ETT Position on DRA/CASI

Many members have made us aware of concerns regarding the implementation, reporting and timing of the DRA/CASI in the schools. To address these concerns, ETT has developed the following positions, which we will be communicating to TDSB:

- Until the TDSB provides adequate resources and training during the school day, members should not be required to use the DRA/CASI as a mandated assessment tool.

- Until the TDSB provides adequate time built into the school timetable for individual DRA/CASI procedures free from other supervisory or teaching duties, members should not be required to assess students using the DRA/CASI.

- No action (disciplinary or otherwise) should be taken against teachers who have not completed their DRA procedures because they followed the abovementioned positions.

- That it is contrary to the Collective Agreement to require Teachers to sacrifice their lunch, recess or preparation time for implementation of the DRA/CASI.

ETT recognizes that rapid changes to policy, curriculum and amalgamation have significantly increased teachers’ workloads. It is ETT’s position that any teachers’ workload should not be further increased during these times. ETT will advise the TDSB that:

- in order for teachers to perform these tasks properly, time and training are necessary;

- one-on-one diagnostic assessment is an unrealistic expectation for regular classroom teachers under current circumstances;

- the DRA/CASI detracts from the time teachers have to interact with their class as a whole and often cannot realistically be accomplished while the rest of the class is present.

We will be raising these concerns at Elementary Concerns Committee, and will advise you of the Board’s response.

In the event of a dispute between a member and an administrator regarding the use of the DRA/CASI, the member should call her or his Executive Liaison Officer for advice and support.