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NYSUT President Melinda J. Person is advocating for reforms to the states badly flawed teacher evaluation system.

In this op-ed, which appeared in The Journal News, Poughkeepsie Journal, Binghamton Press and Sun Bulletin, Rochester Democrat and Chronicle, Utica Observer-Dispatch and other newspapers, she calls on the governor and Legislature to fix APPR. Its time, she said, to give districts the flexibility they need to de-link standardized tests from evaluations if they choose, and restore local control to APPR.

As legislators prepare to gavel out for the summer, one piece of pressing education business remains: Albany must finally reform the states broken teacher evaluation system and allow school professionals superintendents, administrators, school boards and teachers to design better ways to support teachers and help them grow.

Many see the current teacher evaluation system as badly flawed. Parents, especially, have openly rebelled at the seemingly endless array of tests that their children must take just to feed a mysterious mathematical algorithm that ranks and sorts teachers and schools, without providing much else in the way of useful information. Stressed-out teachers and administrators, already burdened with a heavy workload, dont like the current evaluation system either. Indeed, every teacher and principal can share a heart-breaking story about drill-and-kill testing and how test prep has sucked creativity and joy out of teaching and learning.

The good news is theres a better way and the governor and Legislature know it.

Rather than the test-and-punish system foisted on teachers years ago by Gov. Andrew Cuomo, a newly reformed Annual Professional Performance Review system would allow local control of teacher evaluations. Districts that like their systems would be allowed to keep them. But, if school districts choose to do so, they would be empowered to develop new evaluation systems that focus on professional development and support instead of merely growth on state and local tests.

These new APPR systems would correctly leave it to individual school communities to determine, based on the unique characteristics of their student bodies, demographics and teaching staff, what sort of evaluation system would best support their teachers ongoing professional development and growth. These new systems would be required to be aligned with the states teaching, learning and educational leadership standards.

I want to be crystal clear: Classroom teachers, like just about everyone else in the workplace, welcome regular evaluations. Fair evaluations, based on mutual trust, can help teachers hone their already formidable classroom skills and allow them to demonstrate mastery of their subject matter and how to teach it effectively.

Instead of the one-size-fits-all approach embedded in the current broken system, new teacher evaluation systems based on local control would allow districts to place greater emphasis on teachers just out of college, for example, or to focus less on the highly regarded teacher with 20 years experience and more on a teacher who might need additional professional support.

Several labor-management committees across New York state have already developed templates on what strong, locally developed teacher evaluations systems can look like, featuring research-proven ideas like Peer Assistance and Review.

As the legislative session nears its final days, we call on Albany to take this important step towards toward fixing APPR and ending over-testing a position supported by statewide organizations representing school superintendents, administrators, school boards and parents.

This is the right moment to put teacher evaluations back in the hands of school professionals in their own communities. Returning teacher evaluations to local control would allow educators and New York state to again put the emphasis back on what matters most in our classrooms teaching and learning.

Melinda J. Person is president of the nearly 700,000-member New York State United Teachers.

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Person: 'NY educators deserve better. Fix teacher evaluations now' - NYSUT

CDCs 2023 Epidemic Intelligence Service (EIS) Conference brought together approximately 1,800 in-person and 400 virtual attendees during April 2427, 2023, in a hotel conference facility in Atlanta, Georgia. This annual, multi-purpose event consists of both traditional scientific presentations, as well as one-on-one and small-group recruitment events for incoming EIS officers and staff from CDC and state and local health departments.

On Thursday, April 27, several in-person attendees notified conference organizers that they had tested positive for SARS-CoV-2, the virus that causes COVID-19. That same day, EIS leaders made an announcement at the conference about potential cases and took action to reduce further spread connected with the conference and related events. After the conference ended, CDC received additional reports of attendees testing positive for SARS-CoV-2 and worked with the Georgia Department of Public Health to initiate a rapid assessment. The goals were to learn more about transmission that occurred and add to our understanding as we transition to the next phase of COVID-19 surveillance and response.

The rapid assessment team surveyed in-person attendees from May 512 about their COVID-19 testing results and healthcare-seeking behavior. Among 1,443 survey respondents (over 80% of the in-person attendees):

These findings underline the importance of vaccination for protecting individuals against severe illness and death related to COVID-19. Nearly every respondent reported receiving at least one COVID-19 vaccine dose, and none of the 181 people who reported testing positive were hospitalized.

Not surprisingly, there was an increased chance of infection the longer participants attended the conference and the more events they participated in. Specifically, respondents who tested positive reported attending the conference on average for all four days, and the risk of infection was 70% greater among those who attended for three or more days versus those who attended for two or fewer days.

Again, the findings of this rapid assessment support previous data that demonstrate that COVID-19 vaccines, antiviral treatments, and immunity from previous infection continue to provide people with protection against serious illness. CDC continues to recommend that everyone ages six months and older stay up to date with all COVID-19 vaccines, including receiving an updated vaccine. COVID-19 vaccines are effective at protecting people from getting seriously ill, being hospitalized, and dying.

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Update on Rapid Assessment of SARS-CoV-2 Transmission at 2023 ... - CDC

In an era dominated by social media giants like Twitter and Facebook, another tech behemoth has quietly been amassing power and shaping our collective narrative. Google, the trillion-dollar multinational corporation, has been operating under the radar while exerting its influence on the minds of the masses. Dr. Robert Epstein, a renowned research psychologist and Democrat hailing from California, has dedicated the past decade to exposing Googles manipulation tactics. Recently, he shared his groundbreaking research with The Post, shedding light on how Googles actions are silently molding the minds of our children with a liberal bias.

Epsteins research reveals that Google possesses the ability to sway public opinion and even determine election outcomes, all while adhering to its own liberal corporate agenda. Despite facing Congress and repeatedly denying any wrongdoing, this tech giant has been using its virtual monopoly as a search engine to amplify liberal perspectives, suppress conservative voices, and subtly indoctrinate our children.

Consider the 2020 election, where Epstein estimates that Google covertly shifted an astonishing 6 million votes towards Joe Biden. Through biased algorithms, search results were manipulated to display positive links for Biden while burying positive information about Trump. Additionally, Googles homepage prominently featured Get Out The Vote messages that predominantly targeted Democrat voters. The extent of Googles impact on the democratic process is deeply concerning.

Epsteins ongoing research is delving into the insidious ways Google manipulates children through popular platforms like YouTube. Preliminary findings suggest that liberal bias is alarmingly prevalent in content recommendations. For instance, while adult users were exposed to biased suggestions from liberal sources 76% of the time, the figures skyrocketed to a staggering 96% when it came to videos recommended to children and teenagers.

The implications of Googles actions are far-reaching and demand immediate attention. Our children, who spend increasing amounts of time online, are subjected to a barrage of biased content that influences their perception of the world. As Googles manipulation infiltrates young minds, it shapes their future beliefs and values in ways that align with the tech giants own interests. Parents, educators, and policymakers must recognize the gravity of this situation and take proactive measures to safeguard our children from the insidious influence of Googles liberal bias.

Dr. Robert Epsteins groundbreaking research exposes Googles covert agenda of information control. With its virtual monopoly as a search engine, this tech giant possesses the power to manipulate public opinion, sway elections, and mold the impressionable minds of our children. It is imperative that we confront the realities of Googles actions and hold them accountable for their manipulation tactics. By doing so, we can preserve the integrity of our democratic processes and ensure a future where unbiased information shapes the minds of our society.

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Unveiling Google's Manipulative Tactics: The Battle for Information ... - Shockya.com

SAN JUAN, Puerto Rico U.S. Customs and Border Protection (CBP) operations in the Caribbean issued a public recommendation today for travelers, as an increase in the number of international arrivals is expected to start this weekend as part of the summer travel season.

Memorial Day weekend marks the start of the summer travel season and with it an anticipated increment in the number of international arrivals to airports in Puerto Rico and the US Virgin Islands.

We ask travelers to be aware and ready in order to avoid long lines and inconveniences at the airports, shared Roberto Vaquero, Director of Field Operations for Puerto Rico, and the US Virgin Islands. Understand that CBP officers can inspect you and your personal belongings, to enforce our laws as well as protect legitimate travelers.

Travelers can know how to clear customs. Among the things travelers should be aware of are:

Global Entry members can expedite their entry by proceeding to the kiosks upon arrival. The upgraded kiosks use facial biometric technology to confirm the traveler identify and making and admissibility decision without producing a receipt. This provides a faster, secure, streamlined and touchless experience for Global Entry members traveling internationally while protecting the privacy of all travelers. Global Entry Receiptless Facial Kiosks are now available at the Luis Munoz Marin International Airport (SJU).

Travelers who do not have Global Entry may use the Mobile Passport Control (MPC). This app allows eligible travelers to submit their passport and customs declaration information through a free, secure app on their smartphone or other mobile device. The use of MPC streamlines the travelers entry process into the United States by reducing passport control inspection time and overall wait time. Use of MPC is free and does not require pre-approval.

Also at SJU Biometric Exit is operational which uses biometric facial comparison process at a time and place where travelers are already required by law to verify their identity by presenting a travel document. When travelers depart from SJU on international flights, they will pause for a photo at the departure gate. CBPs Biometric Exit process will compare the new photo of the traveler to a small gallery of high-quality images that the traveler has already provided to the U.S. Government, such as passport and visa photos.

Travelers who wish to opt out of the new biometric process may notify an airline official or a CBP officer as they approach the departure gate. These travelers will be required to present a valid travel document for inspection by the gate agent and they will be processed consistent with existing requirements for departure from the United States.

Please visitwww.cbp.govto view additional news releases and other information pertaining to Customs and Border Protection.

Follow us on Twitter at @CBP Caribbean and @DFOSanJuan.

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CBP Issues Tips as Caribbean Summer Travel Starts - Customs and Border Protection

- The new system will provide smart and integrated services and solutions to streamline procedures for customers - System strengthens Dubai's position as a global pioneering city in adopting the latest technologies in the building sector

Dawoud Al Hajri: By implementing this new system, we hope to advance the construction industry in Dubai by providing digitised services that simplify processes and give customers a one-of-a-kind experience

Dubai Municipality has announced the launch of a new online system for building permits and control services aimed at streamlining procedures for customers in the emirate. The system, which is aligned with the updated Dubai Building Code, comes as part of the Municipality's ongoing efforts to strengthen Dubai's position as a global pioneering city in adopting the latest technologies in the building sector.

The new system will provide smart and integrated services and solutions while implementing automated checks using Building Information Modelling (BIM), which is a digital representation of the physical and functional characteristics of a building or infrastructure. By providing these solutions, Dubai Municipality seeks to enhance the quality of building permits and control services in Dubai, ultimately promoting the competitiveness of the city.

Dawoud Al Hajri, Director General of Dubai Municipality, said: We are pleased to launch the new online platform, which provides advanced digital features for building permits and control services. With the implementation of new technology, our main objective is to enhance the customer experience, while reducing time and costs, and improving the overall quality of the services offered. By implementing this new system, we hope to advance the construction industry in Dubai by providing digitised services that simplify processes and give customers a one-of-a-kind experience. This reinforces Dubai's position as a city of innovation and quality, as well as aligns with our vision of providing top-tier Municipality services that contribute to the city's growth and success in the building sector.

Features Mariam Al Muhairi, Acting CEO of the Buildings Regulation and Permits Agency at Dubai Municipality said: The new system incorporates a range of features aimed at improving the customer experience and service quality. These features include streamlining procedures and reducing the number of application documents required, making it easier for customers to input data and track application updates. It further offers proactive services for customers and the possibility of automated usage of certain services. It also includes automated checking services for consultants to ensure that charts comply with the Dubai Building Code and facilitates the automatic acquisition of data from charts and designs.

The new system not only complies with the latest BIM standards and geographic information systems, but also facilitates user registration through digital ID and instant recognition. It enables smart inspection through various applications and tools while managing building activities. Moreover, the system offers a comprehensive database and detailed maps of the buildings that comply with Dubais digital twinning concept. This feature assists entities in offering smart services and is electronically connected with the Dubai Engineering Qualification system and other relevant authorities involved in permit and control procedures.

First set of services The first set of services on the new system will include the following permits: new building permit (initial and final submission), licensing site preparation processes and drilling, permanent fence permit, self-decoration, self-maintenance, cancellation of transaction, and extending the validity of approved charts. It will also include a number of monitoring services for construction activities: renewal of license, periodic inspection, night work permit, and the ability to change the consultant contractor. The Municipality intends to roll out the remaining services in different phases throughout the year.

Dubai Municipality will also hold training workshops for consultants and contractors to brief them on the required standards, such as the BIM, which will contribute to enhancing their capacities and their ability to use the new system.

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Dubai Municipality launches new online system for building permits ... - Government of Dubai Media Office