The Los Angeles Unified School District (LAUSD) and its teachers` union, United Teachers Los Angeles (UTLA), recently reached a tentative agreement on a new contract, known as the LAUSD Unit E agreement. This new agreement covers teachers, counselors, librarians, and other certificated employees in the district.
The agreement follows a long and difficult negotiation process between the district and the union, which included a six-day teachers` strike in early 2019. The new contract is a significant victory for UTLA, as it includes several key provisions that the union had been advocating for.
One of the most notable provisions of the LAUSD Unit E agreement is a significant increase in funding for schools. The contract includes a $403 million investment in LAUSD schools, with the money going towards reducing class sizes, hiring more counselors and nurses, and providing additional support for students and families.
Under the new agreement, teachers will also receive a 3% salary increase retroactive to July 1, 2019, and an additional 2% increase for the 2020-2021 school year. The contract also includes provisions for additional pay increases for teachers who have reached the top of the salary scale and for those who have earned advanced degrees.
Another key provision of the agreement is a reduction in standardized testing. LAUSD students will now take fewer tests, and teachers will have more autonomy in deciding how to assess their students` progress. The contract also includes measures to address school safety, including a commitment to increasing the presence of mental health professionals in schools.
While the LAUSD Unit E agreement represents a significant win for UTLA and its members, there are still concerns about the district`s long-term financial stability. The contract includes a one-time infusion of funding, but some critics argue that it does not address the underlying financial challenges facing the district.
Overall, the LAUSD Unit E agreement represents a significant step forward for teachers and students in Los Angeles. The contract includes important provisions for increasing school funding, reducing standardized testing, and improving school safety. As the district moves forward, it will be important to continue addressing the financial issues facing LAUSD in order to ensure that these gains are sustainable in the long run.
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