An updated version of the Aprenda test has recently been selected by the California Department of Education to replace the “old” SABE test. In addition to being used to assess EL students in the country for less than 12 months, it has been expanded for use with all students who are receiving instruction in Spanish. For these students (those receiving instruction in Spanish) this state required test is in addition to the California Standards Test administered in English. EL students in waiver classrooms, dual immersion classes and those in the US less than 12 months will be taking the test in the testing window from March 27 to April 28.

More information is available from site principals.

Here’s the Election Committee’s Report

The ballot counting process went quickly and smoothly thanks to the help of:

Tuesday, March 21
Linda Camacho, LMI
Diane Carter, JGE
Jose Cuevas, LNE
Kenny Ortiz, FRE
Vicki Yessayian, JGE

Thursday, March 23
Sonia Barocio, Community LINKS/ROP
Dorothy Chu, DO
Margie Granado, MTA Office
Mike Hurtado, SHS retiree
Olga Paez, School Nurse

Unfortunately, it was necessary to invalidate election results from a few sites. Please remember to include your signature sheet with the ballot box. Also if you have more ballots than signatures we cannot count your ballots. One way to avoid this problem is to have members sign for the ballots/election materials as they receive them (it’s okay to have more signatures).

Thanks so much for your cooperation!

Dues Information

NEW MEMBERS SEPTEMBER – DECEMBER

Cat. 1 Full Time $ 653.20 (Rep Fee $413.20)
2 30-60% $ 467.80 (w/o TF $227.80)
3 30% or less $ 97.92
JANUARY – DECEMBER 2005 MEMBERS

Cat. 1 Full Time $1,577.20 (Rep Fee $877.20)
2 30-60% $1,141.30 (w/o TF $441.30)
3 30% or less $ 225.90
Tandem $ 788.60
Retired 6/05 $ 924.00 (Rep Fee $504.00)

The amounts shown below are the annual amount for the calendar year 2005, which covers parts of two different membership years. Please note that your Trust Fund contribution is included since it is collected as “dues” under Category 1. Trust Fund contributions are also included with dues if you are a Category 2 employee and have elected to participate in the MTA Trust Fund.

Political contributions are as follows: MTA-ABC $25/year.
FACT $10/year, NEA-PAC $10/year (or what you have designated).