CTA continues to oppose legislative proposals like SB 161 that puts the health of students at risk and subjects teachers, instructional support professionals, and other school employees to legal liability if a student is injured while administering dangerous prescription medications such as Diastat.
Read CTA's letter of opposition
CTA opposes SB 161, which would authorize non-medical school personnel to administer the prescription drug Diastat to students with epilepsy. CTA believes strongly that all students, not only those with disabilities, should have access to licensed and appropriately trained medical staff to ensure proper dignified care. The passing of SB 161 reduces the standard of care deserved for all students, and poses serious potential risks to students with disabilities if the medication is not properly administered. The administration of Diastat requires assessment of the type of seizure the student is having, proper administration during the seizure, accurate dosage amounts and rectal injection. If not properly given proper dosage during the seizure, the student could face death by respiratory failure.
This burden is compounded by the facts that SB 161 does not provide funding for training of non-medical personnel, nor provides legal and financial liability protections. In addition, educators are facing further struggles in our education system, which has faced $18 million in budget cuts over the past two budget cycles and thousands of school staff layoffs. This bill is just the tip of the iceberg; recently, theObama administration stepped into a current California Supreme Court case involving diabetic students, urging the court to let non-medical school employees give insulin shots if no trained medical personnel are available. These short-term fixes do not solve the problem, long-term solution is to restore budget cuts and hire more school nurses to meet the medical needs of our students.
Key Points:
Diastat (valium) is administered rectally to control “cluster” or “breakthrough” seizures only. There are many types of seizures so it is important to assess what type of episode the student is exhibiting. Diastat must be administered when a child is seizing. The rectal syringe is made of hard plastic which could result in the possibility of piercing the rectal cavity during administration. If the appropriate dosage is not given (if an adult syringe is administered instead of the child syringe) death due to respiratory failure can occur.
- Lawsuit regarding Administration of Insulin. The December 2008 ruling in American Nurses Assoc. v. Jack O'Connell by the Sacramento Superior Court overturned a portion of the settlement of K.C. v. Jack O'Connell (the settlement allowed non-medical school personnel to administer insulin to pupils). This decision was appealed; the 3rd Court of Appeal ruled in June 2010 that the Superior Court ruling correctly determined the portion of CDE's legal advisory is inconsistent with California law and is therefore, invalid. An appeal of this latest ruling was filed with the California Supreme Court in July 2010.
- 504 plans. Section 504 of the federal Rehabilitation Act of 1973 requires school districts to provide a free appropriate public education to each qualified pupil, regardless of the nature or severity of the disability, which includes reasonable accommodations required for the management of chronic medical conditions. A "504 plan" differs from an individualized education program (IEP) in that an IEP provides for specialized instruction while a 504 plan provides for accommodation due to a physical or mental impairment that does not require specialized instruction. Currently, a pupil with a prescription for Diastat could have a 504 plan that requires a licensed health practitioner be on site to administer Diastat if necessary. If this bill were to become law, a 504 plan that calls for a non-medical school employee to administer Diastat would be authorized and would supersede the Nursing Practices Act.
- Parental Designation. In accordance with current law (Education Code 49423) parents are authorized to designate a school volunteer to assist their child with a variety of medical services including insulin injections, etc.
- Employee Coercion. Concerns have been raised that school employees will feel pressured to volunteer by their supervisors. This bill specifies that the district may only solicit volunteers through an electronic communication and cannot approach employees directly. SB 161 opponents believe there are not sufficient protections to prevent employees, particularly probationary and classified employees from being compelled to volunteer to protect their employment status.
- Who will do the training. Concerns have been raised about who will provide training to volunteers. According the California Nurses Association, nurses are prohibited from providing training to non-medical personnel. If nurses provide such training, they could be in jeopardy of losing their license.
- Liability. Concern has been raised over the possibility that school employees who volunteer to administer Diastat could be held liable if any errors are made and/or the pupil incurs any injuries. In addition to liability based on making an error during the administration of Diastat, concerns have also been raised regarding whether employees who volunteer to administer Diastat could also be held liable for failure to act in an emergency.
At this time, constituent contacts into local district offices is critical. It does not matter if it’s from teachers, classified employees, their family members, your family members, staff members, friends, etc. particularly registered voters. Please share this request for help with as many individuals as possible.
Saturday, August 27, 2011
CTA continues to oppose legislative proposals like SB 161 Health Care - California Teachers Association
Health Care - California Teachers Association:
solidaridad: EDUCATION AND CAPITALISM: Struggles for Learning and Liberation
solidaridad: EDUCATION AND CAPITALISM: Struggles for Learning and Liberation:
Classroom Rules to School Behaviors
Every year, a large part of my back-to-school routine was establishing classroom rules. We would list every possible rule imaginable on the board that we could come up with and narrow them down to a decent number. I would facilitate the discussion and group work to get the rules stated as positively as possible. It took a little time, but it was worth the effort. Then, everyone in the class would sign it. We established our own little classroom democracy which I could refer back to when necessary.*
I sat in a meeting called before students returned. (I believe it was my sixth year as a teacher.) My principal announced that a new committee had been formed, P.B.S., Positive Behavior Support. I listened as they said they met and established three school behaviors that would be used by everyone: Be respectful, Be responsible,
I sat in a meeting called before students returned. (I believe it was my sixth year as a teacher.) My principal announced that a new committee had been formed, P.B.S., Positive Behavior Support. I listened as they said they met and established three school behaviors that would be used by everyone: Be respectful, Be responsible,
solidaridad: EDUCATION AND CAPITALISM: Struggles for Learning and Liberation
solidaridad: EDUCATION AND CAPITALISM: Struggles for Learning and Liberation:
The unnamed corporate ed-reform "uber-hipster" has a name, Mike McGalliard *"I'm not going to accuse you and John Holcomb of white savior syndrome per se, but I will go on record as saying that your ideas and actions, no matter how well intentioned, are the epitome of what Freire called 'the false generosity of paternalism.'" ...
The unnamed corporate ed-reform "uber-hipster" has a name, Mike McGalliard *"I'm not going to accuse you and John Holcomb of white savior syndrome per se, but I will go on record as saying that your ideas and actions, no matter how well intentioned, are the epitome of what Freire called 'the false generosity of paternalism.'" ...
All Education Matters: Are you a former employee at Kaplan, University of Phoenix, etc.?
All Education Matters: Are you a former employee at Kaplan, University of Phoenix, etc.?:
Are you a former employee at Kaplan, University of Phoenix, etc.?
If you are a former employee at a for-profit "university," I'd like to talk to you. (I've spoken to numerous whistleblowers, so your anonymity will be protected).
Email me (ccrynjohannsen@gmail.com).
Related Links
"Here's something to celebrate! For-profit enrollment plunges!" AEM (August 18, 2011)
"Breaking: False Claims Act Being Filed Against Corinthian College," AEM (August 15, 2011)
"The Department of Justice and Four States Suing the Education Management Corporation (EDMC)," AEM (August 9, 2011)
"UPDATE: Exclusive Interview - Whistleblower David Goodstein Discusses Victory over Kaplan University," AEM (July 25, 2011)
Email me (ccrynjohannsen@gmail.com).
Related Links
"Here's something to celebrate! For-profit enrollment plunges!" AEM (August 18, 2011)
"Breaking: False Claims Act Being Filed Against Corinthian College," AEM (August 15, 2011)
"The Department of Justice and Four States Suing the Education Management Corporation (EDMC)," AEM (August 9, 2011)
"UPDATE: Exclusive Interview - Whistleblower David Goodstein Discusses Victory over Kaplan University," AEM (July 25, 2011)
Hedge fund rally organizers Tilson and Williams cancel Chicago appearance. « Fred Klonsky's blog
Hedge fund rally organizers Tilson and Williams cancel Chicago appearance. « Fred Klonsky's blog:
Hedge fund rally organizers Tilson and Williams cancel Chicago appearance.
Sly and the Family Stone. Another famous Chicago no-show.
Funny story.
A few years back, Joe Williams of Democrats for Education Reform (DFER), threatened to kick my brothers ass. And mine too.
DFER is a project of Whitney Tilson, the billionaire boys club member and hedge fund manager. He’s never seen
Principal spent tax money on wine, dog treats - SignOnSanDiego.com
Principal spent tax money on wine, dog treats - SignOnSanDiego.com:
Principal spent tax money on wine, dog treats
Explorer charter has since added oversight of credit-card spending
SATURDAY, AUGUST 27, 2011 AT 10:08 A.M.
Documents »
Download: Explorer Elementary: Receipts, Green statement, severance agreement, credit card policies
Green’s expenses
Food: $14,896.10
Supplies: $12,834.38
Gifts: $3,317.00
Other: $2,821.81
Field trips: $1,951.00
Phone: $870.14
Wine: $727.38
Pet items: $449.82
Total: $37,867.63
|Trader Joes receipt shows $14.08 in dog treat purchases.|
Jill Green, former Director of Explorer Elementary
|Receipt from Wine Steals shows $197.88 in alcohol purchases.|
|Wine Steals receipts shows $16 in wine purchases.|
|Trader Joes receipt shows $8.67 in dog treat purchases.|
POINT LOMA — The founding principal of Explorer Elementary Charter School spent thousands of dollars on business meals, wine and dog treats over the last two years, expenses on her credit card that were covered by taxpayers.
The Watchdog obtained two years of statements and expense reports under the California Public Records Act for former Principal Jill Green, who resigned April 27.
Green, who earned $110,277 annually, said concerns over her expenses were raised by the charter’s governing board
School Tech Connect: The Poor Will Get Computers
School Tech Connect: The Poor Will Get Computers:
The Poor Will Get Computers
So much to catch up on-- it's never going to happen. My recent encounter with a spider has left me with a ridiculous injury that I'm tempted to memorialize with photography. I'll spare you.
I missed the Chicago SOS event down at Hull House; I'll keep my eye on Small Talk for details about what went on.
Meanwhile, back at the ranch, I see that Democracy Now did an excellent recap of the current madness in public ed policy. Diane Ravitch did another great job of debunking Arne Duncan's unrelenting bullshit. So did NYC teacher Brian Jones, whom I've never met. If you didn't see it, here it is:
Jones talks about teachers teaching the tests as a genre, and Amy Goodman seems a little shocked. Ages
I missed the Chicago SOS event down at Hull House; I'll keep my eye on Small Talk for details about what went on.
Meanwhile, back at the ranch, I see that Democracy Now did an excellent recap of the current madness in public ed policy. Diane Ravitch did another great job of debunking Arne Duncan's unrelenting bullshit. So did NYC teacher Brian Jones, whom I've never met. If you didn't see it, here it is:
Jones talks about teachers teaching the tests as a genre, and Amy Goodman seems a little shocked. Ages
President Obama Signs Emergency Declaration| The White House
Briefing Room | The White House:
Briefing Room
The White House provides timely and accurate information about the President's latest events and public statements. Here you'll find photos, video, and blogs, as well as proclamations, executive orders, and press releases.
LATEST NEWS
- August 27, 2011
President Obama Signs Maryland Emergency Declaration
Posted in Statements and Releases
- August 27, 2011
President Obama Signs Rhode Island Emergency Declaration
Posted in Statements and Releases
- August 27, 2011
President Obama Signs New Hampshire Emergency Declaration
Posted in Statements and Releases
- August 27, 2011
President Obama Signs New Jersey Emergency Declaration
Posted in Statements and Releases
- August 27, 2011
President Obama Signs Connecticut Emergency Declaration
Posted in Statements and Releases
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