Maine Advocate January 2016

MaineAdvocate

A special publication of the Maine Education Association

How Being an

ACE Helped my Students

Repor t Card

Did yo u legisla r tor make the grade ?

Under the

DOME If I have said it once, I have said it a million times. The MEA’s mantra when it comes to political engagement is no permanent friends, no permanent enemies, permanent issues. That is what I tell every MEA member who will listen. And the permanent issues are the ones we all can hopefully agree on.

Our students are our permanent issues. Making sure our schools get the resources we need to help every child succeed is a permanent issue. Protecting the voices of educators in our classrooms and in our schools and in our communities is a permanent issue. Advocating for our institutions of higher learning is a permanent issue. Lifting standards like pay and benefits for all educators is a permanent issue.

In the last legislative session, we scored some major successes. Our efforts helped secure an additional $25 million more for our schools through the state budget. We helped convince the Legislature to dump the Smarter Balanced testing scheme. We passed a bill designed to bring sanity to the state’s rush to implement proficiency-based diplomas into our high schools. We even were successful in winning a significant pension increase for retired teachers.

Special Legislative Edition Copyright 2015 Editorial Staff Managing Editor - Robert Walker, Executive Director Editor - Giovanna Bechard, Communications Director Layout/Ad Manager - Allison Coombs, Communications Assistant

Send letters to the editor, questions, and comments to gbechard@maineea.org MEA Leadership President - Lois Kilby-Chesley Vice President - Grace Leavitt Treasurer - Denise Simoneau NEA Director - Michael Thurston

2 - Maine Advocate - January 2016

No Permanent Friends, No Permanent Enemies, Permanent Issues None of this was given to us. In every case we had to fight to win. Hundreds of educators contacted their legislators, lobbied in the State House or took part in the myriad of activities we have in place every legislative session to make sure the voices of Maine’s educators are heard loud and clear when it comes to our public schools.

Occasionally I hear from MEA members their concern about being engaged in politics. They may tell me they don’t like the MEA getting involved in lobbying or electoral politics. But there is an easy answer to these concerns.

Every year, politicians make critical decisions about your students, your schools and your professions. Politicians in Augusta and Washington decide how much funding your school receives. They decide how teachers are evaluated. For teachers and ed techs, they vote on your pension benefits. Whether you even have the right to bargain a contract is decided by legislators.

We simply can’t be silent as legislators make critical decisions about your classrooms and your students. Quite the contrary, we must make sure that legislators clearly understand how their decisions

and their votes on bills impact you and the students you reach, teach and inspire every day.

In January, the Legislature will return for the “short session” and again we can expect they will be voting on a bevy of bills that will directly impact educators across the state. Are you going to get involved by making sure your legislator understands how bills impact your students? Or are you going to stand on the sidelines and allow legislators to make decisions without your input?

Over the past few years we have seen more MEA members get involved in politics than ever before. The MEA has created a new ACE program designed to keep members in the loop when it comes to bills in the State House. Sign up to attend an ACE training in your area and to receive weekly updates on the happenings in Augusta.

We will never stop advocating for our permanent issues. Will you join us?

John Kosinski

Director of Government Relations and Political Action

jkosinski@maineea.org

Board of Directors Phyllis Hunter Steven Knowles Jesse Hargrove Cyndy Fish Ken Williams Jill Watson Robin Colby Jim Thornton Samantha Garnett Sias Terry Martin Bob McCully Amanda Cooper Jill Kehoe Deborah Butler John Messier Neil Greenberg Crystal Ward Bob Calderwood

Maine Educator (ISSN #1069-1235) is published by: Maine Education Association 35 Community Drive, Augusta, ME 04330-8005 207-622-4418; fax 207-623-2129 POSTMASTER: send address changes to: Maine Educator 35 Community Drive, Augusta, Maine 04330-8005 Non-Profit US Postage paid at Augusta, Maine and additional mailing offices.

For advertising rates and information please contact: Allison Coombs, 35 Community Dr., Augusta, ME 04330, acoombs@maineea.org 207-622-4418 ext. 2206

From Middle School Social Studies to Pre-K Technology Involuntary transfers & what the MEA is doing about it When Julie Jones* got into teaching she knew she would work well with middle school students—she took the time to understand their fears about things like not having friends in a new school or worrying about being late to class.

Middle school was where Jones excelled. “My focus with my education never went below the middle level student. All methods classes I took focused on the middle level student.

It was my dream come true when I started teaching 8th grade social studies and 7th grade social studies,” said Jones.

But Jones’ dream at her school in Penobscot county quickly turned into her own personal teaching nightmare after one short meeting with her building administrator in March of 2015.

“My building administrator called me into his office, handed me a piece of paper with a job description, and said ‘this is your new assignment for next year—it’s a done deal.’ There was no explanation given, nor any conversation other than saying it’s a done deal,” said Jones.

The middle school Social Studies teacher’s new job—Pre-K to 5th grade Technology, a subject in which she had no training and grade levels with which she had no experience working. Jones’ new job includes teaching elementary school children technology, including typing skills and technology integration support for reading and social studies programs.

The school district hired a new Social Studies teacher, (the position wasn’t eliminated) and Jones now, in her tenth year in education felt lost, unprepared for elementary school

technology and worried about her new students and their education, and for good reason. Jones holds a Masters in curriculum, assessment, and instruction, with a focus on inter-disciplinary approach in the middle level; she had zero specified education background in technology or elementary aged children.

“I absolutely did not feel prepared or educated properly to teach technology to Pre-K to fifth grade.

Yes, I used technology almost on a daily basis with middle school students—but that is totally different than teaching typing skills to the younger grades. Every day that I have come into work this year has been very stressful because of this.

When I indicated I did not know what was developmentally appropriate for the younger grades—due to focus in the middle level during my methods classes a top administrator said to me, ‘you raised your kids.’ When I responded that raising my sons was different than having 20 young students in a class he replied, ‘you can do it.’ I felt like I was not being heard—basically it felt like someone, who does not know me personally, was telling me that they knew me better than I knew myself,” said Jones.

Now in her first full year teaching technology, and after some training in technology, Jones admits she’s still devastated about the transfer, and isn’t sure if her new students are receiving the same level of education as those she had in middle school.

“Being a middle school teacher is a strength of mine—and my weakness is the younger student. I loved my job beyond words when I taught middle school. I put in time,

energy, and passion every day to help my students find success. It was my dream job—the age of students I loved and content I loved! For me, it wasn’t a job—it was love. The students went above and beyond the curriculum as well as supporting the Common Core in the classroom. Are my students now getting this same kind of education? I don’t know,” admitted Jones.

And it’s in that uncertainty for her students’ education where Jones worries most.

“Teachers and students shouldn't be treated like this,” said Jones.

The MEA is actively working to make involuntary transfers a mandatory subject of bargaining. Read more on this and other legislative priorities on the next page. *teacher's name changed

January 2016 - Maine Advocate - 3

In Augusta

What is MEA Working on in 2016?

Lawmakers are just settling in to the second half of the 127th legislative session. On their plates are more than 200 bills. While most will deal with the drug crisis and tax code issues, the Education Committee will review and debate some key proposals, including a bill that would require involuntary transfers be a matter of collective bargaining. Other key issues include a bill that would raise the starting teacher salary from $30,000 to $40,000 per year. The MEA is working to garner support for these, and other pieces of legislation that will improve our schools and working conditions. Below are the MEA’s key priorities for this short legislative session.

LD 1370: An Act to Improve the Quality of Teachers

LD 1459: An Act to Delay Any New Statewide Assessment

Background: The bill would increase the minimum starting teaching salary to $40,000, a ten thousand dollar increase from the current state minimum. According to the bill, the State would be required to increase its share of education funding to pay for the increase in teacher pay. The bill also increases requirements on teacher prep programs and student teachers.

Background: This bill allows school districts to delay, for one year, administering the new statewide assessment chosen by the Department of Education to replace Smarter Balanced. Educators have not yet seen the new state test and with this legislation, if passed, entire districts can choose to opt- out of the pilot year of the test.

Sponsor: Senator Millett of Cumberland

LD 1544: An Act to Improve Teaching Assignment in Maine’s Public Schools Sponsor: Senator Baker of Sagadahoc

Background: This bill is a concept draft which means it will deal with the involuntary transfer of teachers and could take many forms, as the Education Committee will draft the language it sees fit. The MEA will work with the Education Committee in hopes of creating a bill that will allow teachers to bargain over teaching assignments to prevent being involuntarily transferred.

LD 1492: An Act to Amend the Laws Governing Education Standards in Maine Sponsor: Representative Tuell of East Machias

Background: This bill eliminates the use of Common Core State Standards in Maine by the end of the 2016-17 school year. In place of Common Core, the Department of Education will have to create a stakeholder group, which must include 5 MEA members, to create new state standards for use at the beginning of the 2017-18 school year. In the interim, school districts may choose to use state standards that were in place prior to Common Core.

4 - Maine2016 Advocate - January 2016 January - Maine Advocate -4

Sponsor: Representative Espling of New Gloucester

LD 1394: An Act to Implement the Recommendations of the Commission to Strengthen the Adequacy and Equity of Certain Cost Components of the School Funding Formula Sponsor: Representative Kornfield of Bangor

Background: This bill is a “carry over” bill from last session and is the result of several years of study from experts in school finance.

The MEA hopes this bill is used to continue to draw attention to our state’s inability or unwillingness to properly fund public schools in the state. The MEA will advocate for additional funding for our schools so they can better meet the needs of all students.

In addition, MEA hopes to see increased funding for schools with high concentrations of students living in poverty, including the current Title I offsets in our school funding formula that serve to financially punish schools with high concentrations of student poverty.

2016 Guide to the Maine Legislature Governor

Maine Senate

Maine House

20 Republicans 15 Democrats

77 Democrats 70 Republicans

President of the Senate Sen. Mike Thibodeau (R)

Paul LePage

Speaker of the House Rep. Mark Eves (D)

Republican

Education and Cultural Affairs Committee These are some of the key people who will make education policy decisions that affect your students, your school, and your career. It is important to know who they are, how to contact them and how to share your story to help improve public education for every Maine student.

3 Tips to Share Your Story with Legislators 1. Know your Issue:

You’re the expert in your topic, so be prepared to explain it and answer any questions.

2. Know your Audience: Research your legislator; maybe you have something in common to create a personal connection.

Senate Chair

3. Know your Ask:

Be as specific as possible so you can’t be misinterpreted. Asking for a “yes” or “no” vote on a specific bill leaves no room for interpretation.

House Chair

Sen. Brian Langley (R - Hancock)

Rep. Victoria Kornfield (D - Bangor)

Brian.Langley@legislature.maine.gov

Tori.Kornfield@legislature.maine.gov

Democrat Committee Members Senator Rebecca Millett, Cumberland senrebeccamillett@gmail.com Representative Matthea Daughtry, Brunswick mattie.daughtry@legislature.maine.gov Representative Brian Hubbell, Bar Harbor Brian.Hubbell@legislature.maine.gov

Representative Richard Farnsworth, Portland Richard.Farnsworth@legislature.maine. gov Representative Ryan Tipping-Spitz, Orono Tipping-Spitz@legislature.maine.gov Representative Teresa Pierce, Falmouth Teresa.Pierce@legislature.maine.gov

The Education Committee meets in room 202 at the Cross Office Building in Augusta.

Republican Committee Members

Senator Peter Edgecomb, Aroostook peter.edgecomb@legislature.maine.gov Representative Joyce Maker, Calais joyce.maker@legislature.maine.gov Representative Michael McClellan, Raymond Michael.McClellan@legislature.maine.gov Representative Matthew Pouliot, Augusta Matt.Pouliot@legislature.maine.gov Representative Paul Stearns, Guilford Paul.Stearns@legislature.maine.gov

January 2016 - Maine Advocate - 5

Did Your Legislator Make the Grade?

During the 127th session of the Maine Legislature lawmakers debated many issues that impacted your students and the profession. Everything from opting-out of standardized testing to delaying the use of testing, to school funding, and increases in retirement benefits. During the legislative session, the MEA and its members worked hard to advocate for all Maine students, public schools and its employees. Below are 10 key bills from the last session and the outcomes. On the following pages you can look up each lawmaker to see how he/she voted on each bill and if his/her vote was in support of public education and public school students.

10 Key Public Education Bills Impacting Schools, Students and Educators $25 Million More for Public Schools

LD 1019 This bill represented the State budget and provided additional funding for various programs and services to be immediately distributed, including $25 million more dollars for public schools.

MEA Supported Governor’s Action: Veto Veto Overridden, Became Law 2-Year Delay on Use of Standardized Tests to Evaluate Teachers

LD 764 This resolve prohibited school administrative units from using the Maine Educational Assessment for Mathematics and English Language Arts/Literacy standardized tests administered prior to the 2017-18 school year to measure educator effectiveness.

MEA Supported Governor’s Action: Veto Veto Sustained, Did Not Become Law Fix Proficiency-Based Diplomas

LD 1235 This bill developed a working group that is required to develop and submit for review standards, assessments and assessment criteria for determining student proficiency as part of the development of a standards-based system of education. The bill also required the working group to begin meeting as soon as practicable and that all meetings be open to the public.

MEA Supported Governor Action: Veto Veto Overridden, Became Law Opt-Out Bill

LD 695 This bill required a school administrative unit to excuse a student from standardized assessments at the written request of the student's parent or guardian and establishes requirements for school administrative units and the Department of Education related to excusing a student.

MEA Supported Governor’s Action: Veto Veto Sustained, Did Not Become Law Teacher Retirement Paid by State

LD 60 This bill changed the method for funding teacher retirement costs. It repeals those provisions of law enacted in the 2013 State budget that 6 - Maine Advocate - January 2016

require school administrative units and private schools to pay for teacher retirement.

MEA Supported Died on adjournment, Senate Failed to Vote, Did Not Become Law A Small Increase for Retired Teachers

LD 86 This bill provided a minimum cost-of-living adjustment of 2.55% for benefits received by retired state employees and teachers for fiscal year 2015-16 and fiscal year 2016-17 only. This is a huge win for current and future retirees.

MEA Supported Governor’s Action: Didn’t sign by deadline Bill became law Constitutional Amendment to Eliminate Income Tax

LD 1367 This resolution eliminated the income tax in Maine by 2020 through a constitutional amendment; income taxes are a major source of revenue for the state. A change of this nature had the potential to drastically decrease funding for public schools.

MEA Opposed Died between Houses, Did Not Become Law Ban Dues Collection for Unions

LD 404 This bill was an attack on unions, making it illegal for public employee unions to collect dues from members.

MEA Opposed House and Senate voted against this bill, Did Not Become Law Make Maine a So-called “Right to Work” State

LD 489 This bill also targeted unions and would have made Maine a rightto-work state. Right-to-work laws weaken unions and the ability of workers to have a voice in their wages, benefits and working conditions.

MEA Opposed House and Senate voted against this bill, Did Not Become Law Prohibit MEA Members from Addressing Workplace Issues on Work Time

LD 1319 This bill prohibited educators from conducting any union business during the school day, including grievance meetings or other meetings that may require association representation.

MEA Opposed House and Senate voted against this bill, Did Not Become Law

127th Legislature Scorecard

Senate

Dist.

Key: P= Pro-Education Vote X = Voted Against Public Education A = Unexcused Absence E = Excused Absence RC = Roll Call Vote Number V = Veto Override Vote Senator

LD 1019 $25 Million More for Schools, State Budget

Veto Override Vote RC #271 RC #373v

LD 764 LD 695 Two Year Opt-Out Delay on Bill Use of Standardized Tests to Evaluate Teachers

LD 1235 Fix Proficiency-Based Diplomas

RC #187 RC #153

RC #216 RC #384v

LD 60 Teacher Retirement Paid by State

LD 1367 Constit.

Amendment to Eliminate Income Tax

LD 404 Ban Dues Collection for Unions

LD 489 Make Maine a so-called “Right to Work” State

RC #16

RC #170 RC #221 RC #222 RC #223

Veto Override Vote

LD 1319 Prohibit MEA Members from Addressing Workplace Issues on Work Time

127th Session Score

27

JUSTIN ALFOND (D - Cumberland)

P

P

P

P

P

P

P

P

P

P

P

100%

23

LINDA BAKER (R - Sagadahoc)

P

X

P

P

P

P

X

X

P

P

P

73%

20

ERIC BRAKEY (R - Androscoggin)

P

X

P

P

X

X

X

X

X

X

X

27%

25

CATHERINE BREEN (D - Cumberland)

P

P

P

P

P

P

P

P

P

P

P

100%

6

DAVID BURNS (R - Washington)

P

P

X

P

P

P

X

X

X

X

X

45%

34

RONALD COLLINS (R - York)

P

P

X

P

P

P

X

X

X

X

X

45%

33

ANDRE CUSHING (R - Penobscot)

P

P

X

X

P

P

X

X

X

X

X

36%

16

SCOTT CYRWAY (R - Kennebec)

P

P

P

P

P

X

X

X

P

P

P

73%

4

PAUL DAVIS (R - Piscataquis)

P

X

X

P

P

P

X

X

P

X

P

55%

26

BILL DIAMOND (D - Cumberland)

P

P

P

P

P

P

P

P

P

P

P

100%

5

JAMES DILL (D - Penobscot)

P

P

P

P

P

P

P

X

P

P

P

91%

32

DAVID DUTREMBLE (D - York)

P

P

P

P

P

P

P

P

P

P

P

100%

1

PETER EDGECOMB (R - Aroostook)

P

X

X

X

P

P

X

E

X

X

X

30%

24

STAN GERZOFSKY (D - Cumberland)

P

P

P

P

P

P

P

P

P

P

P

100%

9

GEOFFREY GRATWICK (D - Penobscot)

P

P

P

P

P

P

P

P

P

P

P

100%

19

JAMES HAMPER (R - Oxford)

P

P

X

P

P

P

X

X

X

X

X

45%

28

ANNE HASKELL (D - Cumberland)

X

X

P

P

P

P

P

P

P

P

P

82%

35

DAWN HILL (D - York)

P

P

P

P

P

P

P

P

P

P

P

100%

13

CHRISTOPHER JOHNSON (D - Lincoln)

P

P

P

P

P

P

P

P

P

P

P

100%

15

ROGER KATZ (R - Kennebec)

P

P

X

X

P

P

X

X

P

P

P

64%

7

BRIAN LANGLEY (R - Hancock)

P

P

X

X

P

P

X

X

P

X

P

55%

21

NATHAN LIBBY (D - Androscoggin)

P

P

P

P

P

P

P

P

P

P

P

100%

22

GARRETT MASON (R - Androscoggin)

P

X

X

X

P

P

X

X

X

X

X

27%

14

EARLE MCCORMICK (R - Kennebec)

P

X

P

X

P

P

X

X

P

P

P

64%

29

REBECCA MILLETT (D - Cumberland)

P

P

P

P

P

P

P

P

P

P

P

100%

12

DAVID MIRAMANT (D - Knox)

P

P

P

P

P

P

P

P

P

P

P

100%

18

JOHN PATRICK (D - Oxford)

P

P

P

P

P

P

P

P

P

P

P

100%

8

KIMBERLEY ROSEN (R - Penobscot)

P

X

X

X

P

P

X

X

X

X

X

27%

17

THOMAS SAVIELLO (R - Franklin)

P

P

P

P

P

P

P

X

P

P

P

91%

11

MICHAEL THIBODEAU (R - Waldo)

P

P

X

X

P

P

X

X

X

X

X

36%

31

LINDA VALENTINO (D - York)

P

P

P

P

P

P

P

P

P

P

P

100%

30

AMY VOLK (R - Cumberland)

P

X

X

P

P

P

X

X

X

X

X

36%

3

RODNEY WHITTEMORE (R - Somerset)

P

P

X

X

P

P

X

X

X

X

X

36%

2

MICHAEL WILLETTE (R - Aroostook)

P

X

X

X

P

X

X

X

X

X

X

18%

33

DAVID WOODSOME (R- York)

P

P

X

X

P

P

P

X

P

P

P

73%

January 2016 - Maine Advocate - 7

House

Key: P= Pro-Education Vote X = Voted Against Public Education A = Unexcused Absence E = Excused Absence RC = Roll Call Vote Number V = Veto Override Vote

LD 1019 $25 Million More for Schools, State Budget

Dist.

Representative

RC #281

RC #396v

RC #236

RC #422v

RC #205

138 67 8 35 33 2 110 93 63 114 3 61 24 113 96 21 130 46 133 15 40 47 25 56 49 101 52 90 72 43 85 121 118 122 148 65 91 6 37 111

ROBERT ALLEY (D - Beals) SUSAN AUSTIN (R - Gray) CHRISTOPHER BABBIDGE (D - Kennebunk) DILLON BATES (D - Westbrook) KEVIN BATTLE (R - South Portland) ROBERTA BEAVERS (D - South Berwick) HENRY BECK (D - Waterville) PINNEY BEEBE-CENTER (D - Rockland) BRUCE BICKFORD (R - AUBURN) RUSSELL BLACK (R - Wilton) LYDIA BLUME (D - York) HEIDI BROOKS (D - Lewiston) MARK BRYANT (D - Windham) ANDREW RUSSELL BUCKLAND (R - Farmington) CHRISTINE BURSTEIN (D - Lincolnville) JAMES CAMPBELL (U - Newfield) RICHARD CAMPBELL (R - Orrington) PAUL CHACE (R - Durham) RALPH CHAPMAN (D - Brooksville) JUSTIN CHENETTE (D - Saco) BENJAMIN CHIPMAN (U - Portland) JANICE COOPER (D - Yarmouth) PATRICK COREY (R - Windham) DALE CRAFTS (R - Lisbon) MATTHEA DAUGHTRY (D - Brunswick) JAMES DAVITT (D - Hampden) JENNIFER DeCHANT (D - Bath) MICK DEVIN (D - Newcastle) KATHLEEN DILLINGHAM (R - Oxford) MARK DION (D - Portland) DONNA DOORE (D - Augusta) ROBERT DUCHESNE (D - Hudson) LARRY DUNPHY (R - Embden) MICHELLE DUNPHY (D - Old Town) ANTHONY EDGECOMB (R - Fort Fairfield) ELEANOR ESPLING (R - New Gloucester) JEFFREY EVANGELOS (U - Friendship) MARK EVES (D - North Berwick) RICHARD FARNSWORTH (D - Portland) BRADLEE THOMAS FARRIN (R - Norridgewock)

P P P P X X P P P P P X P P X A P P X P X P P X P P P X X X P P P P P P X P X P

P P P P P P P P P X P P P X P P X P A P X P P X P P P P X P P P X P P P P P P P

P P P P P P P P P A P P P A P P P P P P P P P P P P P P P A P P P P P P P A P P

P X P P X P P P P X P P P X P P A X P P P P X X P P P P P P P P X P P X P P P X

P X P P X A P P P P X P P P A P X X P P P P X P P P P P P A P P P P X P P A P X

8 - Maine Advocate - January 2016

Veto Override Vote

LD 764 Two Year Delay on Use of Standardized Tests to Evaluate Teachers

LD 695 Opt-Out Bill

LD 1235 Fix ProficiencyBased Diplomas

Veto Override Vote

Veto Override Vote

RC #343v P X P P X P P P P P P P P X P P P X P P P P X X P P P P P P P P X P X P P P P A

Veto Override Vote

RC #222 P P P P P P P P P P P P P P P P P P P P P P P X P P P P P A P P X P P P P A P X

RC #449v P P P P P P P P P P P P P X P P P P P P P P P X P P P P P P P P X P P P P P P X

LD 86 LD 60 LD 1367 A Small Increase for Teacher Retire- Constit. AmendRetired ment Paid by ment to Eliminate Teachers State Income Tax

LD 404 Ban Dues Collection for Unions

LD 489 Make Maine a so-called “Right to Work” State

LD 1319 Prohibit MEA Members from Addressing Workplace Issues on Work Time

RC #403

RC #6

RC #171

RC #230

RC #229

RC #231

P X P P P P P P P X P P P X P P X X P P P P P X P P P P X P P P X P X X P P P X

A P P P A P P P X P P P P P P P P X P P P P P X P P P P X P P P X P P X P P P X

P X P P X P A P X X P P P X P P X X P P P P X X P P P A A P P P X P X X P P P X

P X P P P P P P X A P P P A P P P X P P P P X X P P P P X A P P X P X X P P P X

P X P P P P P P X A P P P A P P P X P P P P X X P P P P X A P P X P X X P P P X

P X P P P P P P X A P P P A P P P X P P P P X X P P P P X A P P X P X X P P P X

127th Session Score

93% 43% 100% 100% 57% 86% 93% 100% 64% 43% 93% 93% 100% 29% 86% 93% 64% 36% 86% 100% 86% 100% 50% 14% 100% 100% 100% 86% 43% 50% 100% 100% 21% 100% 50% 50% 93% 79% 93% 21%

January 2016 - Maine Advocate - 9

House cont.

Key: P= Pro-Education Vote X = Voted Against Public Education A = Unexcused Absence E = Excused Absence RC = Roll Call Vote Number V = Veto Override Vote Dist.

Representative

11 7 80 100 124 34 20 48 74 98 69 60 127 83 82 12 102 32 142 87 36 89 117 97 73 81 120 76 55 14 13 135 4 41 22 99 125 92 134 58

RYAN FECTEAU (D - Biddeford) ROBERT FOLEY (R - Wells) LORI FOWLE (D - Vassalboro) KENNETH WADE FREDETTE (R - Newport) AARON FREY (D - Bangor) ANDREW GATTINE (D - Westbrook) KAREN GERRISH (R - Lebanon) SARA GIDEON (D - Freeport) PAUL GILBERT (D - Jay) JAMES GILLWAY (R - Searsport) PHYLLIS GINZLER (R - Bridgton) JARED GOLDEN (D - Lewiston) ADAM GOODE (D - Bangor) GAY GRANT (D - Gardiner) RANDALL ADAM GREENWOOD (R - Wales) MARTIN GROHMAN (D - Biddeford) STACEY GUERIN (R - Glenburn) SCOTT HAMANN (D - South Portland) SHELDON MARK HANNINGTON (R - Lincoln) JEFFERY HANLEY (R - Pittston) DENISE HARLOW (D - Portland) STEPHANIE HAWKE (R - Boothbay Harbor) FRANCES HEAD (R - Bethel) ERIN HERBIG (D - Belfast) LLOYD HERRICK (R - Paris) CRAIG HICKMAN (D - Winthrop) NORMAN HIGGINS (R - Dover-Foxcroft) GARY HILLIARD (R - Belgrade) BRIAN HOBART (R - Bowdoinham) BARRY HOBBINS (D - Saco) GEORGE HOGAN (D - Old Orchard Beach) BRIAN HUBBELL (D - Bar Harbor) PATRICIA HYMANSON (D - York) ERIK JORGENSEN (D - Portland) JONATHAN KINNEY (R - Limington) MARYANNE KINNEY (R - Knox) VICTORIA KORNFIELD (D - Bangor) CHUCK KRUGER (D - Thomaston) WALTER KUMIEGA III (D - Deer Isle) MICHEL LAJOIE (D - Lewiston)

10 - Maine Advocate - January 2016

LD 1019 $25 Million More for Schools, State Budget

LD 764 Two Year Delay on Use of Standardized Tests to Evaluate Teachers

Veto Override Vote

LD 695 Opt-Out Bill

LD 1235 Fix ProficiencyBased Diplomas

Veto Override Vote

Veto Override Vote

RC #281

RC #396v

RC #236

RC #422v

RC #205

X P P P P X P P P P P X X X X P P X X P X P P P P X P P P P P P P X P P P P P P

P P A P P P P P P P P P P P X P X P X X X X X P A X P P P P P P P P P X P P P P

P P P A P P P P P P P P P P P P P P A P P P A P A P P P A P P P P P P P A P P P

P X A X P P X P P X X P P P P P X P X P P X X P A P P X X P P P P P X P P P P P

P P P P X P P P P X X P P X X X P P X X P X X P X P P X P P P X X P P X X P P P

RC #343v P P P X P P P P P X X P A P X P X P X X P X X P X P X X P P P P X P X X X P P P

Veto Override Vote

RC #222 P P P P P P P P P P P P A P P A X P P P P P P P P P P P P P P P P P P A P P P P

RC #449v P P A A P P P A P P P P P P P P X A X P P P P P A P P X P P A P P P X P P P A P

LD 86 LD 60 LD 1367 A Small Increase for Teacher Retire- Constit. AmendRetired Teachers ment Paid by ment to Eliminate State Income Tax

LD 404 Ban Dues Collection for Unions

LD 489 Make Maine a so-called “Right to Work” State

LD 1319 Prohibit MEA Members from Addressing Workplace Issues on Work Time

RC #403

RC #6

RC #171

RC #230

RC #229

RC #231

P X A X P P X P P P X P P P X P X P P P P X X P A P P P P P P P X P X X P P P P

P P P X A P P P P P P P P P X P P P A P P P P P A P P P P P P P P P X P P P P P

P X P X A P X P P X X P P P X P X P X X P X X P X P X X X P P P P P X X P P P P

P X P X P P X P P X X P P P X P X P A P P X X P A P P X X P P P P P X X P P P P

P X P X P P X P P X X P P P X P X P A P P X X P X P P X X P P P P P X X P P P P

P X P X P P X P P X X P P P X P X P A X P X X P A P X X P P P P P P X X P P P P

127th Session Score

93% 57% 71% 29% 79% 93% 57% 93% 100% 50% 43% 93% 79% 86% 29% 86% 29% 86% 14% 64% 86% 36% 29% 100% 14% 86% 79% 43% 64% 100% 93% 93% 79% 93% 36% 36% 79% 100% 93% 100%

January 2016 - Maine Advocate - 11

House cont.

Key: P= Pro-Education Vote X = Voted Against Public Education A = Unexcused Absence E = Excused Absence RC = Roll Call Vote Number V = Veto Override Vote

Dist.

Representative

137 145 109 132 129 140 136 16 151 150 18 107 66 51 149 27 62 30 38 31 78 19 77 5 10 115 108 116 53 44 86 68 17 103 59 39 1 26 88 147

LAWRENCE LOCKMAN (R - Amherst) RICKY LONG (R - Sherman) THOMAS LONGSTAFF (D - Waterville) LOUIS LUCHINI (D - Ellsworth) PETER LYFORD (R - Eddington) JOYCE MAKER (R - Calais) RICHARD MALABY (R - Hancock) DONALD MAREAN (R - Hollis) JOHN MARTIN (D - Eagle Lake) ROLAND DANNY MARTIN (D - Sinclair) ANNE-MARIE MASTRACCIO (D - Sanford) JEFF MCCABE (D - Skowhegan) MICHAEL MCCLELLAN (R - Raymond) JOYCE MCCREIGHT (D - Harpswell) CAROL MCELWEE (R - Caribou) ANDREW MCLEAN (D - Gorham) GINA MELARAGNO (D - Auburn) KIMBERLY MONAGHAN (D - Cape Elizabeth) MATTHEW MOONEN (D - Portland) TERRY MORRISON (D - South Portland) CATHERINE NADEAU (D - Winslow) WILLIAM NOON (D - Sanford) (Deceased) ROBERT NUTTING (R - Oakland) BETH O’CONNOR (R - Berwick) WAYNE PARRY (R - Arundel) MATTHEW PETERSON (D - Rumford) JOHN JOSEPH PICCHIOTTI (R - Fairfield) RICHARD PICKETT (R - Dixfield) JEFFREY PIERCE (R - Dresden) TERESA PIERCE (D - Falmouth) MATTHEW POULIOT (R - Augusta) CHRISTINE POWERS (D - Naples) DWAYNE PRESCOTT (R - Waterboro) ROGER REED (R - Carmel) MARGARET ROTUNDO (D - Lewiston) DIANE RUSSELL (D - Portland) DEANE RYKERSON (D - Kittery) LINDA SANBORN (D - Gorham) DEBORAH SANDERSON (R - Chelsea) ROBERT SAUCIER (D - Presque Isle)

12 - Maine Advocate - January 2016

LD 1019 $25 Million More for Schools, State Budget Veto Override Vote

LD 764 Two Year Delay on Use of Standardized Tests to Evaluate Teachers

LD 695 Opt-Out Bill Veto Override Vote

Veto Override Vote

RC #281

RC #396v

RC #236

X X P P P P P A P P P P X P P P X P X P P P P P P X P X P P P P P X X X P X X P

X X P P X P X P P P P P X P P P X P X P P A P X P P P X X P P P P X P P P P X P

X P P P P P P P A P P P P P P P P P P P P A P P P P P P X P P P A P P P P P P P

RC #422v RC #205 X X P P X X X X P P P P X P P P P P P P P A X X X P X X X P X P X X P P P P X P

LD 1235 Fix ProficiencyBased Diplomas

X X P X X X X P P A X P P P P A P P P P P P A X X P X X X P X P X X P P P P P P

RC #343v X X P P X X A P P P P P X P X P P P P P P A P X X X X X X P X P X X P P P A X P

Veto Override Vote

RC #222 X X P P X P A P P P P P P P P P P P P P P P A P P P P P X P P P P X P P P P X P

RC #449v X X P P X P A P P P P P A P X P P P P P P A P P P P P P X P P A P X P P P P X P

*Bill Noon was a champion for our schools and was always supportive of public schools and the people who work in them. The legislative scorecard does not reflect Representative Noon’s passion for public schools. He was absent for several votes while he was battling cancer.

LD 86 LD 60 LD 1367 A Small Increase for Teacher Retire- Constit. AmendRetired ment Paid by ment to Eliminate Teachers State Income Tax

LD 404 Ban Dues Collection for Unions

LD 489 Make Maine a so-called “Right to Work” State

LD 1319 Prohibit MEA Members from Addressing Workplace Issues on Work Time

RC #403

RC #6

RC #171

RC #230

RC #229

RC #231

X X P P X P P P P P P P X P P P P P P P P A P X X P P P X P P P X X P P A P X P

X X P P P X X X P P P P X P P P P P P P P P X P P P P P P P X P P X P P P P X P

X X P P X P X X P P P P A P X P P P P P P P X X X P X X X P X P X X P P P P X P

X X P P X P A X P P P P X P X A P P P P P A X X X P P P X P P P X X P P P P X P

X X P P X X A X P P P P X P X A P P P P P A X X X P P P P P P P X X P P P P X P

X X P P X X X X P P P P X P X A P P P P P A X X X P P X X P P P X X P P P P X P

127th Session Score

0% 7% 100% 93% 21% 57% 21% 50% 93% 93% 93% 100% 21% 100% 57% 71% 86% 100% 86% 100% 100% --* 43% 36% 43% 86% 71% 50% 21% 100% 64% 93% 36% 7% 93% 93% 93% 86% 14% 100%

January 2016 - Maine Advocate - 13

House cont.

Key: P= Pro-Education Vote X = Voted Against Public Education A = Unexcused Absence E = Excused Absence RC = Roll Call Vote Number V = Veto Override Vote Dist.

Representative

64 126 9 23 144 106 28 112 143 119 105 42 95 54 79 75 45 123 50 139 141 29 128 70 104 131 84 94 146 71 57

DAVID SAWICKI (R - Auburn) JOHN SCHNECK (D - Bangor) H. STEDMAN SEAVEY (R - Kennebunkport) MICHAEL SHAW (D - Standish) ROGER SHERMAN (R - Hodgdon) STANLEY SHORT (D - Pittsfield) HEATHER SIROCKI (R - Scarborough) THOMAS SKOLFIELD (R - Weld) STEPHEN STANLEY (D - Medway) PAUL STEARNS (R - Guilford) JOEL STETKIS (R - Canaan) PETER STUCKEY (D - Portland) GARY SUKEFORTH (U - Appleton) DENISE TEPLER (D - Topsham) TIMOTHY THERIAULT (R - China) JEFFREY TIMBERLAKE (R - Turner) MICHAEL TIMMONS (R - Cumberland) RYAN TIPPING-SPITZ (D - Orono) RALPH TUCKER (D - Brunswick) WILLIAM TUELL (R - East Machias) BETH TURNER (R - Burlington) KAREN VACHON (R - Scarborough) ARTHUR VEROW (D - Brewer) NATHAN WADSWORTH (R - Hiram) RAYMOND WALLACE (R - Dexter) KARLETON WARD (R - Dedham) CHARLOTTE WARREN (D - Hallowell) JOAN WELSH (D - Rockport) DUSTIN MICHAEL WHITE (R - Washburn) TOM WINSOR (R - Norway) STEPHEN WOOD (R - Sabattus)

14 - Maine Advocate - January 2016

LD 1019 $25 Million More for Schools, State Budget

LD 764 Two Year Delay on Use of Standardized Tests to Evaluate Teachers

Veto Override Vote

LD 695 Opt-Out Bill

LD 1235 Fix ProficiencyBased Diplomas

Veto Override Vote

Veto Override Vote

RC #281

RC #396v

RC #236

RC #422v

RC #205

P P P P P X X A X P X X P P P X A P P P X P P P P P P P P P P

P P P P P P X X P P X X X P A X X P P P X P P P X P P P P P P

A P P P A P P A P P P P P P A P P P P A P P P P X P P P A P P

X P X P X P X P P P X P P P X P X P P P X P P X X X P P X P X

P X X P A P P P P X X P P P P P X P P P X P P P A X P P P X X

RC #343v X P X P P P X P P X X P P P A X A P P P X X P X X X P P X X X

Veto Override Vote

RC #222 X P P P P P X P P P P A P P P X A P P P P P P P P P P P P A P

RC #449v X P P P X P X X P P X P P P P X A P P P P P P P P P P P P P P

LD 86 LD 60 LD 1367 A Small Increase for Teacher Retire- Constit. AmendRetired ment Paid by ment to Eliminate Teachers State Income Tax

LD 404 Ban Dues Collection for Unions

LD 489 Make Maine a so-called “Right to Work” State

LD 1319 Prohibit MEA Members from Addressing Workplace Issues on Work Time

RC #403

RC #6

RC #171

RC #230

RC #229

RC #231

X P P P P P X X P P X P X P A X X P P X X X P X X X P P X P X

P P P P P P X P P P X P P P P X P P P P X X P P P P P P X X P

X P X P X P X X P X X P P P X X X P P P X X P X X X P P X X X

A P X P X P X X P P X P P P A X X P P P X X P X X X P P X X X

A P X P P P X X P X X P P P A X X P P X X X P X X X P P X X P

A P X P P P X X P P X P X P A X X P P X X X P X X X P P X X X

127th Session Score

29% 93% 50% 100% 57% 93% 14% 36% 93% 71% 14% 79% 79% 100% 36% 21% 14% 100% 100% 71% 21% 50% 100% 50% 29% 43% 100% 100% 36% 43% 50%

January 2016 - Maine Advocate - 15

Non Profit US Postage PAID Augusta, ME Permit No. 275

Maine Education Association 35 Community Drive Augusta, ME 04330

ACE Achievements ACE

Advocates for Children & Education

The MEA is committed to making sure our members’ voices are heard when education policy decisions that impact students’ lives are debated at the state and national level. Through MEA’s Advocates for Children and Education (ACE) program, launched this year, MEA members connected with legislators to share the realities of what students need and what programs and services benefit public education and which policies hurt students, teaching, and learning. Across the state there are more than 100 members who are now ACE’s. Their relationships with lawmakers and the stories shared from the halls of schools across the state have made a difference.

How Being an ACE helped my students “The ACE Program gave me the confidence of knowing that my voice was being heard and valued. It made me believe I could make a difference in how our state government views what educators do every day in our schools. I had lunches with lawmakers and meetings, and I invited other educators to come and share their stories so lawmakers could understand what we do first-hand before casting a vote on a policy issue that would have major implications for our students. At one point in the process, a Senator called me every Friday night to see how he should handle the things coming across his desk for the upcoming week.”—Phyllis Hunter, Washburn TA “For me, being an ACE gives me a chance to really understand the current education issues that are being discussed in the Legislature so I can talk to family, friends, and co-workers and have an informed opinion. It has also helped me to encourage others to write their point of view to their legislators on the hot education topics being discussed in Augusta.”—Donna Longley, WellsOgunquit TA “I want to be a voice for kids who are underserved and I really wish that teachers on the ground had more input in policy. A lot of times things come along that sound good and they have unintended consequences because no one has thought them through. Then there is a lot of backtracking to correct and change things. Time and money is wasted and all of that could have been prevented by asking someone in the classroom. Kids aren't computers and schools aren't factories. We can't standardize everything and lawmakers would understand that if they listened to people in the classroom. That’s why I am an ACE so I can be the voice for my students.”—Jane Seidenberg, Gorham TA (pictured on cover) The MEA’s goal is to have an ACE in every House and Senate district in the State so the Association can make sure every legislator has a point of contact with an MEA member who lives/works in the district he/she represents. Your students are counting on you—be an ACE today! To learn more about the program or to sign up, contact MEA’s Government Relations Director, John Kosinski at jkosinski@maineea.org.