A bill that blames teacher transfer rights for problems schools of greatest need have in attracting and retaining highly qualified teachers has survived the Senate despite CTA's opposition and is facing key tests in the Assembly.

 

SB 1655 by Senate Education Chair Jack Scott (D-Pasadena) would remove a chapter's right to bargain transfer policies from the collective bargaining law.

 

Under the bill's provisions, principals in Decile 1-3 schools would not have to accept any transfer applicant, even if the teacher is fully credentialed and "highly qualified" as defined by the No Child Left Behind Act (NCLB). The bill would also prohibit districts and collective bargaining agreements from giving preference to teachers who wish to transfer voluntarily until after April 15.

 

The bill would also dictate contract language on the subject of transfers, thereby reducing the scope of bargaining and eliminating the possibility of local solutions to recruitment problems.

 

The bill could have the effect of keeping highly qualified teachers from transferring into the schools that need them the most, according to CTA advocates. A principal would be allowed to bar a teacher who is outspoken about curriculum and other needed changes or who is a union activist. The principal would not be required to give a reason for the decision.

 

The bill does nothing to make schools of greatest need more attractive places to teach - like giving them an infusion of money, lowering class size, improving safety conditions, or requiring high-quality principals.

 

To register opposition to SB 1655 (Scott), CTA members can contact their own Assembly members in care of the State Capitol, Sacramento, CA 95814 or visit CTA's website www.cta.org, click on Politics and Legislation, and Contact Your Legislator.