The question of who "won" in the Chicago Teachers Strike, is somewhat offensive. In modern day reform, there have to be winners and losers in a market based world of competition. Instead of demanding that every kid has a quality school in their neighborhood, we play a musical chairs with the most vulnerable students who need the most consistency. Meanwhile, those already ahead don't have to worry that they will be disrupted, displaced, or uprooted. So this idea of who won and who lost is not one I will entertain. However, it is very informative to discover just what the strike resulted in.
First, the strike resulted in both improvements for teachers and for students. I do not think the union should apologize for trying to improve teacher morale. Modern reformers act as if poor teacher morale canot possibly affect the learning environment. However, common sense tells us that the teachers working environment is, in fact, the students learning environment. In a symbiotic relationship of support, having both parties strong is a worthy goal.
So, what were the results? First, the union defeated the Mayor's merit pay scheme. Merit pay is the antithesis of what works in countries with top education programs. Educators know that the way to close the achievement gap is with all teachers working in constructive collaboration for all kids. Modern reform would pit teacher against teacher in destructive competition. The most comprehensive study on merit pay illustrates what a colossal waste of resources it is. It has no effect.
The union effectively blocked this cornerstone of Rahm's modern day reform. The idea that just one person can come in and close the achievement gap makes for good Hollywood drama. Educators understand that "Waiting for Superman" is not scalable or reproducible. A metaphor that actually applies to functional schools might be "Waiting for the Avengers". Different folks with unique strengths, and yes, weaknesses, working together on a common goal. Also, a way better movie too.
The union secured raises of 3%, 2%, and 2% with an optional 3% 4th year of the contract. In addition, the lane and step sequence of salary increases is secured. Again, these are obviously teacher benefits. There should be no apologies for improving your professional position.
Next, and to me this is huge, the union secured positions for 512 Art, Language, Music, and Physical Education teachers. The leaders and kids of leaders in our country get a broad based, critical thinking curriculum. For example, the Chicago Lab High School has no less than seven Art Teachers. This is where Rahm sends his children. The last similar size CPS high school that Rahm shuttered had zero Art Teachers. Modern reformers are not fighting for schools like their children go to, but the union is.
Job security was a big piece in the unions struggle. They secured new anti-bullying language, counter acting some of the rampant principal and administration abuses in the schools. They also compromised on the re-hiring of laid of teachers, ensuring at least half of new hires would be from the pool of laid off workers.
Research shows that identifying with a teacher can boost a student's achievement. It's also common sense. They aren't emotionless widgets to be screwed into place. With that in mind, the union fought for policies that will increase racial diversity.
You see, modern reform school closures tend to disproportionately terminate minority teachers. This is because minority teachers often choose to go into the toughest neighborhoods. Their schools are the first ones targeted for closure. Their reward for bravely going where few would? It used to be certain termination. Before this, the district laid off a record number of African American teachers. Now the district is committed to a diverse workforce that is good for students.
The new contract also addresses non-research based teacher evaluations. The union ensured that test scores would be used for the state mandated minimum 30%, while observations would count for 70% of evaluations. This is in line with the National Academies of Research, Educational Testing Services (ETS), and RAND Testing who all caution against using test scores for high stakes hiring and firing decisions. Rahm wanted a rating scheme more in line with A.L.E.C. legislation, backed by no research.
There were several other items that may seem small, but are huge in the lives of disadvantaged kids. Each elementary school will now have a school counselor. In fact, the board has committed to hiring more social workers and nurses as well as counselors.
The teachers will get a $250 resources fund for supplies. In addition, they will also be guaranteed to have text books on the first day of class. Things like a guaranteed lunch brought a lot of cheer from staff. Being able to et lunch is a healthy way to get through the day. They also added parents to the class size monitoring team. Before,there was no enforcement of class sizes. The union wanted parents on the board so they would have access to class size data. The mayor wanted parents in the dark because he does not believe class size matters, except at the Lab School where he sends his children.
Crossposted at MN Progressive Project
