Coming to the Rational Middle:

A conversation about unionism and reform with 60 teachers and education stakeholders

Q: The most promising local education reform strategy is

5% 4% 4% Giving schools options to pursue autonomy from union/district mandates Evaluating teachers and administrators according to a multiple-measure evaluation 26% Changing teacher compensation policies 61% Changing teacher staffing policies Harnessing technology in our schools

Notable Remarks Teacher Evaluation: If we have a better evaluation system, that would lead to improved staffing practices. We could focus on keeping and growing talent in the classroom. E4E Member and Teacher The Importance of Autonomy with Accountability: Autonomy is great, but how do we ensure that our schools are each held to the same high standards? E4E Member and Teacher

Q: Id like to see district leaders pursue the following changes

Multi-measure teacher/principal evaluation system Improved staffing and layoff practices 33.3% 29.2% Career pathways, ladders and incentives A rigorous and lucrative tenure system 12.5% More funding and fiscal responsibility

4.2%

20.8%

Notable Remarks Leadership and Execution: Its not just about strong leadership at the top. Unless you change the culture of middle management, it doesnt matter what you do at the top. A.J. Duffy, Former President of UTLA Revenue and Reform: Were all pounding each other, but we should be pounding the public for more fundingwe end up fighting for crumbs instead of investing in meaningful change. Marshall Tuck, CEO Partnership for Los Angeles Schools

Id like to see union leaders pursue the following changes

Multi-measure teacher/principal evaluation system Improved staffing and layoff practices 42.9% 28.6% Career pathways, ladders and incentives A rigorous and lucrative tenure system More funding and fiscal responsibility

14.3% 0% 14.3%

Notable Remarks Policy Making and Implementation: Smart policies are important, but its up to the teachers and administrators to implement policies in a meaningful way for kids. Arielle Zurzolo, Green Dot Teacher Union President Unionism and Reform: Were navigating to get to that place where we switch toward common goals, but you get killed by the extremistsIf teachers want change, they have to get active, get involved and become a part of the helpful agitation that changes the system. A.J. Duffy, Former President of UTLA

The biggest obstacle to union and district/management collaboration is

Misinformation and misrepresentation of facts 9% 14% Polarizing people and ideas Disengagement among educators and stakeholders Lack of political will and courage from leaders Lack of funding

5%

27% 45%

Notable Remarks Relationship building. Leadership is about relationship building. Its about sitting down, breaking bread and talking about these issues courageously. Marco Petruzzi, CEO of Green Dot