ELT Initiative

Successful implementation of ELT requires a true collaboration between district administration and the local teacher’s union, as well as other collective bargaining units. To implement ELT, district management and union leadership must come to agreement on any changes to work schedules and work conditions that arise through the expanded schedule. Early in the planning process, it is important to review the steps needed for achieving such an agreement.

By taking the following steps early in the planning process, school districts can pave the way for a productive partnership with labor unions.

At the outset, ask union leadership to agree to participate in the planning and redesign process. Emphasize that at this juncture they are not agreeing to ELT or a redesigned school day, just to lend their expertise and experience to the planning process.

Ensure that a teacher union representative serves on the planning team of each school engaged in the redesign process. Ask union leaders to select the representative and ensure that he/she frequently reports back to the union officers or executive board on the progress of the planning team.

Set up regularly scheduled meetings between the superintendent (or his/her representative), principal(s), and union leadership to discuss issues and questions as they arise. Sharing information and answering each other’s questions are essential to a successful planning process. Have a discussion regarding the best avenues for communication to make sure all parties are informed throughout the process.