Bilingual Education
IEP Interpreter Restrictions
CPS has now officially stated that they will pay members that take the IEP Interpretation Training that can be found on the Safe Schools Platform. The information from CPS with more details (including the form to submit for payment) can be found in this Google Doc (must be logged into CPS account to access). This is a step in the right direction, and we continue to work to put an end to the restrictions that make language access more difficult for parents of students with an IEP that speak a language other than English.
IEP Interpreter Stipend for the 2021-2022 School Year
Many members have not been paid for their IEP interpretation work from last school year. If you interpreted three or more times during 1st semester and/or three or more times during 2nd semester you are eligible for the stipend. We are filing a group grievance on behalf of members that have done the interpretation work but not received the stipend. Please fill out the grievance authorization form and email Eden McCauslin as soon as possible.
CPS has stated that they are considering alternative options that give English Language Learners with an ACCESS score under 3.5 an opportunity to apply to selective enrollment high schools. They have also stated that they are opening up a process for teachers to give feedback on bilingual EOY Reach Performance Tasks.
Sanctuary
Please download and share this image.
We are continuing to collect donations at CTU Headquarters, 1901 W. Carroll for displaced immigrants that recently arrived to Chicago. At this time we are only collecting new winter coats, scarves, gloves.
In 2019 we won Sanctuary language in our contract for the first time, finally after three years CPS has released a letter to staff and students/families declaring CPS a sanctuary school district. This was made possible by the organizing and advocacy work of our members!
CPS has stated that they can make funds available for schools with increased newcomer/STLS populations. If that is the case for your school, please let CTU know!
Member involvement has been key
This work and the progress that we have made is not possible without member involvement, advocacy and organizing. Please email Linda Perales if you have questions or want to get more involved!
