Posted: November 8th, 2007

United Teacher October 12, 2007 www.UTLA.net/unitedteacher/PDFs/utla_oct07lowres.pdf

Over the summer the UTLA Physical Education Campaign continued to build its team and plan a game strategy. We are now ready to embark on the 2007- 2008 season of our fight to improve the physical health and education of LAUSD students.

The UTLA Physical Education Campaign is organized around a steering committee consisting of UTLA members, chaired by UTLA-AFT Vice President Joshua Pechthalt, and joined by representatives from outside organizations committed to the well-being of children. This committee meets twice a month. Supplemental to the steering committee is a “blue ribbon” committee of a much larger size and again composed of UTLA members and representatives from other organizations.

The campaign is now organized into five work groups:

•Legal: exploring unfair labor practices

•Community: reaching out to parents, students, and community members

•Internal UTLA: reaching out to UTLA members

•District: reaching out to LAUSD Board members and staff

•State: reaching out to state legislators with districts in LAUSD.

The goals of this campaign are:

1. Class-size equity with all subject areas.

2. Articulated grades (grade-level-pure classes).

3. Expanded resources and upgraded facilities that meet or exceed state regulations.

4. Optimal instructional environments that are safe and secure.

5. Consistent quality professional development.

6. Gender equity for instructors and students.

7. Standards-based curriculum sup- ported by qualified credentialed teachers at all grade levels.

8. Credentialed physical education instructors at each elementary school.

If you believe in these goals and would like to help achieve them, your help is needed in the campaign.  Please plan on attending the next UTLA Physical Education and Dance Advisory meeting on November 7 at 4:30 p.m. at UTLA and encourage others to also attend and get involved. There will also be a speaker’s training on November 8 from 5 to 7 p.m.  This training will prepare people to do a ten-minute presentation advocating for quality physical education.

Now is the time to make this happen, and together through teamwork is how it will happen.

If you cannot attend the next meeting and would still like to be involved please send your contact information to: Denise Robinson, UTLA Physical Education/Dance Representative, Fulton College Prep; (818) 947-2100 (work); drobin2@lausd.net.

Cathy Figel, Physical Educator, Marina del Rey MS