During the 2004/05 school year, PFT and the District began a new, progressive pilot to increase the voice of teachers in educational policy-making.  The Math and Literacy Councils worked to identify the strengths and weaknesses of PUSD’s support for student learning and make consensus recommendations to improve student literacy and readiness for success in algebra and advanced mathematics.  The agreement between PFT and the District for these councils was a one-year renewable agreement.  For 2005/06, the parties have agreed that the Councils will reconfigure to reflect the K-12 membership both councils adopted and will have no more than 10 members per Council to work on the following charges:

Math Council Charge: In order to ensure student success in Algebra, the 2005-06 math council members will focus on the development of math scope, sequence, and curriculum as well as student placement for grades 4-9 (with appropriate interventions as needed) that assures every student is, minimally, prepared for algebra concepts and skills as a ninth grader and can successfully complete this course as a precursor to higher level mathematical study.  In addition, the council will make staff development recommendations to the TLC governing board.

Language Arts Council Charge: In order to ensure student literacy, the 2005-06 language arts council members will focus on the development of a cohesive,  rigorous writing curriculum for grades K-12 and making staff development recommendations to the TLC governing board.

Time Commitment and Compensation:   Teachers who serve as members of these councils will be compensated on the Teacher Leadership Salary Schedule IV for the expertise they bring to the discussions and the additional time required for the work.  This schedule represents the equivalent of 17 days of additional work.

Application:  If you are interested in becoming a 2005-2006 teacher member on one of these councils, submit a completed application available by clicking 2005-2006 Application.pdf. This application and recommendations from the applicant’s principal and PFT Site Rep are due by September 15, 2005.

EdWeek, a national weekly publication, produces an annual report called, "Quality Counts".  this year it focused on the burgeoning efforts to link funding to educational outcomes.  One of the tables was a ranking of per pupil expenditures.  To see how California compares to the rest of the nation BEFORE the Governor's proposals, click here per pupil expenditures (PUSD's revenue limit is approximately $4980 per pupil).