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Posted on: Friday, March 16, 2001
Q&A on the possible teachers strike
As teachers across the state prepared for an impending strike, the Department of Education released the following information:
Q. When might a strike occur?
A. The Hawai'i State Teachers Association must give a 10-day notice of its intent to strike. The HSTA board has announced that a strike will begin no sooner than Thursday, April 5.
Q. Will schools be open for instruction during a strike?
A. With health and safety of students being the primary consideration, the schools would be closed to students at least initially, and, following a school-by-school assessment, will reopen when conditions are sufficient to assure a safe, healthy environment and the provision of quality instructional services.
Q. How will sports and student activities be affected during a strike?
A. Any activity that must be coordinated, coached, and/or chaperoned by a union member on strike would be suspended. Exceptions may be granted by the school principal on a case-by-case basis if safety and liability concerns can be addressed and there are compelling reasons, such as severe financial consequences (e.g., nonrefundable tickets or trip deposits, prom- and graduation-related scheduling and reservations, commitments with activity co-sponsors), or irreparable loss to students (e.g., participation in national competitions or educational trips and activities that cannot be rescheduled).
Q. Will the After-School Plus (A+) program operate during a strike?
A. If the schools are closed to students, A+ will also be closed at all sites (including those run by private providers). Sites might be reopened on a case-by-case basis if there are sufficient employees to assure a safe program.
Q. How will a strike affect student promotion, credits, and graduation?
A. If the strike creates a loss of 20 days of instruction or fewer, no adjustment will be required. If more than 20 days of instructional time is lost, the Board of Education and Department of Education may require the instruction be made up through such measures as an extended school year, structured independent study, e-school courses, or programmed learning.
Q. Will classes be held at the Community Schools for Adults?
A. These courses would continue if possible during a strike. Most are instructed by part-time teachers who are not members of the union. However, union members who also work with adult education will not be allowed to continue while on strike.
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