Legislative News
by Marian Murphy-Shaw
By now most of us have heard that a “trigger has been pulled.” What does that really mean? One of the first things we as science educators can do is slow down rumors and examine observable facts. If your school or district subscribes to School Services of California their Fiscal Report provides up-to-date, accurate information. This is one reliable source to start with and to encourage your colleagues to refer to.
CSTA works for you, its members, and all science educators in California, to keep an eye on state policy related to science education. That in itself is no easy task, and your membership dues are what enable CSTA to maintain a staff presence in Sacramento. Now more than ever members can help keep the educator voice in Sacramento by renewing or inviting colleagues to become members.
We hope you will also keep an eye on what is transpiring in education – on one hand we applaud those educators who make a difference for students with minimal resources – as we should. Why it remains laudable to provide educators with less to work with still needs to be addressed. CSTA will continue to ask this an other tough questions every chance we can.
The recent state revenue forecast, though improved, made mid-year cuts unavoidable. In a nutshell, the recent cuts equate to $13 per average daily attendance. Reductions in essential services like transportation will eventually ripple toward professional development and other budget items as districts look to adjust what they can afford and still provide pupil transportation, possibly increasing actual impact well beyond $13 per ADA.
There is nothing easy in the decisions being made – at any level – right now but each of us can be a voice of reason and compassion whenever we get a chance. CSTA will continue to be that voice as well- with your help.
Marian Murphy-Shaw is the student services director at Siskiyou County Office of Education and is CSTA’s secretary and chair of CSTA’s Legislative Oversight Committee.
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http://botanicalgarden.berkeley.edu/whatsnew/NaturalDiscourse/artists.shtml
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