"For all the investment of time and resources...we will not achieve the outcomes we expect and need without comprehensive professional learning for educators.... ~ Stephanie Hirsch, Ed Week 2/01/12
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In the spring of 2009, nearly half of Washington state school districts issued layoff notices to teachers and other school staff. The Reduction in Force (RIF) notifications impacted approximately 3 percent of the state's teacher workforce. As was the case in many states, federal stimulus dollars were deliberately targeted at reducing the need for teacher layoffs. This information is very relevant as districts, yet again, are faced with budget shortfalls that impact their teaching force.
CSTP commissioned research undertaken by the University of Washington to examine the impact of RIF notices on the assignment, retention and mobility of the educator workforce. Given the findings in the report, we'd like to engage in a dialogue - A Conversation About Reduction in Force in Washington - with districts about their experiences, policies and the impacts now and in the future. This dialogue will provide concrete examples and implications that we can incorporate into a policy brief for district and state decision-makers this coming fall.