AAEA Threatens To End Program

The Ann Arbor Education Association last night passed a resolution threatening to end the student teacher program in-area schools if AAEA proposals regarding the policies of this program are not met by the Ann Arbor Board of Education and the University of Michigan School of Education. The association set Nov. 1, 1969, as the deadline for the establishment of a "meaningful dialogue" between the parties involved and stated that without "substantial progress' the student teacher program will be terminated by January, 1970. The resolution was a part of the AAEA platform and resolutions passed last night. These constitute a major position and policy statement by the membership as a whole. In other major resolutions the AAEA called for 1) the elimination of the "use and posting of all IQ based upon culturally-biased tests"; 2) reexamination by the Michigan Education Association of tenure laws, seeking periodic re-evaluation of teachers under tenure; and 3) increased cooperation between the schools and representatives of the courts. Also at the meeting, David 'R. Harrell, counselor at Ann Arbor Huron High School, was installed as president for the coming year. Albert Chaffee, science teacher at Tappan Junior High School, took office as president-elect. Harrell succeeds Harold D. Collins, mathematics teacher at Tappan. O. Herbert Ellis, teacher of biology at Pioneer High, was presented the George O. Ross Memorial Award for outstanding contributions as a member of the teaching profession. The newly adopted platform and resolutions are the first such policy statement by the general leadership of the AAEA. The main theme of the platform is one of increased participation, both in the formation of educational policies and in community affairs. Major points in the platform and resolutions include: - A commitment to seek review of the present property tax structure, which was termed "regressive and unfair to certain segments of the community. The present tax has clearly reached its limit and is no longer adequate to fund quality educational systems." - Firm support of the recent stand taken by the Ann Arbor Board of Education on sex education in the schools. The AAEA stated that "the Ann Arbor Public Schools should provide a carefully prepared program taught by qualified teachers on family life and sex education in the elementary grades and developing through their school years." - A statement supporting "aggressive efforts to attract minority group members to apply for faculty positions in Ann Arbor". Another resolution stating that at least 10 per cent of the faculty of each school should be members of minority groups was deleted upon the consent of the general membership. - A commitment to "establish mechanisms whereby student opinión can be heard and seriously considered in matters of educational policy and programs." The AAEA platform also firmly stated the determination of area teachers to particípate in decisions regarding curriculum. In support of this statement the AAEA passed a recommendation submitted by foreign language teachers that Frenen be taught as a required subject in tne fourth grade and as an elective in the fifth and sixth grades. Due to lack of adequate funds the Board of Education has asked that French be eliminated in the fourth grade and continued as a requirement through sixth grade. The foreign language teachers feel such a program would be educationally less sound than their proposal. In other business, chief negotiator Herman D. Healy reported that negotiations with the Board of Education regarding the calendar for the school yëar 1969-70 are not yet complete. No decisión has been reached as to opening and closing dates or vacation dates. School houxs are also under discussion. The index proposal, which concerns extra pay provisions for overtime work, is still being presented to the Board of Education. Healy expressed doubt that the July 1 deadline for reaching agreement on the proposal will be met. The resolution regarding the student teacher program was the subject of much debate. It was reported that the University has formulated plans to place abóut 25 student teachers in an elementary school full-time next year. The U-M would supervise the program and provide many special teaching aids. The U-M is also prepared to assist in the training of teachers and student teachers involved in the program, it was reported. This plan has been formulated without consulting Ann Arbor teachers. It was termed a "steamrolling tactic of the University" and an attempt to "establish an experimental laboratory in a community school" by AAEA members. Past AAEA President Donald L. Newsted told the association that "they (U-M officials) must consider us as equal partners in this operation. I'm not sure you will cooperate unless you're involved," he added. The resolution also calis for provisión of f r e e tuition to gradúate school and complete faculty privileges granted to Ann Arbor teachers accepting student teachers. Under the present program, Harrell pointed out, teachers who accept student teachers are paid by the University and are considerad to be employed by the University. However, they do not have faculty privileges. In his annual address to ' the association, outgoing presidentj Collins spoke on "New Directions, 1968-69: A Commitmentl to Involvement". He reviewed accomplishments of the AAEA in the past year, including al new constitution, implementation of a budget and finance' committee, and adoption of resolutions regarding such items as millage, bonding, parochiaid and ABM missües. C o 1 1 i n s congratulated the AAEA Human Relations Committee for outstanding service, noting that "Ann Arbor is considered to be the leader in human relations by the Michigan Education Association." "The teacher must become a direct force in the establishment of policies of the educational process," Collins told the AAEA in his final address. "We must identify areas of concern and commit ourselves. We must take an active part in policy formation." Last night's meeting also honored 19 retiring Ann Arbor teachers for their service to the community.