City inspectors swarmed the UFT’s building today, said UFT President Michael Mulgrew. (GS Twitter)
A top UFT negotiator says the city kept parts of its evaluation plan secret until the last minute. (Edwize)
A teacher says the real winner in the teacher evaluation brouhaha was Gov. Cuomo. (Music & Beyond)
One explanation for the collapse: Race to the Top, bad leadership, and a backlash against it. (MORE)
An argument that the saga rebuts the USDOE’s emphasis on union collaboration. (Dropout Nation)
Mob ties top a list of reasons why the cost of school busing is so high in New York City. (SchoolBook)
An East Harlem 10-year-old’s comic illustration of bus strike sides with the striking drivers. (City Room)
The Department of Education’s director of digital literacy and citizenship explains her job. (Hechinger)
In Michigan, a newly hired armed school guard left his gun unattended in a school bathroom. (HuffPo)
Amapletree
In respect to city inspectors swarming in on UFt buildings after eval talks fell though: Forgive me for I am a “worker” but Unity and the head of the most powerful union in the city, please do not tell me you are even contemplating striking a deal with the “devil” even after this. Now I maybe a simple worker, but are you children?
wise owl
This is harassment by the mayor. The mayor needs to take a physical exam because he is having a nervous breakdown. He can’t handle the job. It’s too stressful for him. He needs to step down immediately and give the job to someone else. The picture of his face speaks for itself. He is “obsessed” with this evaluation. It’s not normal. Maybe he is bipolar? I could understand him carrying on if he gave us large raises and then said that he wants something in return
A pox on both your houses
This does call into question including union collaboration in these race to the top deals, however other unions outside of NYC have struck reasonable deals and then worked as partners to implement and then even actively participate in the removal of poor quality teachers and also work towards the growth and development of others. However, the Obama administration should consider an exception in the case of NYC. NYC union has a deeply broken culture that ultimately hurts teacher morale, school quality, and children. The low expectations union ran rampant for years before Bloomberg. Even the basic collection and expectation of lesson plans was impossible in most schools back in the day. With Mayoral control the union has thankfully lost some of its earlier power. Interestingly, Bloomberg, not the union, radically raised teachers salaries which were disgustingly low as compared to surburbs — however he extracted nothing in return at the time which was a wasted opportunity. Most average teachers, especially teachers in the Bronx are resigned that they require union protection. The Bronx has more than an average share of incompetent, corrupt principals. However, those teachers know full well the union is hurting children and frustrating good teachers by making it too difficult to eliminate obviously poor teachers. What is criminal is that research clearly shows that three years of a poor quality teacher is basically an educational death sentence for low income, minority students. The comparison of the union to the NRA may not have been a smart move by Bloomberg politically, but it was it was perfectly reasonable comparison considering how many children have been thrown under the bus in the name of due process.
BloombergMustGo
It is not the UFT that has a deeply broken culture, it is the mayor that has a deeply rooted mental illness. His “raises” were thinly disguised attempts at bribery. The concessions he received were worth much more than his “raises”. Actual work time was increased so part of the “raises” were merely increased compensation for increased worktime. The documentation requirements have more than doubled, further decreasing the value of these “raises”.
In addition, the support to classrooms, materials, technology, and building maintenance have all declined over the past 11 years. Class sizes have steadily increased despite laws demanding class size reduction.
The percentage of “poor” teachers has not altered at all and is still a miniscule portion of the teaching force. The mechanisms are in place but are ineffective due to the incompetence of the administrators who have been inducted under Bloomberg’s disastrous recruiting and hiring policies. The level of experience among administrators has plummeted to a historical low producing a group that is unable to substantiate claims of incompetence in teachers due to their own incompetence. Collecting and monitoring of lesson plans is a moot point since the majority of current administrators have almost no experience in actual classroom practices and subject knowledge. To put it simply, they wouldn’t know what to do with a lesson plan if it was given to them. They are almost clueless as to the actual workings they observe in classrooms and even less informed on the actual subject matter, making their evaluations superficial and worthless.
In addition, at this point, after 11 years of unbelievable incompetence on the mayor’s part, a substantial number of the teachers in the sytem were hired by the mayor’s adminstration. Their quality is a direct reflection on his policies, not the UFT.
As for parents and children, any competent teacher will readily provide irrefutable evidence that without proper parental support and intrinsic motivation any student is doomed to lower performance despite the best efforts of the system. To fantasize that every person who is born into this world is destined for success, is easily exposed as falsehood by a visit to our prisons, homeless shelters, and the state senate and legislature. Humanity, despite Bloomberg’s best psychotic efforts at denial, follows the Bell Curve(or gaussian or normal distribution). To attempt to deny that is to attempt to deny the forces of nature.
In conclusion, despite the absolute disater that Cuomo, King, Bloomberg and Walcott have created, today, NYC teachers reported for duty and performed their jobs just as they have been doing and will continue to do, with or without the “reforms” that have become so fashionable. At the same time, NYC students will continue to learn and perform at whatever level they are destined to do so, and we will continue to produce all levels of success in our schools from poor to excellent as they have for many decades. In fact, thanks to the monumental incompetence of our government and financial system, we have produced a surplus of qualified job applicants as evidenced by the amazingly high unemployment and underemployment running rampant in our country. Perhaps the Duncans and Bloombergs and Gates should worry a little more about the slow and steady destruction of the American economy they have contributed to and allow teachers to do the jobs they have successfully and effectively been doing all along.
BloombergMustGo
P.S. If you feel that Bloomberg’s comparison of the UFT to the NRA is on point, perhaps you would also agree if someone suggested that the shooter in Newtown would have been more appreciated if his target would have been Bloomberg instead of children?
Pogue
Rehashing tired old arguments. Blaming unions. The “can’t get rid of bad teachers” argument. Due process has hurt children. Unions are bad.
Blah blah blah – ad nauseum. I’ll keep this brief…
You’re full of crap.
Michael Fiorillo
No one should be surprised that inspectors suddenly “swarmed” UFT headquarters in the aftermath of the unsuccessful evaluation deal. After all, look what happened to John Liu when he refused to be a rubber stamp for the Mayor.
Mroadcallm
I attended Catholic School in Queens from k-8 and had excellent teachers, mediocre teachers, and poor teachers. I’m sure most of us have experienced the same if we take some time to reflect on our schooling experiences. However, what the school did offer was good instruction in the basics – reading (literature, poetry, short stories), phonics and spelling instruction throughout the lower grades, language arts instruction – grammar and vocabulary (2nd through 6th grade) and a strong foundation in arithmetic. Time was built into the school day for recess, art, silent reading, social studies, science projects, gym and playing outside after lunch. We did not take high stakes tests every year and we did not have to endure onerous amounts of homework. We did not have extended day or an extended year. We were expected to study, memorize, learn, be respectful, and keep ourselves organized. Our parents supported schooling and made sure we got to school on time and did our homework in the afternoon. My former classmates have responsible jobs and careers in the public and private sector. By and large we are successful members of society. All of this is just a diversion - a way for the US to privatize public education and create a new market using public funds. This privatization and expolitation of public taxpayer funding is happening every day as new charter schools are created and a test-taking culture is expanded. It is a shame that we are allowing the media, our politicians, and our government to disrespect, villanize, and label as failures the very people who are on the front lines working with children every single day.
Your truth speaks loudly and accurately. Please do not change a word of what you wrote.
Thank you for your support.
I noticed that…
Are the city inspectors going through Mulgrew in a reassignment center?
City inspectors = thugs!
Mayor Bloomberg = Biggest thug!
I noticed that…
Are the city inspectors going to throw Mulgrew in a reassginment center?
City inspectors = thugs!
Chancellor Walcott = Spineless!
Mayor Bloomberg = Biggest thug!
I noticed that…
ooops1
Lovinit
I wish they would inspect my school building. Peeling paint, broken toilets, asbestos etc etc etc…should i call 311 or bloombut hisself. sad sad sad sappy fella
TG
Seriously, looking at it from a diff angle:
Why in the world would King not give the $$$ to the city for its educational institutions? How in the world does he get away with this while giving an ultimatum to our children. This is so odd. I think Obama has to step in. This is getting very ugly BUT glad to see Mulgrew fighting. Bloomberg cannot win and Mulgrew is making it happen. Go Mike!!!
wise owl
What’s Bloomberg going to do close down the UFT like he does the schools? Close down TWEED!
BloombergMustGo
The time has come for teachers in New York City to stand up and fight for what they believe in. All over the country, wealthy right wing conservatives are fighting to extend their anti-labor agenda for one purpose and one purpose only: To fatten their wallets. They have absolutely no interest in bettering society, helping students, or improving schools. The teachers in Chicago and the bus drivers in New York City are the only two groups who have stood up against these tyrants since t he Transit Worker Strike.
As teachers, we are not allowed to strike. However, the corrupt politicians like Cuomo, Bloomberg and King use every nasty weapon in their arsenal to try and make us submit to their personal agendas.
As teachers, we have a more powerful weapon. Our voice. First, we must stand behind the UFT as they are our only legal weapon to fight the bullies in Albany. Second, we must write letters, send emails, and make phone calls to all the politicians in Albany and Washington, letting them hear our voices. Also, we must flood the local papers with letters and emails. If only a few get through then we will be heard.
Otherwise, prepare for the end of our profession as we know it. Privatization will happen, right to work will rule, and we will be replaced.
Tshirts4all
U guys ready for the Bloomberg Tee Shirt with grade F on his head? We r printing tonight. Must buy it guys!!!
Brooklynteacher
How can I buy one?
YouMustKnow
I wish that money went to my high school. You know, we could really use it. We don’t have a music program anymore, very little art, no extended day anymore, 10 teachers fired, lack of electives, no guidance counselors, oh but we have enough money in the budget to have two state of the art metal detectors that are fully staffed!
http://ednotesonline.blogspot.com/ Norm
Right– we see how you place blame on “both” houses.
“What is criminal is that research clearly shows that three years of a
poor quality teacher is basically an educational death sentence for low
income, minority students.”
Why don’t you cite the research and then we can show how it was paid for by an ed deform group.
As for the UFT protecting bad teachers the very opposite is true. See Peter Lamphere who was Chapter leader at Bx HS of Sci double U rating overturned by Fed courts — a top rated math teacher — and the attack by the admin on the entire math and social studies departments. UFT did some things but basically instead of making a firm stand just had Peter transferred.
And see Francesco Portelos outrage in Staten Island.
We have way too many cases of great teachers being chopped for political reasons and the UFT doing little to protect them.
In fact many lousy teachers find their way out and become even more lousy principals.
The outrage of the kinds of people Bloomberg has put in to run schools is ignored. These characters would rather have loyal lousy teacher than a top level teacher who does not drink the kool-aid. In fact imagine a principal who knows nothing telling a top level teacher what to do and what that does to you.
http://ednotesonline.blogspot.com/ Norm
The funniest part of the Dropout Nation piece is the attempt to make E4E types look like the “majority” while painting MORE as retirees and radicals. Here’s a challenge to E4E. Run in the UFT elections and see if they or MORE gets a higher vote total in spite of E4E’s enormous funding source. Ed Deformers like to pump as much air into E4E as they can but they have no presence in any event they cannot control.
http://ednotesonline.blogspot.com/ Norm
See the video of the rally in front of the Delegate Assembly on Thursday and check the number of youngish teachers who do not want to be rated based on junk science. http://ednotesonline.blogspot.com/2013/01/more-rally-video-and-photos-at-uft-da.html
The claims by E4E teachers that they want effective evaluations that they cannot get today is bogus. In fact they can’t get effective evaluations because many schools are loaded with incompetent administrators with little teaching background or just plain clones who will put out whatever idiocy Tweed tells them to no matter how ridiculous.
http://ednotesonline.blogspot.com/ Norm
So Suransky is a liar too: From Edwize: On Thursday morning, I confirmed this three part agreement in a telephone conversation with Suransky.”
No post-Bloomberg chancellorship for you Shael.
Rainbowgirl22
I am gay and I know that the founders of E4E are as well. Most of the members are born to be bullied and enjoy gay practices, like myself. Please leave us alone. In the spring we will be coming out for a march with Quinn. We love her! Gay is right and we will win the fight! Go E4E! I love u ms Quinn.
guest
You state all the wonderful aspects of your private Catholic schooling and then decry the “diversion” that is a “way for the US to privatize public education…”
Does this seem at least a bit hypocritical?
http://twitter.com/BNiche B
Considering the number of Catholic schools have decreased drastically in the last decade, especially with the advent of charter schools in the system, I don’t find it hypocritical in the least bit. In addition, let’s not forget that Catholic schools can’t take ANY public tax money (just fund raising and tuition fees), while charters can with a mix of private funding as well.
B
Catholic schools, just like other parochial schools (meaning all relious schools) get food services and busing from tax payer money as wellas NYSTL (book) money from the State, so, yes they do get tax payer money. NYS considers students in parochial schools to be dually enrolled that’s why they get the money.
I am not begrudging them anything, but I want folks to know that the parochial schools do get some support from the City and State, keeping a true reflection of the cost per enrolled child artificially low
Follow the Money
Hey Raibowgirl22 – I’m gay, I’m a NYC teacher – and I can’t stand E4E. I also don’t understand why you’re using your sexuality as a weapon against other teachers and the Union here (at least that’s what it seems based on your comment). And I don’t know if you’re insinuating that Quinn’s merits as a candidate tie to her own sexuality or not, but I would really hope that in 2013, those of us who want to move these conversations forward would be looking at the content of ideas and platforms – rather than that which distracts us from them. I certainly don’t approve of the derogatory comments made toward Chancellor Walcott by some posters in these forums. But I myself would never play the victim card in order to stifle important discourse.
http://twitter.com/BNiche B
Appreciate the clarification, @e15b214830d6a6460db14967ac07b39c:disqus . Thank you.
Ellen
Parochial schools receive support through busing and books and food prep, they don’t get funded as charters get funded. I am not sure of the figure, for some reason 80-90% of the cost of the public school child comes to mind, but I could be dead wrong. I believe Mike Rebell of the CFE efforts and on the Gov.’s Ed Committee, could give you more specifics
Mroadcallm
The US has been transparent in its goal to privatize education. Our current federal, state and local administrations have also indicated through their policies that they believe that teachers do not need to have experience or advanced degrees in order to work with children as evidenced by their support for alternate programs such as TFA.
My point was that even successful schools have a range of teachers, some amazing, some competent and some less so and this does not prevent students from learning or being successful provided that curriculum is strong and consistent, parental support exists, and attention is paid to building a strong foundation in all aspects of reading and writing as well as learning about history and science. A new teacher evaluation system will not change anything in our public schools. It will only serve to continue to demoralize, destabilize, and deprive necessary funding and consistency in our neediest schools in order to pave the way for charters and privatization. By the way, religious and private schools receive infinitely less funding than charters, no are they collocated with public schools.
wise owl
Have any of the E4E teachers had/have a problem receiving tenure? Have they had their “probation” extended? Have ANY of them received tenure? What happens when they have a large number of LTA’s etc in their classes and it affects their pass rate and test rates? I don’t understand why their sexuality has anything to do with anything unless they are using it to not get rated unsatisfactory or ineffective? They could say that it is “discrimination”. against them? My cousin is bisexual and a NYC teacher and does not bring this up not because he’s embarrassed or ashamed about it. It’s just his personal business like a person’s religion. I do believe in “free speech” and anybody can say whatever they want. Some people have a problem with that on here. I’m friends with some fellowship teachers and they already see the handwriting on the wall about their tenure and everything else. One of them nicknamed me “wise owl” . That’s how I got my name.
wise owl
I hope that Quinn does not win. Why? She will be another Bloomberg and that’s who Bloomberg wants. There’s two reasons already not to vote for her I can give you a lot more. The fact that she is gay has no bearing at all on my vote. That’s like saying vote for Obama because he’s black. There are people who did vote for him based on that reason. We are all adults here. You vote for someone because of what they stand for not because of “appearance”. IF the education system is “still standing” when Bloomberg leaves Quinn will pick up where he left off.
Polar
@ WiseOwl
99% of blacks voted for Obama because hes black. I’ll never forget watching the night of the vote in 2008. A group of black women waited on Lind for 2 hours to vote and admitted on camera that they wanted to see a black president
Do you not think that gays will automatically vote for Quinn? Gays will have same logic. I want to see a gay mayor in office. She will have 100% of the gay vote in NYC and 100% of E4E’s vote, because they are a gay group as well.
Qbert
Maybe not…
christine-quinn-sold-out.blogspot.com/…/ …Nov 21, 2012 – Christine Quinn Betrays Gays : Gays Against Christine Quinn. What measurable, real …
Qbert
Take a sip from the reality cup….
christine-quinn-sold-out.blogspot.com/…/ …Nov 21, 2012 – Christine Quinn Betrays Gays : Gays Against Christine Quinn. What measurable, real …
Qbert
christine-quinn-sold-out.blogspot.com/…/ …Nov 21, 2012 – Christine Quinn Betrays Gays : Gays Against Christine Quinn. What measurable, real …
guest
I’m wondering what Mroadcallm means by “religious and private schools receive infinitely less funding than charters.” This is the kind of over-generalized statement that doesn’t add to debate in any way.
The Catholic Church is one of the largest real estate owners in NYC, isn’t it? Don’t those schools have the advantage of buildings? Weren’t they for years funded through the collections of the Church?
In addition, are you really saying that Dalton doesn’t have a massive endowment that dwarfs that of some private colleges? And that they aren’t unique among the elite private schools of NYC
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