A CATE resolution starts when a member of CATE identifies an issue, concern, or person/group worthy of note–something that affects the professional life of English language arts teachers in California. Examples would be class size or textbook adoptions. The member can then propose to his/her local council that CATE consider writing a resolution to address the issue, taking a position about the negative or positive aspects of the issue. The format, similar to when a city announces a resolution to make a single day dedicated to a person or topic, starts with background information that can be written using “whereas” and then has a call for action. At the end of the resolution, a list of the recipients of the resolution (politicians, administrators, CATE members) targets who would benefit from reading the resolution. The resolution, once written, is then sent to the Resolutions Committee chair, usually by the Resolutions Committee representative from the local council, although CATE members can send ideas for resolutions directly to the Resolutions Committee Chair without going through his/her local council. The Resolutions Committee reviews and revises proposed resolutions at the beginning of the annual convention, and resolutions are then voted on at the Annual Business Meeting at the end of the convention. Resolutions can also be proposed, especially when they are time-sensitive, at a regular board of directors meeting, and be approved by the board with a simple vote.
CATE members are encouraged to write resolutions. Looking at previous resolutions provides examples for topics and format. CATE’s resolutions are a formal way for the organization to express its position and concerns on issues that affect classroom teachers of English language arts.