Archive: September 2004

Clarified Contract Language
By Steve Kaplan, UniServe Field Organizer

Grievances and/or the Contract Administration Committee have clarified many contract language areas over the past few years. The new Contract, currently on the web (www.sdea.net and select "contract") and soon in print, has incorporated these clarifications. Some have been discussed in previous "Working It Out" columns. Two examples with the added clarifying language in bold type:

Section 8.10: LIMITATION ON NUMBER OF PREPARATIONS

The District and the Association agree that the number of different subject preparations directly affects the work hours of the secondary classroom teachers. As a recognition of this situation, the District agrees to limit the number of courses to be taught by a secondary classroom teacher to no more than three (3). All core and block classes, are considered one instructional period that lasts from one (1) to (3) hours, therefore, all requiring one preparation. However, in recognition of the level of intensity required by the two (2) or three (3) hour courses, teachers assigned to teach such core and block classes will only be required to teach, within the five (5) period teaching day, one other course during those remaining two (2) or three (3) periods. Exceptions may be made only to meet the needs of the site, as determined by the principal and approved by the division head.

An advisory period is not defined to be a different subject for purposes of establishing the number of preparations, provided that unit members are not required to develop lesson plans for the advisory period or to issue academic grades to students enrolled in such periods.

Article 25 Contract Waivers: Section 25.3.3: All agreements to modify, amend or otherwise change contract provisions will be by mutual written agreement of the Parties. Each Party will determine its own procedures for ratifying any written agreements which modify existing contract provisions. Contract waivers must be submitted to the Association on or before the 15th of April prior to the school year the waiver is to take effect. Approved contract waivers must be renewed on an annual basis.