Provisions and Limitations.

a. Membership, as provided in the Bylaws, shall be open to persons engaged in the profession of teaching or in other educational work and to persons interested in advancing the cause of public education who shall agree to subscribe to the goals and objectives of the Association and to abide by its Constitution and Bylaws.

e. Persons interested in advancing the cause of public education who are not active or retired education employees and who are not student members and who are granted membership pursuant to Section 2(a) above shall not have the right to serve as officers of the Association, as members of the Board of Directors, or as delegates to the Representative Assembly.

IMPACT STATEMENT

The first part of this amendment would amend Article II, Section 2(a) to allow the NEA Bylaws to provide NEA membership for certain persons who are not education employees. The 2006 Representative Assembly amended Bylaw 2-1(a) and (g) to establish an Associate membership category for non-education employees who are “interested in advancing the cause of public education,” and who meet certain other requirements. These Bylaw amendments have been held in abeyance and cannot be implemented without Constitutional authorization. They will be implemented if this Constitutional amendment is adopted.

The second part of this amendment would add a new Article II, Section 2(e), which would prohibit persons who are granted NEA membership because they are “interested in advancing the cause of public education”—but are not active or retired education employees, or NEA Student members—from serving as NEA officers, members of the NEA Board of Directors, or delegates to the NEA Representative Assembly.

An NEA membership category open to non-education employees interested in advancing the cause of public education existed prior to the 1993–94 membership year. The 1993 NEA Representative Assembly amended Article II, Section 2(a), of the NEA Constitution and NEA Bylaw 2-1 to eliminate the category.

An amendment that was the same as the proposed amendment to Article II, Section 2(a) was defeated by the Representative Assembly in 2006 and 2007, but the 2006 and 2007 amendment did not include the proposed addition of a new Article II, Section 2(e).

Contact:
Jane R. Stern, Maryland

Amendments to the NEA Bylaws:

BYLAW AMENDMENT 1-A

TITLE:To make persons employed in private sector preschool programs, private sector elementary/secondary schools, and other private sector institutions devoted primarily to education eligible for NEA Active membership.

Bylaw 2. Membership
2.-1. Categories.

b. Active membership shall be open to any person (i) who is employed by or in a public school district, private elementary or secondary school, public or private preschool program, public or private college or university, or other public or private institution devoted primarily to education, regardless of the specific nature of the functions that the person performs at the work site and regardless of who actually employs the person; (ii) who is employed by a public sector employer other than a school district, college or university, or other institution devoted primarily to education but who is employed primarily to perform educational functions; (iii) who is on limited leave of absence from the employment described in items (i) and (ii) above; or (iv) who is serving as an executive officer of the Association or of a state or local affiliate. The Association shall continue to allow Active membership to those Active members (i) who have been laid off due to a reduction in force for as long as such persons are eligible to be recalled, or for three (3) years, whichever is longer; or (ii) who have been discharged for as long as a legal challenge to such discharge is pending.

An Active member who is engaged in or on a limited leave of absence from professional educational employment shall hold or shall be eligible to hold a baccalaureate or higher degree or the regular teaching, vocational, or technical certificate required by his or her employment or shall be an exchange teacher who is regularly employed as a teacher in another country.

Active membership is limited to persons who support the principles and goals of the Association and maintain membership in the local and state affiliates where eligible. The Association shall not accept as Active members persons who are not eligible for Active membership (or the equivalently designated membership category) in the state affiliate, unless the state affiliate (i) by action of its board of directors (or equivalent governing body) approves such acceptance and (ii) enters into an agreement with the Association pursuant to which the state affiliate agrees to function as the Association’s agent for the delivery of Association services and programs to the members in question. Approval by and a service agreement with the state affiliate shall not be prerequisites to the Association’s acceptance into Active membership of persons who are not eligible for active membership (or the equivalently designated membership category) in the state affiliate if said persons are members of a local affiliate that (i) is comprised predominantly of persons who are not eligible for active membership in the state affiliate and (ii) was a local affiliate of the Association as of the effective date of this amendment.

IMPACT STATEMENT:

Under Article II, Section 2(a), of the NEA Constitution, only “persons engaged in the profession of teaching or in other educational work” are eligible for any category of NEA membership.  In order to be eligible for NEA Active membership, a person must, in addition, meet the requirements set forth in Bylaw 2-1(b).  With two exceptions, Bylaw 2-1(b) limits NEA Active membership to public sector education employees.  The exceptions are for (1) employees of private sector colleges and universities, and (2) private sector employees who perform their services “in” a public school district or other public sector education worksite.  This amendment would expand the categories of private sector education employees who are eligible for NEA Active membership to include persons employed in private sector preschool programs, private sector elementary/secondary schools, and other private sector institutions devoted primarily to education.

The fact that a person is eligible for NEA Active membership under Bylaw 2-1(b) does not necessarily mean that NEA can accept that person as an NEA Active member.  The third paragraph of Bylaw 2-1(b)—which is not changed by this amendment—makes the state affiliates the gateway to NEA Active membership.  If an employee who is eligible for NEA Active membership is also eligible for Active membership in the state affiliate, NEA can accept the person as an Active member.  If, on the other hand, the person is not also eligible for Active membership in the state affiliate, NEA can accept the person as an Active member only if the state affiliate gives its approval, and agrees to function as NEA’s agent for the delivery of services and programs to the member in question.

Contact:
NEA Board of Directors

Request for division of Bylaw Amendment 1-A

Bylaw Amendment 1-A encompasses two categories of private sector education employees—i.e., private sector preschool employees, and employees of private sector elementary/secondary schools and other non-preschool private sector educational institutions.  The NEA Board of Directors—the sponsor of Bylaw Amendment 1-A—will ask the Representative Assembly to approve a division of this Bylaw Amendment into two separate amendments to Bylaw 2-1(b).

The Board is making this request because concern has been expressed about including these two categories of private sector education employees in a single Bylaw amendment, and asking the delegate to cast a single “for” or “against” vote.  Some delegates may be in favor of allowing private sector preschool employees to become NEA Active members, while opposing eligibility for employees who work in private sector elementary/secondary schools and other non-preschool private sector educational institutions, and vice-versa.  In order to accommodate this concern—and provide delegates with maximum choice—the Board of Directors will ask the Representative Assembly to approve a division of Bylaw Amendment 1-A into two parts.  If this is done, delegates would vote on two separate amendments to Bylaw 2-1(b):  (1) whether to make private sector preschool education employees eligible for NEA Active membership; and (2) whether to make employees of private sector elementary/secondary school and other non-preschool private sector educational institutions eligible for NEA Active membership.  Both, one, or neither of these separate amendments could be adopted.

Two proposed Bylaw amendments—an amendment dealing only with private sector preschool education employees (designated as Bylaw Amendment 1-A(1)), and an amendment dealing only with employees of private sector elementary/secondary schools and other non-preschool private sector educational institutions (designated as Bylaw Amendment 1-A(2))—are set forth below.  If the Representative Assembly approves the requested division of Bylaw Amendment 1-A, the delegates will vote on these two separate Bylaw amendments.

BYLAW AMENDMENT 1-A(1)

TITLE:  To make persons employed in private sector preschool programs eligible for NEA Active membership.

Bylaw 2. Membership
2-1. Categories.

b. Active membership shall be open to any person (i) who is employed by or in a public school district, public or private preschool program, public or private college or university, or other public institution devoted primarily to education, regardless of the specific nature of the functions that the person performs at the work site and regardless of who actually employs the person; (ii) who is employed by a public sector employer other than a school district, college or university, or other institution devoted primarily to education but who is employed primarily to perform educational functions; (iii) who is on limited leave of absence from the employment described in items (i) and (ii) above; or (iv) who is serving as an executive officer of the Association or of a state or local affiliate. The Association shall continue to allow Active membership to those Active members (i) who have been laid off due to a reduction in force for as long as such persons are eligible to be recalled, or for three (3) years, whichever is longer; or (ii) who have been discharged for as long as a legal challenge to such discharge is pending.

An Active member who is engaged in or on a limited leave of absence from professional educational employment shall hold or shall be eligible to hold a baccalaureate or higher degree or the regular teaching, vocational, or technical certificate required by his or her employment or shall be an exchange teacher who is regularly employed as a teacher in another country.

Active membership is limited to persons who support the principles and goals of the Association and maintain membership in the local and state affiliates where eligible. The Association shall not accept as Active members persons who are not eligible for Active membership (or the equivalently designated membership category) in the state affiliate, unless the state affiliate (i) by action of its board of directors (or equivalent governing body) approves such acceptance and (ii) enters into an agreement with the Association pursuant to which the state affiliate agrees to function as the Association’s agent for the delivery of Association services and programs to the members in question. Approval by and a service agreement with the state affiliate shall not be prerequisites to the Association’s acceptance into Active membership of persons who are not eligible for active membership (or the equivalently designated membership category) in the state affiliate if said persons are members of a local affiliate that (i) is comprised predominantly of persons who are not eligible for active membership in the state affiliate and (ii) was a local affiliate of the Association as of the effective date of this amendment.

IMPACT STATEMENT:

Under Article II, Section 2(a), of the NEA Constitution, only “persons engaged in the profession of teaching or in other educational work” are eligible for any category of NEA membership.  In order to be eligible for NEA Active membership, a person must, in addition, meet the requirements set forth in Bylaw 2-1(b).  With two exceptions, Bylaw 2-1(b) limits NEA Active membership to public sector education employees.  The exceptions are for (1) employees of private sector colleges and universities, and (2) private sector employees who perform their services “in” a public school district or other public sector education worksite.  This amendment would expand the categories of private sector education employees who are eligible for NEA Active membership to include persons employed in private sector preschool programs.  This amendment would not make persons employed in private sector elementary/secondary schools and other non-preschool private sector institutions devoted primarily to education eligible for NEA Active membership.  Such persons would become eligible only if Bylaw Amendment 1-A(2) is adopted.

The fact that a person is eligible for NEA Active membership under Bylaw 2-1(b) does not necessarily mean that NEA can accept that person as an NEA Active member.  The third paragraph of Bylaw 2-1(b)—which is not changed by this amendment—makes the state affiliates the gateway to NEA Active membership.  If an employee who is eligible for NEA Active membership is also eligible for Active membership in the state affiliate, NEA can accept the person as an Active member.  If, on the other hand, the person is not also eligible for Active membership in the state affiliate, NEA can accept the person as an Active member only if the state affiliate gives its approval, and agrees to function as NEA’s agent for the delivery of services and programs to the member in question.

Contact:
NEA Board of Directors

BYLAW AMENDMENT 1-A(2)

TITLE:   To make persons employed in private sector elementary/secondary schools and other non-preschool private sector institutions devoted primarily to education eligible for NEA Active membership.

Bylaw 2. Membership
2-1. Categories.

b. Active membership shall be open to any person (i) who is employed by or in a public school district, private  elementary or secondary school, public or private college or university, or other public or private institution devoted primarily to education, regardless of the specific nature of the functions that the person performs at the work site and regardless of who actually employs the person; (ii) who is employed by a public sector employer other than a school district, college or university, or other institution devoted primarily to education but who is employed primarily to perform educational functions; (iii) who is on limited leave of absence from the employment described in items (i) and (ii) above; or (iv) who is serving as an executive officer of the Association or of a state or local affiliate. The Association shall continue to allow Active membership to those Active members (i) who have been laid off due to a reduction in force for as long as such persons are eligible to be recalled, or for three (3) years, whichever is longer; or (ii) who have been discharged for as long as a legal challenge to such discharge is pending.

An Active member who is engaged in or on a limited leave of absence from professional educational employment shall hold or shall be eligible to hold a baccalaureate or higher degree or the regular teaching, vocational, or technical certificate required by his or her employment or shall be an exchange teacher who is regularly employed as a teacher in another country.

Active membership is limited to persons who support the principles and goals of the Association and maintain membership in the local and state affiliates where eligible. The Association shall not accept as Active members persons who are not eligible for Active membership (or the equivalently designated membership category) in the state affiliate, unless the state affiliate (i) by action of its board of directors (or equivalent governing body) approves such acceptance and (ii) enters into an agreement with the Association pursuant to which the state affiliate agrees to function as the Association’s agent for the delivery of Association services and programs to the members in question. Approval by and a service agreement with the state affiliate shall not be prerequisites to the Association’s acceptance into Active membership of persons who are not eligible for active membership (or the equivalently designated membership category) in the state affiliate if said persons are members of a local affiliate that (i) is comprised predominantly of persons who are not eligible for active membership in the state affiliate and (ii) was a local affiliate of the Association as of the effective date of this amendment.

IMPACT STATEMENT:

Under Article II, Section 2(a), of the NEA Constitution, only “persons engaged in the profession of teaching or in other educational work” are eligible for any category of NEA membership.  In order to be eligible for NEA Active membership, a person must, in addition, meet the requirements set forth in Bylaw 2-1(b).  With two exceptions, Bylaw 2-1(b) limits NEA Active membership to public sector education employees.  The exceptions are for (1) employees of private sector colleges and universities, and (2) private sector employees who perform their services “in” a public school district or other public sector education worksite.  This amendment would expand the categories of private sector education employees who are eligible for NEA Active membership to include persons employed in private sector elementary/secondary schools and other non-preschool private sector institutions devoted primarily to education.  This amendment would notmake persons employed in private sector preschool programs eligible for NEA Active membership.  Such persons would become eligible only if Bylaw Amendment 1-A(1) is adopted.

The fact that a person is eligible for NEA Active membership under Bylaw 2-1(b) does not necessarily mean that NEA can accept that person as an NEA Active member.  The third paragraph of Bylaw 2-1(b)—which is not changed by this amendment—makes the state affiliates the gateway to NEA Active membership.  If an employee who is eligible for NEA Active membership is also eligible for Active membership in the state affiliate, NEA can accept the person as an Active member.  If, on the other hand, the person is not also eligible for Active membership in the state affiliate, NEA can accept the person as an Active member only if the state affiliate gives its approval, and agrees to function as NEA’s agent for the delivery of services and programs to the member in question.

Contact:
NEA Board of Directors

BYLAW AMENDMENT 1

TITLE:  To prohibit the Representative Assembly meeting agenda from including items, practices, or procedures that will exclude any delegate based on race, religious beliefs, gender, sexual orientation, physical challenges, or other differences.

Bylaw 3. Representative Assembly 3-5. Meetings: Location and Agendas.

a. No meeting shall be held in any location where any delegates are likely to experience discriminatory treatment.

b. No meeting agenda shall include items, practices, and procedures that will exclude any delegate based on race, religious beliefs, gender, sexual orientation, physical challenges, or other differences.

IMPACT STATEMENT:

This amendment would add to Bylaw 3-5—which currently prohibits the Representative Assembly from meeting in any location where any delegates are likely to be subject to discrimination—a provision that would prohibit the Representative Assembly meeting agenda from including any items, practices, or procedures that will exclude any delegate based on race, religious beliefs, gender, sexual orientation, physical challenges, or other differences.

Bylaw 4-1(b) directs the NEA President to “[p]repare the agenda for the governing bodies of the Association and the program for the Annual Meetings.” If this amendment is adopted, the President would be responsible for determining whether any items, practices, or procedures should not be included on the Representative Assembly meeting agenda. 

Contact:
Michael Weilein, California

BYLAW AMENDMENT 2

TITLE: To give NEA-Retired, rather than the NEA Board of Directors, the power to adopt (and amend) the NEA-Retired Bylaws. 

Bylaw 8. Affiliates and Special Interest Groups
8-6. NEA-Retired.

The NEA-Retired shall be an organization comprised solely of the Retired members of the Association. [The bylaws of NEA-Retired shall be adopted by the Board of Directors of NEA.] The president of NEA-Retired shall be chosen by the retired delegates to the NEA Representative Assembly.

8-14. Standards for NEA-Retired.

The NEA-Retired shall operate in accordance with its bylaws [adopted by the Board of Directors], which shall be compatible with the Constitution and Bylaws of the Association.

The NEA-Retired shall conduct all elections with open nominations and a secret ballot.

IMPACT STATEMENT:

The NEA Board of Directors currently has the power to adopt (and amend) the Bylaws of NEA-Retired. This amendment would take this power away from the NEA Board of Directors and allow NEA-Retired to adopt (and amend) its own bylaws. This amendment would not change the requirement in NEA Bylaw 8-14 that the NEA-Retired Bylaws “shall be compatible with the Constitution and Bylaws of” NEA.  This means that the NEA-Retired Bylaws could not change the eligibility criteria for NEA-Retired membership (which is addressed in NEA Bylaw 2-1(d) and NEA Bylaw 8-6), the dues of NEA-Retired members (which is addressed in NEA Bylaw 2-7(h)), the process for electing the NEA-Retired President (which is addressed in NEA Bylaw 8-6), and the requirement for elections with open nominations and a secret ballot (which is addressed in NEA Bylaw 8-14). In the event of a conflict between the NEA Constitution/Bylaws and the NEA-Retired Bylaws, the former would be controlling. 

Contact:
NEA Board of Directors

RA Action:

News from the NEA Annual Meeting

Pre-Annual Meeting Edition
July 1, 2008

Outreach to Teach | Read-In | A Star Teacher | Press Releases | Videos

Delegates Rally for Activist RA

Political activism will take center stage at the 87th Representative Assembly (RA) when more than 9,000 NEA members rally to fight for public education in this critical election year. As the fireworks soar, Team NEA will demonstrate their commitment, courage, and power by urging prospective presidential candidates to make education a priority in their campaigns and beyond.

The impending reauthorization of the Elementary and Secondary Education Act—the so-called No Child Left Behind law (NCLB)—makes this fall's election crucial to NEA members. The law stays in effect until Congress and a new President change it, and campaign season "is the best time to get their ear," says NEA President Reg Weaver. "Congress and the President got the law wrong in 2002, and they need to tell us what they'll do in 2008 to get the one-size-fits-all NCLB vise off our schools and to get real about providing great public schools for every child."

Before the RA opens, delegates will tackle a range of issues and activities during the Joint Conference on the Concerns of Minorities and Women, the NEA-Retired Conference, and the NEA Student Program meeting and Outreach to Teach event.