Conditions in the schools have not improved much as far as I can tell since Bill de Blasio was elected Mayor and Carmen Farina was appointed Chancellor.
The only real positive change was that only a couple of schools were turned around and had their teachers replaced as compared to many schools closing under former Mayor Michael Bloomberg with thousands of us thrown into the Absent Teacher Reserve pool. We do not know, however, what changes will come to the 90+ schools labeled failing and it is hard to be optimistic that those teachers and support staff will have any protection.
As far as day-to-day life as a teacher, nothing has really changed much that I can see in the last 14 months. In fact, it has gotten worse with the new evaluation system being fully implemented. Keeping this in mind, Farina's recent anti-teacher remarks that Ed Notes reported on are not that surprising.
Here is one of her many comments in Capital NY that I found quite troubling:
... Fariña said asking principals to weed out their weakest teachers has been her “first statement when I get into any school visit. ... I repeat it over and over again."
If that is the first point she makes to principals on school visits, then where have things gotten better for teachers?
Since Farina was a principal, she obviously has experience going after teachers. Former Chancellors Joel Klein and Dennis Walcott did not come from the schools. Their anti-teacher bias was kind of honest at least. Now we have an "educator" in charge but it isn't necessarily a step forward.
Under Bloomberg, UFT leadership did put up some resistance in public. Now, we hear from union leadership about how we have to make NYC public schools a model for the country. When the Chancellor's rhetoric is clearly anti-teacher and our morale is already at an all time low, it does not seem like we are a model for anything but the same dysfunction that we have endured for well over a decade now.
Does anyone see any improvements that I might be missing?
Wednesday, March 11, 2015
Monday, March 09, 2015
UFT LEADERS VOTE STIPEND FOR UFT DELEGATES TO ATTEND NYSUT CONVENTION
What does it take to keep many Unity Caucus members (majority political party of the UFT) faithful to the leadership no matter what? For a possible answer, check out this little tidbit buried in the March 6, 2015 Ad Com (UFT officers) minutes:
$749 is all it costs, along with a couple of days off from school, to keep most of the lower people on the Unity food chain in line. A stipend at the NYSUT and AFT Conventions is what Unity members receive after they pledge their loyalty to the union leadership on each and every union policy.
$749 annually is not that much of a cost actually for loyalty. The price goes up a little in an AFT Convention year when there are two free trips but you get the idea.
These convention attendees are the backbone of Unity Caucus. They are the foot soldiers who spread the word in the schools to busy UFT members about how the latest UFT debacle (support for Common Core, mayoral control, etc...) is the greatest thing since sliced bread.
Or, maybe it's just a coincidence that all 800 of the UFT's delegates at the state level union convention agree with everything that President Michael Mulgrew proposes and the same 800 delegates fully concur with all that Randi Weingarten comes up with at the national AFT level.
Motion: To approve the stipend for the NYSUT Convention in Buffalo, NY, from April 30-May 2, 2015 at a cost of $749 per delegate for transportation, lodging, meals and incidentals.
$749 is all it costs, along with a couple of days off from school, to keep most of the lower people on the Unity food chain in line. A stipend at the NYSUT and AFT Conventions is what Unity members receive after they pledge their loyalty to the union leadership on each and every union policy.
$749 annually is not that much of a cost actually for loyalty. The price goes up a little in an AFT Convention year when there are two free trips but you get the idea.
These convention attendees are the backbone of Unity Caucus. They are the foot soldiers who spread the word in the schools to busy UFT members about how the latest UFT debacle (support for Common Core, mayoral control, etc...) is the greatest thing since sliced bread.
Or, maybe it's just a coincidence that all 800 of the UFT's delegates at the state level union convention agree with everything that President Michael Mulgrew proposes and the same 800 delegates fully concur with all that Randi Weingarten comes up with at the national AFT level.
Sunday, March 08, 2015
WATERED DOWN TESTING RESOLUTION COMING TO UFT EXECUTIVE BOARD
The UFT leadership has come up with their own resolution on testing. You knew this would be happening after Mike Schirtzer (MORE) received significant support for an anti-high stakes testing resolution at the February DA.
The UFT resolution does not go nearly as far in opposing misuse of standardized testing as the original NYSAPE resolution.
The UFT calls for multiple measures to evaluate students and teachers instead of calling for the elimination of high stakes, invalid, and unreliable testing for teacher evaluations.
Here is the actual text. It will be rubber stamped by the Unity dominated Executive Board tomorrow night.
The UFT resolution does not go nearly as far in opposing misuse of standardized testing as the original NYSAPE resolution.
The UFT calls for multiple measures to evaluate students and teachers instead of calling for the elimination of high stakes, invalid, and unreliable testing for teacher evaluations.
Here is the actual text. It will be rubber stamped by the Unity dominated Executive Board tomorrow night.
Resolution calling for the proper use of assessments to further education
WHEREAS, assessments are a natural part of the teaching and learning process, as educators constantly appraise how well their students are learning; and
WHEREAS, in order that assessments fairly gauge student progress, they should be authentic measures of students’ knowledge and abilities; and
WHEREAS, when assessments are used properly, they are a servant to curriculum: The curriculum drives and determines the manner of assessments – not the other way around; and
WHEREAS, setting standards is also a natural and appropriate part of education, as without them, students who may be struggling – such as English language learners, students from high-poverty neighborhoods or students with special needs – can fall through the cracks; and
WHEREAS, standardized tests, when designed and used appropriately, are one facet of the assessment process, but when they are overemphasized, they can lead to an increase in test-prep; a narrowing of curriculum; and a diminishment of time and resources available for subjects such as art, music and physical education; therefore be it
RESOLVED, that the United Federation of Teachers opposes the disproportionate impact of any test in relation to its educational value; and be it further
RESOLVED, that the UFT supports the right of parents and guardians to choose to opt their child out of standardized tests because parents and guardians know what is best for their children; and be it further
RESOLVED, that the UFT affirms its support of standards and its support of multiple measures to assess student progress, evaluate teachers and gauge the success of schools; and be it further
RESOLVED, that the UFT calls for all standardized assessments used in New York City to be diagnostic and informative tools for educators and for the assessments to be developmentally appropriate, culturally responsive and socially relevant for students, and will work with the city Department of Education to ensure that assessments meet these criteria; and be it further
RESOLVED, that the UFT calls on the state to break the monopoly of Pearson Education Corp. on testing in our state by engaging educators to participate in the design of standardized assessments – a move that would also recognize the critical importance of including teachers in decisions about education; and be it further
RESOLVED, that the UFT condemns Gov. Andrew Cuomo’s ill-conceived proposal to increase the weight of standardized tests in teacher evaluation as this would only cause harm to the state’s public schools by greatly overemphasizing and distorting the use of these tests; and be it further
RESOLVED, that the UFT will continue to lobby at the state and federal levels to ensure the appropriate use of standardized assessments.
WHEREAS, assessments are a natural part of the teaching and learning process, as educators constantly appraise how well their students are learning; and
WHEREAS, in order that assessments fairly gauge student progress, they should be authentic measures of students’ knowledge and abilities; and
WHEREAS, when assessments are used properly, they are a servant to curriculum: The curriculum drives and determines the manner of assessments – not the other way around; and
WHEREAS, setting standards is also a natural and appropriate part of education, as without them, students who may be struggling – such as English language learners, students from high-poverty neighborhoods or students with special needs – can fall through the cracks; and
WHEREAS, standardized tests, when designed and used appropriately, are one facet of the assessment process, but when they are overemphasized, they can lead to an increase in test-prep; a narrowing of curriculum; and a diminishment of time and resources available for subjects such as art, music and physical education; therefore be it
RESOLVED, that the United Federation of Teachers opposes the disproportionate impact of any test in relation to its educational value; and be it further
RESOLVED, that the UFT supports the right of parents and guardians to choose to opt their child out of standardized tests because parents and guardians know what is best for their children; and be it further
RESOLVED, that the UFT affirms its support of standards and its support of multiple measures to assess student progress, evaluate teachers and gauge the success of schools; and be it further
RESOLVED, that the UFT calls for all standardized assessments used in New York City to be diagnostic and informative tools for educators and for the assessments to be developmentally appropriate, culturally responsive and socially relevant for students, and will work with the city Department of Education to ensure that assessments meet these criteria; and be it further
RESOLVED, that the UFT calls on the state to break the monopoly of Pearson Education Corp. on testing in our state by engaging educators to participate in the design of standardized assessments – a move that would also recognize the critical importance of including teachers in decisions about education; and be it further
RESOLVED, that the UFT condemns Gov. Andrew Cuomo’s ill-conceived proposal to increase the weight of standardized tests in teacher evaluation as this would only cause harm to the state’s public schools by greatly overemphasizing and distorting the use of these tests; and be it further
RESOLVED, that the UFT will continue to lobby at the state and federal levels to ensure the appropriate use of standardized assessments.
Thursday, March 05, 2015
CITY SURPLUS NOW EXTENDS TO 2019 ACCORDING TO IBO TESTIMONY
In testimony before the City Council Finance Committee on March 4 sent to us by Harris Lirtzman, Ronnie Lowenstein, Director of the New York City Independent Budget Office, projected city surpluses for each year through 2019. Lowenstein also testified that the city has $2.75 billion in reserves.
The city will be swimming in black ink for as far as the eye can see unless there is some unforeseen economic disaster. Director Lowenstein testified:
Our estimates of city surpluses over the five-year period—and we project surpluses in all of them—are a clear indication of the city’s ongoing fiscal well-being. We project the city will end the current fiscal year with a surplus of $1.8 billion, $182 million more than anticipated by the Mayor. While the Mayor has, of course, presented a balanced budget for next year, our expectation for 2016 is a surplus of $1.3 billion. And we project relatively modest surpluses of more than $300 million in each of the ensuing years through 2019.
Concerning the reserves included in the budget, Lowenstein stated:
Although the current plan does not include a spending reduction program, the budget continues to hold substantial reserves, including roughly $2 billion in the Retiree Health Benefit Trust and a $750 million annual general reserve for 2016 through 2019.
I am no accountant but I do not believe these reserves are counted as part of the surplus.
These projections are coming from the normally conservative IBO. Projecting surpluses for future years is very unusual. No more out year forecasts of gloom and doom like in the past. What if tax revenues come in ahead of what is expected?
It is time to remind our readers yet again of UFT President Michael Mulgrew telling members that the cupboard was bare last May when he accepted a pathetic municipal pattern setting contract of 10% over 7 years with billions of dollars of healthcare savings thrown in for good measure. It looks like our union represents Mayor Bill de Blasio's administration more than its members.
One does not have to be a financial wizard to figure out that the city could have afforded to give municipal employees better salary increases in this round of collective bargaining and educators should not have to wait until 2020 to get arrears payments from the 2009-2011 round of bargaining where former Mayor Bloomberg shut us out.
The city will be swimming in black ink for as far as the eye can see unless there is some unforeseen economic disaster. Director Lowenstein testified:
Our estimates of city surpluses over the five-year period—and we project surpluses in all of them—are a clear indication of the city’s ongoing fiscal well-being. We project the city will end the current fiscal year with a surplus of $1.8 billion, $182 million more than anticipated by the Mayor. While the Mayor has, of course, presented a balanced budget for next year, our expectation for 2016 is a surplus of $1.3 billion. And we project relatively modest surpluses of more than $300 million in each of the ensuing years through 2019.
Concerning the reserves included in the budget, Lowenstein stated:
Although the current plan does not include a spending reduction program, the budget continues to hold substantial reserves, including roughly $2 billion in the Retiree Health Benefit Trust and a $750 million annual general reserve for 2016 through 2019.
I am no accountant but I do not believe these reserves are counted as part of the surplus.
These projections are coming from the normally conservative IBO. Projecting surpluses for future years is very unusual. No more out year forecasts of gloom and doom like in the past. What if tax revenues come in ahead of what is expected?
It is time to remind our readers yet again of UFT President Michael Mulgrew telling members that the cupboard was bare last May when he accepted a pathetic municipal pattern setting contract of 10% over 7 years with billions of dollars of healthcare savings thrown in for good measure. It looks like our union represents Mayor Bill de Blasio's administration more than its members.
One does not have to be a financial wizard to figure out that the city could have afforded to give municipal employees better salary increases in this round of collective bargaining and educators should not have to wait until 2020 to get arrears payments from the 2009-2011 round of bargaining where former Mayor Bloomberg shut us out.
2015-2016 SCHOOL CALENDAR RELEASED WITH FOUR PARENTS EVENINGS
The 2015-16 New York City School calendar has been released. While the press has noted the addition of a Muslim holiday as a day off during the regular year, we here at ICE are puzzled by the inclusion of four open school evenings.
This confusion is based on the fact that the portion of the UFT contract calling for four open school evenings and extended time Mondays and Tuesdays is a one year citywide pilot that has to be renegotiated by the DOE and UFT to continue for next year. We traditionally had only two open school evenings.
Has there been a secret agreement to continue the extended time provision? Is there an extended time agreement that we missed here? We understand that the DOE passed the calendar by the UFT before they released it. It says this in the fine print.
If anyone but our current Unity leadership was in charge of our union, they would be outraged that a calendar had been published with four open school evenings without approval of the UFT which has to agree to this provision.
The calendar acknowledges that there could be changes due to collective bargaining agreements but at the same time a closer look at the DOE calendar page shows the DOE has put out a memorandum on the four open school evenings. Apparently, they aren't expecting any problems from the union.
Whether the extended time agreement is positive or negative is not the point here, the problem is it looks like UFT members will be left without much voice on the issue. So what else is new?
The School Year Calendar mandates that school sessions begin for all students on Wednesday, September 9, 2015 and includes a Midwinter Recess (Monday, February 15 through Friday, February 19, 2016). It reflects that on Tuesday, November 3, 2015, and Thursday, June 9, 2016, students in all five boroughs will not be in attendance, but schools in all five boroughs will be scheduled for a Chancellor’s Conference Day for staff development related to the implementation of high learning standards and assessments. The calendar must be adhered to without exception, unless notifications of subsequent changes are received pursuant to collective bargaining agreements or for other reasons, provided these other reasons are not inconsistent with collective bargaining or legal obligations.
September 7 Monday Labor Day (schools closed)
September 8 Tuesday Teachers report. Students will not be in attendance.
September 9 Wednesday School Session Begins For All Students. Early dismissal for non District 75 kindergarten students only. Partial school time for prekindergarten public school students.
September 23 Wednesday Yom Kippur (schools closed)
September 24 Thursday Eid al-Adha (schools closed)
October 12 Monday Columbus Day Observed (schools closed)
October 22 Thursday Pre-kindergarten Non-Attendance Day
November 3 Tuesday Election Day. Chancellor’s Conference Day for staff development. Students will not be in attendance.
November 11 Wednesday Veterans Day observed (schools closed)
November 26, 27 Thursday & Friday
Thanksgiving Recess (schools closed)
December 3 Thursday Pre-kindergarten Non-Attendance Day
January 18 Monday Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. Day (schools closed)
January 28 Thursday Pre-kindergarten Non-Attendance Day
February 1 Monday Chancellor’s Conference Day for staff development in all non-D75 high schools. Non-D75 high school students will not be in attendance. All other students will be in attendance. (See section 8 below for details on high school student attendance on February 1.)
February 2 Tuesday Spring Term begins for high school students.
February 15-19
Monday – Friday
Midwinter Recess (including Washington’s Birthday and Lincoln’s Birthday, observed) (schools closed)
March 25 Friday Good Friday (schools closed)
April 21 Thursday Pre-kindergarten Non-Attendance Day
April 25-29
Monday – Friday
Spring Recess (including Passover) (schools closed)
May 30 Monday Memorial Day Observed (schools closed)
June 8 Wednesday June Clerical Half-Day for elementary and middle school students.
June 14 Tuesday June Clerical Half-Day for elementary and middle school students.
June 23 Thursday Regents Rating Day. In non-District 75 high schools, students will not be in attendance. All other students will be in attendance.
June 28 Tuesday Last Day For All Students. Early dismissal of all students under the guidelines outlined in Section 13 below. Last day for all Classroom Teachers, Bilingual Teachers in School and Community Relations, Attendance Teachers, Nurses, Therapists, Laboratory Specialists and Technicians, and Paraprofessionals.
June 29, 30
Wednesday & Thursday
All other staff report except Classroom Teachers, Bilingual Teachers in School and Community Relations, Attendance Teachers, Nurses, Therapists, Laboratory Specialists and Technicians, and Paraprofessionals.
The school year calendar incorporates the following understandings:
1. That this calendar does not preclude subsequent changes that may be made pursuant to collective bargaining agreements or for other reasons, but in no case can this calendar or subsequent changes result in a loss of state aid;
2. That all requests for shortened sessions resulting in early dismissals of students and any other changes in this calendar must be submitted for review and approval. Subsequent to receiving approval, 4 weeks prior notification to parents must be provided;
3. That the Chancellor shall use the power vested in him or her by law when, in violation of this citywide school year calendar, a school is closed or shortened sessions (defined in section 10 below) are scheduled without prior authorization.
The following should also be noted:
4. The School Year Calendar for 2015-16 meets the State Education Department requirement of a minimum of 180 state aidable days in all schools in the City School District.
5. On September 8, 2015 the following staff report: Classroom Teachers, Bilingual Teachers in School and Community Relations, Guidance Counselors, Attendance Teachers, Nurses, Therapists, Laboratory Specialists and Technicians, and Educational Paraprofessionals. School Secretaries, Psychologists and Social Workers report for a regular work day. Employees in titles not listed should consult the applicable collective bargaining agreement. For all UFT-represented employees who, pursuant to the June 22, 2009 agreement, report to school on the Tuesday following Labor Day, that Tuesday shall be utilized first and foremost for preparation of the classroom and for the arrival of students. If time permits, the remainder of the day may be utilized for professional development.
6. All schools will be open citywide on Election Day, Tuesday, November 3, 2015 and on Anniversary Day, Thursday, June 9, 2016 for a Chancellor’s Conference Day for staff development related to the implementation of high learning standards and assessments. On both days, students in all five boroughs will not be in attendance. (Under Section 2586 of the Education Law, Anniversary Day is the first Thursday in June, or the second Thursday in June when the first Thursday falls within the same week as Memorial Day.)
7. Staff development activities must meet needs that are mandated, or of high priority, including collaborative professional learning opportunities for staff related to rigorous instruction, a supportive environment, and effective leadership; implementation of the system-wide instructional approach to literacy and mathematics under the new Common Core Standards Initiative; school violence prevention and intervention; the implementation of the Continuum for Students with Disabilities; performance standards; science education; assessments, etc., as they relate to general, special and bilingual education. There must be an appropriate focus on the implementation of high learning standards and assessments.
8. For all high schools, Monday, February 1, 2016 will be scheduled for professional development. No high school students will be in attendance, with the exception of high school level students in District 75 (these students will be in attendance on this day). The high school spring term begins on Tuesday, February 2 with a full day of instruction.
9. All schools will be open on Friday, February 12, 2016 (Abraham Lincoln’s birthday) and students will be in attendance.
10. A shortened session is any day when school is in session for pre-kindergarten for less than 2.5 hours of instruction, for kindergarten through grade 6 students for less than 5 hours of instruction, exclusive of lunch, or any day when school is in session for grade 7 and above students for less than 5.5 hours of instruction, exclusive of lunch.
11. Calculations of aidable days incorporate Chancellor Conference/Regents Examination Days. Under Commissioner's Regulations, Chancellor Conference Days may include general staff orientation, curriculum development, in-service education, or Parent-Teacher Conferences. They may not include routine administrative matters such as grading examinations or pupil assignments, recordkeeping, or lesson planning.
12. In part, the school calendar takes into account the following citywide centrally-scheduled shortened sessions: two Parent-Teacher Conference shortened sessions (one in the Fall Term and one in the Spring Term), and two clerical days of shortened session in June for elementary and middle schools. Separate notifications will be forthcoming regarding all of these citywide centrally-scheduled shortened sessions. An early dismissal of students is to be scheduled on the last day of school, subject to the guidelines outlined in section 13 below.
13. As concerns the early dismissal of students on the last day of school (Tuesday, June 28, 2016), the day should be recorded as a regular day of instruction for purposes of the Period Attendance Report, and schools must adhere to the following guidelines: students are required to attend school, pupil attendance must be taken, recorded and reported as part of the average daily attendance, and students are to receive instruction and/or guidance and assistance as needed. Schools should provide at least 4 weeks prior notice to parents and to the Office of Pupil Transportation regarding the specific time they have set for the early dismissal at their site.
14. To avoid the risk of a reduction in State Aid, and to limit impacts on bus scheduling for students, schools will not be closed, or shortened sessions (defined in section 10 above) will not be scheduled, without prior authorization. Prior to requesting a shortened session, on a timely basis, the following should be considered: in weeks when a single scheduled shortened session for kindergarten through grade 6 is requested, the school must still be in session for 25 hours of instruction, exclusive of lunch. When a shortened session is scheduled during a 4 day week (for instance, when the week includes a holiday), the school must still be in session for 20 hours of instruction over that week, exclusive of lunch. Further clarification and information on exceptions are available upon request.
15. In a week when, exclusive of lunch, 25 hours of instruction are scheduled for kindergarten through grade 6 students, or 20 hours in a 4 day week, and an approved shortened session is scheduled, schools may designate that shortened session as a regular day of instruction for purposes of the Period Attendance Report. For students in grades 7 and above, in weeks when a single scheduled shortened session is requested, the school must still be in session for 27.5 hours of instruction, exclusive of lunch. When a shortened session is scheduled during a 4 day week (for instance, when the week includes a holiday), the school must still be in session for 22 hours of instruction over that week, exclusive of lunch.
16. As a result of Chancellor Conference Days, shortened sessions for various purposes, and Regents Days, the total number of instructional days (days when students report to school) may be different from the number of state aidable days.
17. For Non-District 75 Kindergarten, there are 182 aidable days (180 instructional days).
18. For District 75 Kindergarten through Grade 6 Level and All Grades 1 through 6, there are 183 aidable days (180 instructional days).
19. For Grades 7 and 8 Citywide and Grade 9 in Middle Schools (including District 75), there are 182 aidable days (180 instructional days).
23. For more information regarding State Assessments, including Regents Days, please visit the New York State Education Department’s website: http://www.p12.nysed.gov/assessment/.
24. Consultation on the school year calendar has taken place with superintendents, parent representatives, religious organizations, the Nonpublic Schools Committee, and appropriate collective bargaining representatives.
This confusion is based on the fact that the portion of the UFT contract calling for four open school evenings and extended time Mondays and Tuesdays is a one year citywide pilot that has to be renegotiated by the DOE and UFT to continue for next year. We traditionally had only two open school evenings.
Has there been a secret agreement to continue the extended time provision? Is there an extended time agreement that we missed here? We understand that the DOE passed the calendar by the UFT before they released it. It says this in the fine print.
If anyone but our current Unity leadership was in charge of our union, they would be outraged that a calendar had been published with four open school evenings without approval of the UFT which has to agree to this provision.
The calendar acknowledges that there could be changes due to collective bargaining agreements but at the same time a closer look at the DOE calendar page shows the DOE has put out a memorandum on the four open school evenings. Apparently, they aren't expecting any problems from the union.
Whether the extended time agreement is positive or negative is not the point here, the problem is it looks like UFT members will be left without much voice on the issue. So what else is new?
2015-16 SCHOOL YEAR CALENDAR March 4, 2015
The School Year Calendar mandates that school sessions begin for all students on Wednesday, September 9, 2015 and includes a Midwinter Recess (Monday, February 15 through Friday, February 19, 2016). It reflects that on Tuesday, November 3, 2015, and Thursday, June 9, 2016, students in all five boroughs will not be in attendance, but schools in all five boroughs will be scheduled for a Chancellor’s Conference Day for staff development related to the implementation of high learning standards and assessments. The calendar must be adhered to without exception, unless notifications of subsequent changes are received pursuant to collective bargaining agreements or for other reasons, provided these other reasons are not inconsistent with collective bargaining or legal obligations.
2015
August 31 Monday The following staff report: Assistant Principals and school-based intermediate supervisors not designated to work an increased work year.
August 31 Monday The following staff report: Assistant Principals and school-based intermediate supervisors not designated to work an increased work year.
September 7 Monday Labor Day (schools closed)
September 8 Tuesday Teachers report. Students will not be in attendance.
September 9 Wednesday School Session Begins For All Students. Early dismissal for non District 75 kindergarten students only. Partial school time for prekindergarten public school students.
September 10 Thursday First full day for non-District 75 kindergarten students. Partial school time for pre-kindergarten public school students.
September 14, 15 Monday & Tuesday
Rosh Hashanah (schools closed)
Rosh Hashanah (schools closed)
September 23 Wednesday Yom Kippur (schools closed)
September 24 Thursday Eid al-Adha (schools closed)
October 12 Monday Columbus Day Observed (schools closed)
October 22 Thursday Pre-kindergarten Non-Attendance Day
November 3 Tuesday Election Day. Chancellor’s Conference Day for staff development. Students will not be in attendance.
November 11 Wednesday Veterans Day observed (schools closed)
November 26, 27 Thursday & Friday
Thanksgiving Recess (schools closed)
December 3 Thursday Pre-kindergarten Non-Attendance Day
December 24- January 1
Thursday – Friday
Winter Recess (including Christmas and New Year's Day) (schools closed)
2016
Thursday – Friday
Winter Recess (including Christmas and New Year's Day) (schools closed)
2016
January 18 Monday Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. Day (schools closed)
January 28 Thursday Pre-kindergarten Non-Attendance Day
February 1 Monday Chancellor’s Conference Day for staff development in all non-D75 high schools. Non-D75 high school students will not be in attendance. All other students will be in attendance. (See section 8 below for details on high school student attendance on February 1.)
February 2 Tuesday Spring Term begins for high school students.
February 15-19
Monday – Friday
Midwinter Recess (including Washington’s Birthday and Lincoln’s Birthday, observed) (schools closed)
March 25 Friday Good Friday (schools closed)
April 21 Thursday Pre-kindergarten Non-Attendance Day
April 25-29
Monday – Friday
Spring Recess (including Passover) (schools closed)
May 30 Monday Memorial Day Observed (schools closed)
June 8 Wednesday June Clerical Half-Day for elementary and middle school students.
June 9 Thursday Chancellor’s Conference Day for staff development. In all five boroughs students will not be in attendance.
June 14 Tuesday June Clerical Half-Day for elementary and middle school students.
June 23 Thursday Regents Rating Day. In non-District 75 high schools, students will not be in attendance. All other students will be in attendance.
June 28 Tuesday Last Day For All Students. Early dismissal of all students under the guidelines outlined in Section 13 below. Last day for all Classroom Teachers, Bilingual Teachers in School and Community Relations, Attendance Teachers, Nurses, Therapists, Laboratory Specialists and Technicians, and Paraprofessionals.
June 29, 30
Wednesday & Thursday
All other staff report except Classroom Teachers, Bilingual Teachers in School and Community Relations, Attendance Teachers, Nurses, Therapists, Laboratory Specialists and Technicians, and Paraprofessionals.
The school year calendar incorporates the following understandings:
1. That this calendar does not preclude subsequent changes that may be made pursuant to collective bargaining agreements or for other reasons, but in no case can this calendar or subsequent changes result in a loss of state aid;
2. That all requests for shortened sessions resulting in early dismissals of students and any other changes in this calendar must be submitted for review and approval. Subsequent to receiving approval, 4 weeks prior notification to parents must be provided;
3. That the Chancellor shall use the power vested in him or her by law when, in violation of this citywide school year calendar, a school is closed or shortened sessions (defined in section 10 below) are scheduled without prior authorization.
The following should also be noted:
4. The School Year Calendar for 2015-16 meets the State Education Department requirement of a minimum of 180 state aidable days in all schools in the City School District.
5. On September 8, 2015 the following staff report: Classroom Teachers, Bilingual Teachers in School and Community Relations, Guidance Counselors, Attendance Teachers, Nurses, Therapists, Laboratory Specialists and Technicians, and Educational Paraprofessionals. School Secretaries, Psychologists and Social Workers report for a regular work day. Employees in titles not listed should consult the applicable collective bargaining agreement. For all UFT-represented employees who, pursuant to the June 22, 2009 agreement, report to school on the Tuesday following Labor Day, that Tuesday shall be utilized first and foremost for preparation of the classroom and for the arrival of students. If time permits, the remainder of the day may be utilized for professional development.
6. All schools will be open citywide on Election Day, Tuesday, November 3, 2015 and on Anniversary Day, Thursday, June 9, 2016 for a Chancellor’s Conference Day for staff development related to the implementation of high learning standards and assessments. On both days, students in all five boroughs will not be in attendance. (Under Section 2586 of the Education Law, Anniversary Day is the first Thursday in June, or the second Thursday in June when the first Thursday falls within the same week as Memorial Day.)
7. Staff development activities must meet needs that are mandated, or of high priority, including collaborative professional learning opportunities for staff related to rigorous instruction, a supportive environment, and effective leadership; implementation of the system-wide instructional approach to literacy and mathematics under the new Common Core Standards Initiative; school violence prevention and intervention; the implementation of the Continuum for Students with Disabilities; performance standards; science education; assessments, etc., as they relate to general, special and bilingual education. There must be an appropriate focus on the implementation of high learning standards and assessments.
8. For all high schools, Monday, February 1, 2016 will be scheduled for professional development. No high school students will be in attendance, with the exception of high school level students in District 75 (these students will be in attendance on this day). The high school spring term begins on Tuesday, February 2 with a full day of instruction.
9. All schools will be open on Friday, February 12, 2016 (Abraham Lincoln’s birthday) and students will be in attendance.
10. A shortened session is any day when school is in session for pre-kindergarten for less than 2.5 hours of instruction, for kindergarten through grade 6 students for less than 5 hours of instruction, exclusive of lunch, or any day when school is in session for grade 7 and above students for less than 5.5 hours of instruction, exclusive of lunch.
11. Calculations of aidable days incorporate Chancellor Conference/Regents Examination Days. Under Commissioner's Regulations, Chancellor Conference Days may include general staff orientation, curriculum development, in-service education, or Parent-Teacher Conferences. They may not include routine administrative matters such as grading examinations or pupil assignments, recordkeeping, or lesson planning.
12. In part, the school calendar takes into account the following citywide centrally-scheduled shortened sessions: two Parent-Teacher Conference shortened sessions (one in the Fall Term and one in the Spring Term), and two clerical days of shortened session in June for elementary and middle schools. Separate notifications will be forthcoming regarding all of these citywide centrally-scheduled shortened sessions. An early dismissal of students is to be scheduled on the last day of school, subject to the guidelines outlined in section 13 below.
13. As concerns the early dismissal of students on the last day of school (Tuesday, June 28, 2016), the day should be recorded as a regular day of instruction for purposes of the Period Attendance Report, and schools must adhere to the following guidelines: students are required to attend school, pupil attendance must be taken, recorded and reported as part of the average daily attendance, and students are to receive instruction and/or guidance and assistance as needed. Schools should provide at least 4 weeks prior notice to parents and to the Office of Pupil Transportation regarding the specific time they have set for the early dismissal at their site.
14. To avoid the risk of a reduction in State Aid, and to limit impacts on bus scheduling for students, schools will not be closed, or shortened sessions (defined in section 10 above) will not be scheduled, without prior authorization. Prior to requesting a shortened session, on a timely basis, the following should be considered: in weeks when a single scheduled shortened session for kindergarten through grade 6 is requested, the school must still be in session for 25 hours of instruction, exclusive of lunch. When a shortened session is scheduled during a 4 day week (for instance, when the week includes a holiday), the school must still be in session for 20 hours of instruction over that week, exclusive of lunch. Further clarification and information on exceptions are available upon request.
15. In a week when, exclusive of lunch, 25 hours of instruction are scheduled for kindergarten through grade 6 students, or 20 hours in a 4 day week, and an approved shortened session is scheduled, schools may designate that shortened session as a regular day of instruction for purposes of the Period Attendance Report. For students in grades 7 and above, in weeks when a single scheduled shortened session is requested, the school must still be in session for 27.5 hours of instruction, exclusive of lunch. When a shortened session is scheduled during a 4 day week (for instance, when the week includes a holiday), the school must still be in session for 22 hours of instruction over that week, exclusive of lunch.
16. As a result of Chancellor Conference Days, shortened sessions for various purposes, and Regents Days, the total number of instructional days (days when students report to school) may be different from the number of state aidable days.
17. For Non-District 75 Kindergarten, there are 182 aidable days (180 instructional days).
18. For District 75 Kindergarten through Grade 6 Level and All Grades 1 through 6, there are 183 aidable days (180 instructional days).
19. For Grades 7 and 8 Citywide and Grade 9 in Middle Schools (including District 75), there are 182 aidable days (180 instructional days).
20. For High School Level Grades 9 through 12, there are 183 aidable days in all boroughs, 166 of which are instructional (in District 75, there are 182 aidable days, 180 of which are instructional days).
21. Concerning the partial school time for pre-kindergarten students (staggered entrance), it is recommended that an Orientation Session takes place on Wednesday, September 9 and Thursday, September 10, 2015 for the parents of all pre-kindergarten students. This session is to help families with the transition process. Parents or caregivers should be notified so that they can make appropriate plans regarding the schedule, pick up and drop off. For assistance with staggered entrance, orientation or phase-in planning, please contact the Office of Early Childhood Education at 212.374.0351 or earlychildhood@schools.nyc.gov. Information is also available at the Early Childhood Website at http://schools.nyc.gov/Academics/EarlyChildhood/default.htm.
21. Concerning the partial school time for pre-kindergarten students (staggered entrance), it is recommended that an Orientation Session takes place on Wednesday, September 9 and Thursday, September 10, 2015 for the parents of all pre-kindergarten students. This session is to help families with the transition process. Parents or caregivers should be notified so that they can make appropriate plans regarding the schedule, pick up and drop off. For assistance with staggered entrance, orientation or phase-in planning, please contact the Office of Early Childhood Education at 212.374.0351 or earlychildhood@schools.nyc.gov. Information is also available at the Early Childhood Website at http://schools.nyc.gov/Academics/EarlyChildhood/default.htm.
22. Non-attendance days for pre-kindergarten students are designed for staff to participate in professional development activities that meet the Chancellor’s mandate (see section 7 above). Students should not be in attendance. The Office of Early Childhood Education offers professional development sessions for teachers during non-attendance days. The sessions are based on current research, performance standards, and best practices to improve student learning.
23. For more information regarding State Assessments, including Regents Days, please visit the New York State Education Department’s website: http://www.p12.nysed.gov/assessment/.
24. Consultation on the school year calendar has taken place with superintendents, parent representatives, religious organizations, the Nonpublic Schools Committee, and appropriate collective bargaining representatives.
Tuesday, March 03, 2015
NEW JERSEY EDUCATION ASSOCIATION RUNS HARD HITTING AD CAMPAIGN AGAINST TESTING
They are giving the PARCC tests this week over in New Jersey. There seems to be a substantial protest movement against these standardized tests.
Unlike New York City where the teachers' union will not support the NYSAPE resolution encouraging parents to opt their children out of state exams, in the garden state the teachers' union looks to be leading the fight against the standardized tests.
Go to this Asbury Park Press link to see some hard hitting powerful messages from the New Jersey Education Association opposing the PARCC exams and what they are doing to our children.
Unlike New York City where the teachers' union will not support the NYSAPE resolution encouraging parents to opt their children out of state exams, in the garden state the teachers' union looks to be leading the fight against the standardized tests.
Go to this Asbury Park Press link to see some hard hitting powerful messages from the New Jersey Education Association opposing the PARCC exams and what they are doing to our children.
Monday, March 02, 2015
WHY CAN'T NYC HAVE AN ELECTED SCHOOL BOARD?
Mayor Bill de Blasio wants permanent mayoral control of New York City schools. The law giving the mayor control sunsets in June and has to be renewed by the State Legislature or we revert to the old seven person Board of Education with each Borough President picking one representative and the mayor selecting two.
Under current law, the mayor picks the majority of the rubber stamp body known as the Panel for Educational Policy which rarely listens to the voice of the community. The PEP pretty much does whatever the current mayor and chancellor want. It does not seem much better under de Blasio than it was under former Mayor Michael Bloomberg. I spoke to de Blasio's PEP once on behalf of Absent Teacher Reserves last November. A DOE official took down my contact information but I never heard from anyone.
My position on school governance is there should be an elected Board of Education in New York City that is independent of the politicians. Put the schools back in the hands of the people. Why this is a radical concept is beyond me.
Our friends at the Chicago Teachers Union are making the case out there for an elected school board. I don't think anyone has to to worry about the leaders in the UFT here in New York making a similar push.
Under current law, the mayor picks the majority of the rubber stamp body known as the Panel for Educational Policy which rarely listens to the voice of the community. The PEP pretty much does whatever the current mayor and chancellor want. It does not seem much better under de Blasio than it was under former Mayor Michael Bloomberg. I spoke to de Blasio's PEP once on behalf of Absent Teacher Reserves last November. A DOE official took down my contact information but I never heard from anyone.
My position on school governance is there should be an elected Board of Education in New York City that is independent of the politicians. Put the schools back in the hands of the people. Why this is a radical concept is beyond me.
Our friends at the Chicago Teachers Union are making the case out there for an elected school board. I don't think anyone has to to worry about the leaders in the UFT here in New York making a similar push.
Saturday, February 28, 2015
DEMISE OF UFT CHARTER SCHOOL REMINDS ME OF MY OPPOSITION TO ITS FOUNDING
I'm a little late to the party writing about the UFT K-8 charter school that will be shutting down in June. NYC Educator and Ed Notes have already beat me to the punch by posting on this topic today. I can only add a little personal note to their stories since I remember the Executive Board meeting when we voted on the UFT starting a charter school. I was the sole dissenting voice that evening.
The UFT charter school came up for a vote at the Executive Board during a time period between 2003 and 2004 when opposition caucus New Action was solidifying their alliance with the dominant Unity Caucus. New Action's high school "opposition" representatives started going with the Unity party line on just about every topic. The exceptions were my close friend to this day Ed Beller and me however on the subject of the UFT starting a charter school, Ed was with the leadership. Therefore, I was alone so UFT President Randi Weingarten was poised to ridicule me.
I recall vividly being called on after the usual Unity sycophants praised the charter school. I spoke out against the UFT running a charter school because we would have difficulty publically opposing the expansion of charter schools if the union was running one and money would be siphoned away from an already cash strapped public school system to charters. Randi stopped me in mid-sentence that evening and argued that I was making an argument against private school vouchers and not charter schools but I stuck to my position. After our debate, I think I was the lone no vote. A UFT charter school was a no-win proposition. If it succeeded, the press would see it as a victory for charter schools. If it did not work out, it would be seen as union failure. That's what is occurring now.
Being opposed to all charter schools on principle, not just some we don't like, is a position I am quite honored to have stood up for as a lone wolf at the UFT Executive Board.
Now that the UFT's K-8 charter school is closing, do you think Randi Weingarten will be getting in touch with me to say that maybe I had a point? I don't think so either.
The UFT charter school came up for a vote at the Executive Board during a time period between 2003 and 2004 when opposition caucus New Action was solidifying their alliance with the dominant Unity Caucus. New Action's high school "opposition" representatives started going with the Unity party line on just about every topic. The exceptions were my close friend to this day Ed Beller and me however on the subject of the UFT starting a charter school, Ed was with the leadership. Therefore, I was alone so UFT President Randi Weingarten was poised to ridicule me.
I recall vividly being called on after the usual Unity sycophants praised the charter school. I spoke out against the UFT running a charter school because we would have difficulty publically opposing the expansion of charter schools if the union was running one and money would be siphoned away from an already cash strapped public school system to charters. Randi stopped me in mid-sentence that evening and argued that I was making an argument against private school vouchers and not charter schools but I stuck to my position. After our debate, I think I was the lone no vote. A UFT charter school was a no-win proposition. If it succeeded, the press would see it as a victory for charter schools. If it did not work out, it would be seen as union failure. That's what is occurring now.
Being opposed to all charter schools on principle, not just some we don't like, is a position I am quite honored to have stood up for as a lone wolf at the UFT Executive Board.
Now that the UFT's K-8 charter school is closing, do you think Randi Weingarten will be getting in touch with me to say that maybe I had a point? I don't think so either.
Friday, February 27, 2015
SBA DEAL WITH CITY STAYS WITHIN UNIFORM PATTERN, BEATS UFT PATTERN
The Sergeants Benevolent Association led by President Ed Mullins has reached a tentative contract deal with the city that basically keeps in line with the pattern uniform supervisory unions set a while back. It calls for increases of 11% over seven years. This is 1% better than the UFT received to set a civilian pattern last year.
The difference between the contracts for the SBA as compared to other supervisory uniform unions is in the length of the deal. The SBA contract is for a full seven years instead of the six years and seven months that other uniform supervisors agreed to. In exchange, the SBA will receive full retroactive pay for the entire first year.
No waiting until 2020 for SBA members to get their full arrears unlike the UFT.
This blog said all along that part of the feud between the police unions and the mayor had to do with a lack of contracts. Ed Mullins was also incensed with UFT President Michael Mulgrew back in May for accepting a subpar pattern setting agreement that he knew would limit what he could do.
In his rush to settle a contract and set a pattern, Michael Mulgrew ended up selling everybody in municipal labor short as the city is swimming in huge surpluses mostly thanks to labor settling for tiny salary increases.
Patrick Lynch and the large Patrolmen's Benevolent Association are now basically out there alone along with the firefighters union. I can't see them doing any better under these circumstances
The difference between the contracts for the SBA as compared to other supervisory uniform unions is in the length of the deal. The SBA contract is for a full seven years instead of the six years and seven months that other uniform supervisors agreed to. In exchange, the SBA will receive full retroactive pay for the entire first year.
No waiting until 2020 for SBA members to get their full arrears unlike the UFT.
This blog said all along that part of the feud between the police unions and the mayor had to do with a lack of contracts. Ed Mullins was also incensed with UFT President Michael Mulgrew back in May for accepting a subpar pattern setting agreement that he knew would limit what he could do.
In his rush to settle a contract and set a pattern, Michael Mulgrew ended up selling everybody in municipal labor short as the city is swimming in huge surpluses mostly thanks to labor settling for tiny salary increases.
Patrick Lynch and the large Patrolmen's Benevolent Association are now basically out there alone along with the firefighters union. I can't see them doing any better under these circumstances
Thursday, February 26, 2015
SOURCES SAY RETIREE RETRO DEPOSITED (updated)
A retiree source has been on the payroll portal and told me the retroactive money will be deposited into accounts on Friday, February 27, 2015. Sources updated us by telling us the money is already in accounts as of today (Thursday).
It is not surprising that the city/Department of Education held onto the money for as long as they could. The fund to pay the retroactive payments for people who retired between November 1, 2009 and June 30, 2014 was supposed to be established "upon ratification" of the contract (June 3, 2014) but because of bungling by both the UFT and city, it was not settled until this month.
All I can say is congratulations to our retired friends! You had to wait almost nine months to get money that has been owed to you since early June for work done as far back as 2009. Each and every retiree earned every dime that is coming your way by working in the schools.
ICEUFT blog salutes all of our retirees and wishes you many decades of healthy and happy lives.
It is not surprising that the city/Department of Education held onto the money for as long as they could. The fund to pay the retroactive payments for people who retired between November 1, 2009 and June 30, 2014 was supposed to be established "upon ratification" of the contract (June 3, 2014) but because of bungling by both the UFT and city, it was not settled until this month.
All I can say is congratulations to our retired friends! You had to wait almost nine months to get money that has been owed to you since early June for work done as far back as 2009. Each and every retiree earned every dime that is coming your way by working in the schools.
ICEUFT blog salutes all of our retirees and wishes you many decades of healthy and happy lives.
Wednesday, February 25, 2015
ANOTHER BILLION DOLLARS FOUND IN CITY BUDGET
Comptroller Scott Stringer has found an extra billion dollars over what Mayor Bill de Blasio projected in the city budget. Are the Unity supporters still saying the cupboard was empty when we settled for 10% over 7 years and we will have our retroactive payments for 2009-2011 deferred so we won't be made whole for those years until 2020? How much more money has to be found before Unity will admit that Michael Mulgrew did not get us the best deal possible?
Other unions also don't stay neutral when a politician goes after them. For example, the Chicago Teachers Union opposed Mayor Rahm Emanuel's reelection and their endorsed candidate, Jesus “Chuy” Garcia, is now heading into a runoff with Rahm because the mayor did not get the necessary 50% of the vote to avoid a runoff. Rahm spent millions of dollars and had President Barack Obama's endorsement. In spite of this, it was 45% to for Rahm and 34% for Chuy with other candidates getting the remainder. It still won't be easy to win but it is possible.
Our strategy in New York is best summed up by a commenter called Raving Apologist:
"Don't blame me." "It's the best we could do." "We are at war...Now, Tweet!" "We will be sitting out the 2009 Mayoral endorsement process." "We will not be endorsing anyone for the Democratic gubernatorial primary." "We have to stick together as a union."
Thanks to Harris Lirtzman for sending out the latest budget news and the Chicago results.
Other unions also don't stay neutral when a politician goes after them. For example, the Chicago Teachers Union opposed Mayor Rahm Emanuel's reelection and their endorsed candidate, Jesus “Chuy” Garcia, is now heading into a runoff with Rahm because the mayor did not get the necessary 50% of the vote to avoid a runoff. Rahm spent millions of dollars and had President Barack Obama's endorsement. In spite of this, it was 45% to for Rahm and 34% for Chuy with other candidates getting the remainder. It still won't be easy to win but it is possible.
Our strategy in New York is best summed up by a commenter called Raving Apologist:
Raving Apologist said...
Thanks to Harris Lirtzman for sending out the latest budget news and the Chicago results.
Tuesday, February 24, 2015
PBS ROAD TRIP NATION COMES TO MIDDLE COLLEGE HS
The PBS television show Road Trip Nation came to Middle College High School yesterday with their RV. Some of the crew told stories of how they had their own trials and tribulations in school but they persevered.
They interviewed our old friend NY Times retired sportswriter George Vescey about his career. The overall message of encouraging students to follow their passions was very positive.
Thanks to our friend and colleague Rachel for putting all of this together.
They interviewed our old friend NY Times retired sportswriter George Vescey about his career. The overall message of encouraging students to follow their passions was very positive.
Thanks to our friend and colleague Rachel for putting all of this together.
Monday, February 23, 2015
MULGREW, CITY & ARBITRATOR, NOT RETIREES, RESPONSIBLE FOR LATEST CONTRACT GIVEBACK
I vow that this will be my last posting for a while on the latest fiasco where active UFT members will have to defer raises so there can be enough money to pay full retroactive pay to members who retired between November 1, 2009 and June 30, 3014.
The retirees are not at all to blame for this mess and I don't begrudge them their money nor should anyone else. They earned every dime.
It was exciting to see the comment on the last post from the retiree who voted no on the contract as a last principled act of solidarity before retiring. Two teachers at Jamaica High School proudly showed me their no votes on the contract even though they clearly would benefit from retiring if the contract passed. I would have done exactly as they did by voting no on principle and then taking the up front money upon leaving if I was eligible.
In saying all of that, I do believe there is plenty of blame to be distributed for this settlement where active employees will have to delay raises in 2018 so retirees can be made whole now.
The most obvious culprit here is Michael Mulgrew and the UFT's inner negotiating team. Clearly, it didn't take a genius to figure out that there was going to be a mass exodus from the system if people were going to get tens of thousands of dollars up front retroactive pay upon retirement but they had to leave by June 30, 2014. The UFT needed to push for more money to pay the retirees or contractual language that would compel the city to come up with additional funding if more UFT members than anticipated wanted to retire. In their haste to get a deal done, the UFT didn't think this through.
The second villain in this story is Mayor Bill de Blasio and his Office of Labor Relations led by Robert Linn. After convincing the UFT to accept the worst pattern setting agreement of my career, the city could have taken some pity on the UFT and come up with $60 million extra to pay the retirees when more people than anticipated choose to leave. The money is a drop in the bucket in the city budget. Instead, they held rigidly to the pattern and forced active members to defer raises.
The final goat here is arbitrator Martin Scheinman. He could have told the city that there is no need to rub the UFT's face in the mud after you got a pretty strong pro-city labor deal. Needless to say, Scheinman, a de Blasio fundraiser, didn't do this and instead found a way to make active teachers shoulder the cost of the settlement through deferred raises.
The retirees are not at all to blame for this mess and I don't begrudge them their money nor should anyone else. They earned every dime.
It was exciting to see the comment on the last post from the retiree who voted no on the contract as a last principled act of solidarity before retiring. Two teachers at Jamaica High School proudly showed me their no votes on the contract even though they clearly would benefit from retiring if the contract passed. I would have done exactly as they did by voting no on principle and then taking the up front money upon leaving if I was eligible.
In saying all of that, I do believe there is plenty of blame to be distributed for this settlement where active employees will have to delay raises in 2018 so retirees can be made whole now.
The most obvious culprit here is Michael Mulgrew and the UFT's inner negotiating team. Clearly, it didn't take a genius to figure out that there was going to be a mass exodus from the system if people were going to get tens of thousands of dollars up front retroactive pay upon retirement but they had to leave by June 30, 2014. The UFT needed to push for more money to pay the retirees or contractual language that would compel the city to come up with additional funding if more UFT members than anticipated wanted to retire. In their haste to get a deal done, the UFT didn't think this through.
The second villain in this story is Mayor Bill de Blasio and his Office of Labor Relations led by Robert Linn. After convincing the UFT to accept the worst pattern setting agreement of my career, the city could have taken some pity on the UFT and come up with $60 million extra to pay the retirees when more people than anticipated choose to leave. The money is a drop in the bucket in the city budget. Instead, they held rigidly to the pattern and forced active members to defer raises.
The final goat here is arbitrator Martin Scheinman. He could have told the city that there is no need to rub the UFT's face in the mud after you got a pretty strong pro-city labor deal. Needless to say, Scheinman, a de Blasio fundraiser, didn't do this and instead found a way to make active teachers shoulder the cost of the settlement through deferred raises.
Thursday, February 19, 2015
ESTIMATING THE COST OF ARBITRATOR RULING ON SENIOR TEACHERS
NYC Educator made the first attempt to calculate the cost of arbitrator Martin Sheinman's ruling that forces active UFT members to pay the cost by deferring raises so the city can have enough money to pay full retroactive money to people who retired between November 1, 2009 through June 30, 2014. We did our own breakdown for an individual teacher on maximum and here is what we came up with.
Maximum salary would have been $119,471 as of May 1, 2018, but 3% of that money will now be deferred for a month and a half until June 16, 2018 or three pay periods. Therefore, by taking $119,471 and dividing it by 24, we come up with $4977.96 per pay period. Now multiply this by 3% (.03 is the value of the deferred increase) and we get $149.34. Multiply that number by 3 since we are being deferred for three pay periods and the result is $448.02. That is part of every senior teacher's gift to retirees. But that is not it.
We still have to add in the one month extension to the contract. The value of this is harder to calculate. If Michael Mulgrew and his Unity Caucus negotiate and set a new pattern, the most likely value will be nothing for that first year. We will only lose after we start getting increases.
If people wake up and vote out Unity or another union establishes a new citywide pattern, let's assume a more historically relevant 3, then we must recalculate. If we were to get 3% on December 1, 2018 as opposed to November 1, 2018, the date a new contract would have started without arbitrator Sheinman' s intervention, we can start a new set of calculations.
Let's take $119,471 and multiply by 1.03 for a 3% raise. Maximum then comes to $123,055.13. Now multiply by.03 to figure out the value of the increase. The total is $3,691.65. Divide that by 24 pay periods to figure the cost per check which comes to $153.82. Multiply by two checks (a month delay caused by Scheinman) and the cost is $307.64.
Now add the $307.64 to $448.02 and we get an approximate final cost of $755.66.
There you have how much a teacher on maximum will be billed (estimated) to pay the retirees.
I don't expect to see too many thank you notes from retirees in the comments section.
Maximum salary would have been $119,471 as of May 1, 2018, but 3% of that money will now be deferred for a month and a half until June 16, 2018 or three pay periods. Therefore, by taking $119,471 and dividing it by 24, we come up with $4977.96 per pay period. Now multiply this by 3% (.03 is the value of the deferred increase) and we get $149.34. Multiply that number by 3 since we are being deferred for three pay periods and the result is $448.02. That is part of every senior teacher's gift to retirees. But that is not it.
We still have to add in the one month extension to the contract. The value of this is harder to calculate. If Michael Mulgrew and his Unity Caucus negotiate and set a new pattern, the most likely value will be nothing for that first year. We will only lose after we start getting increases.
If people wake up and vote out Unity or another union establishes a new citywide pattern, let's assume a more historically relevant 3, then we must recalculate. If we were to get 3% on December 1, 2018 as opposed to November 1, 2018, the date a new contract would have started without arbitrator Sheinman' s intervention, we can start a new set of calculations.
Let's take $119,471 and multiply by 1.03 for a 3% raise. Maximum then comes to $123,055.13. Now multiply by.03 to figure out the value of the increase. The total is $3,691.65. Divide that by 24 pay periods to figure the cost per check which comes to $153.82. Multiply by two checks (a month delay caused by Scheinman) and the cost is $307.64.
Now add the $307.64 to $448.02 and we get an approximate final cost of $755.66.
There you have how much a teacher on maximum will be billed (estimated) to pay the retirees.
I don't expect to see too many thank you notes from retirees in the comments section.
Monday, February 16, 2015
ARBITRATOR MIGHT NOT YET BE DONE REWRITING UFT CONTRACT (Updated)
The arbitrator who decided last week to lengthen our contract by a month and delay one of the raises may have another crack at rewriting the agreement.
If the city and the union can't agree on the UFT's share of $3.4 billion in heath care savings, then guess who gets to decide on the savings? You are right if you guessed it is the same arbitrator who just extended the contract.
With our union's track record, most are expecting to experience some kind of healthcare giveback in the not too distant future.
UPDATE: Let's not forget that the arbitrator the UFT agreed to for all of this work is Martin Scheinman. Yes, the same Martin Scheinman who was a fund-raiser for mayoral candidate Bill de Blasio. Didn't our leadership back Bill Thompson? The Post's editorial board thought Sheinman's conflict of interest would help the unions. How wrong they were.
If the city and the union can't agree on the UFT's share of $3.4 billion in heath care savings, then guess who gets to decide on the savings? You are right if you guessed it is the same arbitrator who just extended the contract.
With our union's track record, most are expecting to experience some kind of healthcare giveback in the not too distant future.
UPDATE: Let's not forget that the arbitrator the UFT agreed to for all of this work is Martin Scheinman. Yes, the same Martin Scheinman who was a fund-raiser for mayoral candidate Bill de Blasio. Didn't our leadership back Bill Thompson? The Post's editorial board thought Sheinman's conflict of interest would help the unions. How wrong they were.
Saturday, February 14, 2015
ARBITRATOR RULES ACTIVE PEOPLE HAVE TO PAY FOR RETIREE LUMP SUM PAYMENTS
In a decision announced on a Friday before a holiday when nobody was watching, an arbitrator has ruled that UFT members who retired between November 1, 2009 and June 30, 2014 will get their retroactive cash payments immediately.
Because our union and the city couldn't figure out that so many people would choose to retire rather than continue working for the Department of Education, they were short $60 million in funding for paying the retirees. To make up for that shortfall, active members will now pay a small price.
The contract has been extended for another month. It will now end on November 30, 2018 instead of October 31. In addition part of the 5% raise scheduled to take place on May 1, 2018 will be deferred for six weeks. We were supposed to finally get the last 2% of the 2009-11 money added to our salaries on May 1, 2018 in addition to a new 3% increase. Now the 2% will be added as scheduled but the 3% raise will be deferred until June 16, 2018.
Just another new indignity added to many for working teachers. You would think Mayor Bill de Blasio, who clearly beat the UFT in negotiations, could have thrown the union a bone on this one. By agreeing to accept an inferior pattern setting agreement, the UFT saved the city billions of dollars.
To sum it all up, Michael Mulgrew, who already set the worst municipal pattern setting settlement that I can remember with 10% over 7 years, has allowed an arbitrator to make it a little worse at 10% over 7 years and a month.
Great negotiating guys.
Because our union and the city couldn't figure out that so many people would choose to retire rather than continue working for the Department of Education, they were short $60 million in funding for paying the retirees. To make up for that shortfall, active members will now pay a small price.
The contract has been extended for another month. It will now end on November 30, 2018 instead of October 31. In addition part of the 5% raise scheduled to take place on May 1, 2018 will be deferred for six weeks. We were supposed to finally get the last 2% of the 2009-11 money added to our salaries on May 1, 2018 in addition to a new 3% increase. Now the 2% will be added as scheduled but the 3% raise will be deferred until June 16, 2018.
Just another new indignity added to many for working teachers. You would think Mayor Bill de Blasio, who clearly beat the UFT in negotiations, could have thrown the union a bone on this one. By agreeing to accept an inferior pattern setting agreement, the UFT saved the city billions of dollars.
To sum it all up, Michael Mulgrew, who already set the worst municipal pattern setting settlement that I can remember with 10% over 7 years, has allowed an arbitrator to make it a little worse at 10% over 7 years and a month.
Great negotiating guys.
Thursday, February 12, 2015
DA REPORT: ANTI-HIGH STAKES TESTING RESOLUTION FAILS; RECENT RETIREES SHOULD SOON HEAR FROM ARBITRATOR
Members have been emailing ICE regularly to ask when the lump sum back pay would be coming for people who retired between November 2009 and June 2014. One of our correspondents at yesterday's Delegate Assembly Mike Schirtzer, Delegate Leon Goldstein HS, emailed this from the DA.
Mulgrew: Arbitrator will make decision soon- news is imminent - we'll announce something very soon.
That is all we know.
The other big issue was high stakes testing. You know what ICE and MORE would do if we were in power. We would starve the data beast and fight high stakes testing with everything we have. For our friends on the left, we would stop selling the data rope for our own hanging. Arthur Goldstein sent the following report on Mike Schirtzer's attempt to introduce the NYSAPE resolution to encourage people to opt out of the state exams.
Mulgrew: Arbitrator will make decision soon- news is imminent - we'll announce something very soon.
That is all we know.
The other big issue was high stakes testing. You know what ICE and MORE would do if we were in power. We would starve the data beast and fight high stakes testing with everything we have. For our friends on the left, we would stop selling the data rope for our own hanging. Arthur Goldstein sent the following report on Mike Schirtzer's attempt to introduce the NYSAPE resolution to encourage people to opt out of the state exams.
Motions—Mike Schirtzer rises, raises motion for next month on behalf of MORE, to support I Refuse Movement. Circulates it. Mulgrew says it needs a simple majority to be placed on agenda.
Mike says it has been passed by several locals, that testing regime is out of hand, and that we should oppose high stakes testing. Says test prep saps joy from teaching, helps neither us nor our students. Kills creativity, critical thinking so we can do non stop test prep. Says we must starve the beast, that MOSL is junk science. Says if we’re gonna go to war against Cuomo, let’s take high stakes testing away from him.
Point of information—states we cannot make resolutions for NYSUT, and that there is no NYC Board of Education. Mulgrew points out other reference to NYSUT, makes disapproving noises, says DA does not have ability to bind NYSUT’s hands.
Sterling Roberson rises to speak against resolution, says we are against over-testing, but that we need tools to help drive instruction. Says parents need tests to ensure that they’re getting the “education they deserve.” Says we’ve supported this issue “from teachers of Chicago,” and in early grades. Says we’ve enforced it and reemphasized it over and over. States there is difference between opting out and refusing. Says it tells folks to tell their kids to refuse. Although there are pieces that are appealing to us, it goes too far. Urges this motion be defeated.
Mulgrew holds vote, takes point of personal privilege, says he understands passion around this issue. Says resolution is out of order because it asks us to make decision about NYSUT. Speaks of how parents want tests. Says we’re in a fight and have to be smart about it, that we ought not to take a boilerplate resolution that was put together in other places. Says we should be against high stakes.
Point of information—Last resolved makes it clear that this resolution is only—Mulgrew interrupts speaker and says it’s already been voted on. Calls speaker out of order.
My understanding from talking to Mike last night is the motion received significant support from independents. The Unity faithful had to join together to defeat it. We now are pretty sure that the war we are fighting against Governor Cuomo is kind of in name only.
You can read NYC Educator's full DA report here.
Wednesday, February 11, 2015
WILL NYSAPE RESOLUTION OPPOSING HIGH STAKES TESTING PASS AT DA TODAY?
Let's hope someone obtains the floor to introduce this resolution at today's DA.
Resolution to Support “The I Refuse Movement” to Oppose High Stakes Testing
WHEREAS, the purpose of education is to educate a populace of critical thinkers who are capable of shaping a just and equitable society in order to lead good and purpose-filled lives, not solely prepare that populace for college and career; and
WHEREAS, instructional and curricular decisions should be in the hands of classroom professionals who understand the context and interests of their students; and
WHEREAS, the education of children should be grounded in developmentally appropriate practice; and
WHEREAS, high quality education requires adequate resources to provide a rich and varied course of instruction, individual and small group attention, and wrap-around services for students; and
WHEREAS, the state assessments are not transparent in that–teachers and parents are not allowed to view the tests and item analysis will likely not be made available; and
WHEREAS, the assessment practices that accompany Common Core State Standards – including the political manipulation of test scores – are used as justification to label and close schools, fail students, and evaluate educators; therefore be it
RESOLVED that NYSUT opposes standardized high stakes testing that is currently pushed by the Federal and State governments, because this testing is not being used to further instruction for children, to help children, or to support the educational needs of children; and be it further
RESOLVED, that NYSUT advocates for an engaged and socially relevant curriculum that is student-based and supported by research; and be it further
RESOLVED, that NYSUT will embark on internal discussions to educate and seek feedback from members regarding standardized high stakes testing and its impact on students; and be it further
RESOLVED, that NYSUT will lobby the NYS Board of Education to eliminate the use of high stakes testing; and be it further
RESOLVED, that NYSUT will ask that all of its members have their own children refuse to take the Grade 3-8 assessments: and be it further
RESOLVED, that NYSUT will organize other members and affiliates to increase opposition to high stakes testing; and be it further
RESOLVED, that a copy of this resolution will be sent to the NY State Board of Education, the Governor of NYS, and all members of the NYS legislative branch; and be it finally
RESOLVED, that after this resolution is passed by the UFT Delegate Assembly, an appropriate version will be submitted to the American Federation of Teachers for consideration at the AFT July 2015 Convention and to NYSUT for consideration at the 2015 RA.
WHEREAS, the purpose of education is to educate a populace of critical thinkers who are capable of shaping a just and equitable society in order to lead good and purpose-filled lives, not solely prepare that populace for college and career; and
WHEREAS, instructional and curricular decisions should be in the hands of classroom professionals who understand the context and interests of their students; and
WHEREAS, the education of children should be grounded in developmentally appropriate practice; and
WHEREAS, high quality education requires adequate resources to provide a rich and varied course of instruction, individual and small group attention, and wrap-around services for students; and
WHEREAS, the state assessments are not transparent in that–teachers and parents are not allowed to view the tests and item analysis will likely not be made available; and
WHEREAS, the assessment practices that accompany Common Core State Standards – including the political manipulation of test scores – are used as justification to label and close schools, fail students, and evaluate educators; therefore be it
RESOLVED that NYSUT opposes standardized high stakes testing that is currently pushed by the Federal and State governments, because this testing is not being used to further instruction for children, to help children, or to support the educational needs of children; and be it further
RESOLVED, that NYSUT advocates for an engaged and socially relevant curriculum that is student-based and supported by research; and be it further
RESOLVED, that NYSUT will embark on internal discussions to educate and seek feedback from members regarding standardized high stakes testing and its impact on students; and be it further
RESOLVED, that NYSUT will lobby the NYS Board of Education to eliminate the use of high stakes testing; and be it further
RESOLVED, that NYSUT will ask that all of its members have their own children refuse to take the Grade 3-8 assessments: and be it further
RESOLVED, that NYSUT will organize other members and affiliates to increase opposition to high stakes testing; and be it further
RESOLVED, that a copy of this resolution will be sent to the NY State Board of Education, the Governor of NYS, and all members of the NYS legislative branch; and be it finally
RESOLVED, that after this resolution is passed by the UFT Delegate Assembly, an appropriate version will be submitted to the American Federation of Teachers for consideration at the AFT July 2015 Convention and to NYSUT for consideration at the 2015 RA.
Sunday, February 08, 2015
CONTRACTUAL EXTENDED TIME PROVISION MUST BE RENEGOTIATED FOR SEPTEMBER
Members of the opposition parties (caucuses) within the UFT are often asked how we would be different if we ran the union. One of the major differences between ICE-MORE as opposed to Michael Mulgrew's Unity Caucus concerns how we would negotiate a contract.
Having been on negotiating committees for two UFT contracts, I can say the committee does virtually no negotiating. Instead, UFT leadership tells the committee some of what is going on behind the scenes and then asks for the committee to rubber stamp leadership's positions. Since UFT committees usually contain a large majority from the ruling Unity Caucus who have pledged to support whatever comes from the top, the committees exist mainly for show.
If an opposition group or coalition was ever to win power, we would try to institute a totally different way of negotiating contracts. There is no general UFT election until 2016 (important Chapter Leader and Delegate Elections take place this spring) but let's just say we were in an alternate universe and the opposition could negotiate the extended time provision for next year.
Our work day is six hours and twenty minutes each day plus a total of 150 minutes of extended time each week (in addition there are faculty and grade conferences). Multi session schools just put the extended time into the school days but single session schools do it differently.
The extended time portion of the contract agreed to by Mulgrew and the DOE last spring is a one year citywide pilot that needs to be renegotiated by June 15 or single session schools will revert to last year's time schedule. Here is the actual contractual language from MOA Article 5--Workday:
Detailed below are the terms for a one (1) year pilot to occur during the 2014-2015 school year only. Should the parties wish to continue this model they must agree in writing to do so by June 15, 2015 to do so. If no such agreement is reached, the workday shall automatically revert to the provisions of Article 6 in the 2007-2009 teachers' collective bargaining agreement and corresponding articles in other agreements.
This language gives the UFT some actual leverage over the time schedule for the future. If we don't agree to continue this year's 80 minute professional development Mondays and 75 minute parent engagement and other professional work Tuesdays along with four open school evenings rather than two, then we automatically go back to 37.5 minutes of small group instruction four days per week and a six hour and twenty minute day on Friday along with only two open school evenings but faculty meetings and grade/department meetings would still take place for forty minutes after school twice a month.
(I am not taking a position here on which way is better. I currently work in a PROSE school that has 50 minute extended time sessions on Tuesdays, Wednesdays and Thursdays and six hour-twenty minute Mondays as well as Fridays. Some of our extended time is spent with the kids while the rest is for PD and parent engagement.)
The UFT should be seeking feedback throughout this pilot year on the extended time provision from the membership, School Leadership Teams, Chapter Leaders and Parent Teachers Associations. At some point the union should be polling each school community to see how the current extended time schedule is working out in schools and asking what members want for next year. Smart money says there are probably as many opinions on extended time as there are schools.
We should attempt to build some kind of consensus on how we want to proceed. The leadership could then go into negotiations in a position to either obtain maximum flexibility on how to use the time or to advocate for a specific position if a huge majority of schools want it.
Instead, what will probably happen is after the state budget is decided by April 1 (expect the union to declare victory no matter what is given away in Albany), the UFT will then remember that they have to renegotiate the extended time provision.
President Mulgrew will mention it at a Delegate Assembly and then prompt his followers that maybe the extended time provision needs some minor tweaking (maybe a couple of more acceptable School Based Options). He will then go and negotiate with minimal input from anyone. An agreement will be reached and it will be rubber stamped at the June DA by the loyalty oath signing Unity faithful. Even though it is a contractual provision, there might not even be a vote by the membership.
Then in September, UFT members will return to school. Some will be happy but many others will start complaining about the extended time provision.
There is a better way to negotiate but pressure has to come from the rank and file. It is up to us to mobilize to try and fight Cuomo's plan to destroy us as our main priority. However, we also need to remember that we should have a say in the nuts and bolts, day-to-day aspects of our own working lives, including how to use the extended time provision. I suggest everyone start conversations about how we want the extended time to look next year and bring these discussions to their Chapter Leaders, School Leadership Teams and parents.
Ultimately, it is in our hands.
Having been on negotiating committees for two UFT contracts, I can say the committee does virtually no negotiating. Instead, UFT leadership tells the committee some of what is going on behind the scenes and then asks for the committee to rubber stamp leadership's positions. Since UFT committees usually contain a large majority from the ruling Unity Caucus who have pledged to support whatever comes from the top, the committees exist mainly for show.
If an opposition group or coalition was ever to win power, we would try to institute a totally different way of negotiating contracts. There is no general UFT election until 2016 (important Chapter Leader and Delegate Elections take place this spring) but let's just say we were in an alternate universe and the opposition could negotiate the extended time provision for next year.
Our work day is six hours and twenty minutes each day plus a total of 150 minutes of extended time each week (in addition there are faculty and grade conferences). Multi session schools just put the extended time into the school days but single session schools do it differently.
The extended time portion of the contract agreed to by Mulgrew and the DOE last spring is a one year citywide pilot that needs to be renegotiated by June 15 or single session schools will revert to last year's time schedule. Here is the actual contractual language from MOA Article 5--Workday:
Detailed below are the terms for a one (1) year pilot to occur during the 2014-2015 school year only. Should the parties wish to continue this model they must agree in writing to do so by June 15, 2015 to do so. If no such agreement is reached, the workday shall automatically revert to the provisions of Article 6 in the 2007-2009 teachers' collective bargaining agreement and corresponding articles in other agreements.
This language gives the UFT some actual leverage over the time schedule for the future. If we don't agree to continue this year's 80 minute professional development Mondays and 75 minute parent engagement and other professional work Tuesdays along with four open school evenings rather than two, then we automatically go back to 37.5 minutes of small group instruction four days per week and a six hour and twenty minute day on Friday along with only two open school evenings but faculty meetings and grade/department meetings would still take place for forty minutes after school twice a month.
(I am not taking a position here on which way is better. I currently work in a PROSE school that has 50 minute extended time sessions on Tuesdays, Wednesdays and Thursdays and six hour-twenty minute Mondays as well as Fridays. Some of our extended time is spent with the kids while the rest is for PD and parent engagement.)
The UFT should be seeking feedback throughout this pilot year on the extended time provision from the membership, School Leadership Teams, Chapter Leaders and Parent Teachers Associations. At some point the union should be polling each school community to see how the current extended time schedule is working out in schools and asking what members want for next year. Smart money says there are probably as many opinions on extended time as there are schools.
We should attempt to build some kind of consensus on how we want to proceed. The leadership could then go into negotiations in a position to either obtain maximum flexibility on how to use the time or to advocate for a specific position if a huge majority of schools want it.
Instead, what will probably happen is after the state budget is decided by April 1 (expect the union to declare victory no matter what is given away in Albany), the UFT will then remember that they have to renegotiate the extended time provision.
President Mulgrew will mention it at a Delegate Assembly and then prompt his followers that maybe the extended time provision needs some minor tweaking (maybe a couple of more acceptable School Based Options). He will then go and negotiate with minimal input from anyone. An agreement will be reached and it will be rubber stamped at the June DA by the loyalty oath signing Unity faithful. Even though it is a contractual provision, there might not even be a vote by the membership.
Then in September, UFT members will return to school. Some will be happy but many others will start complaining about the extended time provision.
There is a better way to negotiate but pressure has to come from the rank and file. It is up to us to mobilize to try and fight Cuomo's plan to destroy us as our main priority. However, we also need to remember that we should have a say in the nuts and bolts, day-to-day aspects of our own working lives, including how to use the extended time provision. I suggest everyone start conversations about how we want the extended time to look next year and bring these discussions to their Chapter Leaders, School Leadership Teams and parents.
Ultimately, it is in our hands.
Thursday, February 05, 2015
FARINA DOESN'T WANT "FLYBY" OBSERVATIONS FOR TEACHERS BUT WHAT ABOUT ATRS?
In a recent NY Times article and in testimony before Albany lawmakers, Chancellor Carmen Farina stated that she is no fan of Governor Andrew Cuomo's proposal that 50% of teacher ratings should be based on student scores on one state test. She also objected to Cuomo's plan for teachers to be observed by evaluators from outside of their schools.
According to the Times, Farina explained how "teachers needed to be observed over time, watched for things like whether they engaged with parents or gave special attention to students who needed extra help, and that 'flybys' could not replace that." But what about Absent Teacher Reserves Madam Chancellor?
ATRs are observed in "flybys" all the time by roving Department of education supervisors. A traveling ATR pointed out to me how our Chancellor should be consistent when it comes to observations.
Everyone knows these "flyby" observations are useless as the teacher usually doesn't know the students or the parents. Sometimes the "flybys" take place with ATRs teaching subjects they are not licensed or certified to teach and with lessons that are planned by teachers who are absent.
Even in a standard observation, a teacher does not control all of the variables which makes it stressful. In these ATR "flybys" the anxiety is increased greatly because the teacher in many instances could not possibly have much control over the class as students often have no respect for substitutes which can make classroom management a nightmare. An ATR has no leverage over student grades and it might not be easy to get in touch with parents or even have access to deans or school safety if there are problems.
The Chancellor should practice what she preaches and end "flybys" for ATRs by roving supervisors.
PS--ATRs need to challenge these ridiculous "flyby" evaluations as Chaz explains. Contact the chapter leader in the school you are assigned to or us at ICEUFT@gmail.com if you need help.
The ATR Alliance will be meeting on February 12 at 5:30 pm at 512 Clinton Avenue (the Freedom School) in Brooklyn. Please join us.
According to the Times, Farina explained how "teachers needed to be observed over time, watched for things like whether they engaged with parents or gave special attention to students who needed extra help, and that 'flybys' could not replace that." But what about Absent Teacher Reserves Madam Chancellor?
ATRs are observed in "flybys" all the time by roving Department of education supervisors. A traveling ATR pointed out to me how our Chancellor should be consistent when it comes to observations.
Everyone knows these "flyby" observations are useless as the teacher usually doesn't know the students or the parents. Sometimes the "flybys" take place with ATRs teaching subjects they are not licensed or certified to teach and with lessons that are planned by teachers who are absent.
Even in a standard observation, a teacher does not control all of the variables which makes it stressful. In these ATR "flybys" the anxiety is increased greatly because the teacher in many instances could not possibly have much control over the class as students often have no respect for substitutes which can make classroom management a nightmare. An ATR has no leverage over student grades and it might not be easy to get in touch with parents or even have access to deans or school safety if there are problems.
The Chancellor should practice what she preaches and end "flybys" for ATRs by roving supervisors.
PS--ATRs need to challenge these ridiculous "flyby" evaluations as Chaz explains. Contact the chapter leader in the school you are assigned to or us at ICEUFT@gmail.com if you need help.
The ATR Alliance will be meeting on February 12 at 5:30 pm at 512 Clinton Avenue (the Freedom School) in Brooklyn. Please join us.
Sunday, February 01, 2015
NYSUT-UFT SHOULD PUSH FOR GIANT MARCH 4 CIVICS LESSON IN ALBANY
If Eva Moskowitz can basically close her schools for an all day civics lesson (rally) up in Albany on March 4, why can't the supposedly progressive Mayor Bill de Blasio and all of the other so called pro-public school district leaders push for the same civics lesson for our kids and their parents on that day?
A group of my students from Jamaica High School went with the NAACP to Albany to meet state lawmakers on an approved public school trip during the school day back in 2011.
How about a huge counterdemonstration-civics lesson for public education in Albany on March 4?
Instead, we have UFT members apparently jockeying for limited seats on lobby day buses headed for Albany the same day that Eva's masses will descend upon the seat of state government. It looks like we are being outmaneuvered by the charter people again.
A group of my students from Jamaica High School went with the NAACP to Albany to meet state lawmakers on an approved public school trip during the school day back in 2011.
How about a huge counterdemonstration-civics lesson for public education in Albany on March 4?
Instead, we have UFT members apparently jockeying for limited seats on lobby day buses headed for Albany the same day that Eva's masses will descend upon the seat of state government. It looks like we are being outmaneuvered by the charter people again.
Friday, January 30, 2015
EMAILS WE GET EMAILS AND A DA REPORT FROM NYC EDUCATOR
I have decided that I enjoy sitting out Delegate Assemblies as non-delegates are exiled to a room on the 19th floor and have to watch on video. Fortunately, NYC Educator attended yesterday's emergency DA and filed this report.
For those of you who don't want to close read it, our fight-back strategy seems to be a massive public relations campaign. Not a bad start but it looks to me to that this will not be enough to stop the well funded Cuomo anti-teacher express from harming us in a significant way.
iceuft@gmail.com is our email address. We look forward to receiving your emails and there were a couple of really good ones that came in the last couple of days. With permission, here is one which I admit is edited a bit.
For those of you who don't want to close read it, our fight-back strategy seems to be a massive public relations campaign. Not a bad start but it looks to me to that this will not be enough to stop the well funded Cuomo anti-teacher express from harming us in a significant way.
iceuft@gmail.com is our email address. We look forward to receiving your emails and there were a couple of really good ones that came in the last couple of days. With permission, here is one which I admit is edited a bit.
Hi James,
Just to change the subject for a moment from Cuomo's pending attempts to destroy public education, don't you think it's strange that eight months after the UFT contract ratification, there is still no UFT contract available online or in print. All we have is the 2008-2009 contract, and the most recent MOA (with details still to be added).
In the meantime, administrators all over the city are walking all over our supposedly re-negotiated rights - regarding excessive paperwork, lesson planning, and observations, etc. - and we don't have a current, official document to protect ourselves with.
Any thoughts on that?
Cheers,
Bennett Fischer
Art Teacher
PS 231K
It is kind of strange that there is no printed or online version of the new contract yet. Usually what happens is the Board of Education and UFT would get together and agree where each of the terms of the new Memorandum of Agreement would fit into the contract. They then insert the new language and print new copies of the contract that they send to members. I guess they are too busy now to be bothered with this mundane task.
This next letter I did not get permission yet to print so I will do it anonymously.
What is the latest on retro pay for retired teachers? Amazing how long this is being kept under wraps.
I am going to surprise some readers here by predicting this will be resolved by the February deadline. As for the actual money, let's hope it comes as soon as possible. UFT needs a victory and the Mayor can easily throw them this bone.
Keep writing and we will keep responding.
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