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NYSUT has fought for and achieved a variety of opportunities for the union to have a professional voice in local, statewide and federal educational policymaking. Participation by teachers, through their local unions, increases union involvement in planning and implementing programs aimed at improving education in their schools. In recent years, numerous and frequent modifications to federal and state law and regulations have left their mark on public policy regarding teaching and learning in New York State.

• In 1996, the New York State Board of Regents enacted standards-based teaching, testing and reporting.
• In 2001, the Congress of the United States amended the federal Elementary and Secondary Education Act (ESEA), Section 1112, by adopting the school accountability provisions of what is now known as the No Child Left Behind Act (NCLB).
• In 2004, the Congress of the United States reauthorized the Individuals with Disabilities Education Act (IDEA).
• In April 2005, the Board of Regents adopted new Regulations as the stimulus for "reform" of middle level education.
• Chapter 57 of the Laws of 2007 and 2008 amended New York State Education Law establishing minimum standards and procedures for tenure determination of teachers and increased support and interventions in schools identified as in need of improvement through the State Accountability system.

These actions have brought about significant challenges to NYSUT local union leaders and members. Many of these modifications to public policy identify different degrees of participation for local unions. There are many roles and responsibilities for local unions and members such as planning, conferring, consulting, participating, bargaining collectively and "signing-off."

NYSUT offers a number of resources to assist local leaders as they work with their colleagues on regulatory and program changes regarding professional development, mentoring, annual professional performance review, tenure determinations and teacher certification.

The following matrix is one such useful resource. The matrix identifies the purpose and the scope of specific programs, outlines the program authority and resources, delineates the union role and responsibility and identifies dates relevant to local leaders. In addition, this document provides references to NYSUT Briefing Bulletins (BB) and Information Bulletins (IB), NYSUT Education and Learning Trust Programs, applicable federal and state information and other education resources that can be found on the NYSUT website, http://www.nysut.org/. Excerpts from law and regulations cited in the column in the matrix titled "Program Authority and Resources" are included at the end of this bulletin.

Download complete bulletin. (342k pdf)