On Anna Phillips, Fiction Writing, MORE Chapter Leaders, My Dad's Apartment

NY Times misses the boat on Anna Phillips

I ended a long day by racing over to catch the tail end of ex NY Times reporter Anna Phillips' going away party last night at Half King Bar on 23 St and 10 Ave. Last year around this time Anna said goodbye when she left Gotham for the Times. Now she is saying goodbye again as she heads down to Tampa where she will get to work for a real newspaper, the St. Petersburg/Tampa Bay Times.

Why a real newspaper? They were smart enough to hire Anna for a full-time job with full benefits, while the the NY Times missed the boat. Imagine the Tampa Bay Times getting our top notch ed reporter (Anna will be covering everything including the Republican convention --- people at the party offered to chip in to get her a gun since people packing will be allowed into the convention ---but no hand grenades) --- while the Times has to shift a guy who covered the NYPD to education (well maybe totally appropriate in the police/militarized schools under Bloomberg. Another guy who will take years to understand what the hell is really going on in education. Well, at least Anna took me to lunch on the Times expense account. Instead of ordering a tuna on rye I should asked to go to Peter Lugers.

The Times is showing what a joke they are when it comes to covering education with a revolving door of people who have to learn the ed beat.

Anna is one of the best reporters who was such a quick learner and had as much experience and depth of knowledge as anyone in the business. When she started with Gotham 3 years ago she offered to take me to dinner in exchange for my sense of how the UFT works. Three hours later, she staggered out of the restaurant and I had barely grazed the surface. But she is such a quick learner she did get the nuances, something even reporters with years of experience ----I'll be nice today and not mention them --- never get.

That the Times didn't recognize Anna's talents is a sign of their decline.

I had tried to take a cab from the east side but 23st was closed for resurfacing --- amazing how choked the traffic was at 9PM and I ended up walking. I ran into David Bloomfield on the way and he said there was still a remnant left at the party and I was glad to see a bunch of NYC ed reporters --- there were also a few stray UFT slugs (always courting the press to cover what sellouts they are) and some charter school people who never let an opportunity to schmooze the press go by.

I was happy to reconnect with Gotham leading lights Elizabeth Green and Philissa Cramer. We had a very nice chat. You know I have been critical of Gotham's coverage at times, in particular the attention given to E4E while ignoring other activist groups. It is good to have face-to-face chats so you get the other point of view. Obviously fund-raising is a major issue for Gotham --- if they had loads of money to pay reporters Anna could have remained --- and I think she did her best work there due to the freedom she had vs the straight jacket at the Times. Elizabeth and Philissa weren't aware of the new caucus MORE (though I gave Anna and Elizabeth a heads up on what was coming well over a year ago) ---- they said don't assume they know everything going on given their limited resources and invited me to pitch stories to them, as I imagine many groups do, especially the low-life charter lobby (sorry). But I am never comfortable selling stuff while I am willing to give certain reporters leads. We parted with good feelings (I hope) on the subway.

I did pick up one tidbit -- that Michael Winerip is leaving the Times. Or was pushed. Another blow and sign of their downfall. Many people have been predicting that given the quality of his writing on the side of real reform. How tempted am I to cancel my sub?

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 Cleaning out my dad's apartment
Anna's party was the end of the day and with subway service being what it was didn't get home until after midnight. I'm still trying to fully sort out an 11 hour piece of my day yesterday once I left my house around 1pm. I started by spending an hour working on cleaning out my dad's apartment which was sealed by the police because he lived alone when he died last week. It took me a week to get it opened. It is a large apartment with two bedrooms and two baths and a very big living room and dining area. My dad took over the apartment when my aunt died. He was living with her and taking care of her. Every cop who was there marveled at the size -- especially when I told them he paid $1200 a month. I'm sure that will triple. One new thing I learned about my dad is that he loved to use shoe trees. There are tons around, so if anyone needs a shoe tree.... well, 2 shoe-trees, guaranteed a right and a left.


MORE Chapter Leaders and Delegate meeting
Then it was up to the MORE meeting at 4:30. I got there early and sat at a small table, figuring how many people are going to show on a late Thursday afternoon? Well, as more and more people drifted in, the tables kept growing. Almost all of them had been elected, some over entrenched Unity Caucus people -- one guy with about 75% of the vote. Some are still running. The tables kept growing until they extended all across the room. We had to break into two groups. I know he is internet shy but it was so great to have the support of the always awesome Bruce Markens, one of the heroes of the UFT for being the only district rep elected repeatedly despite Unity attempts to unseat him --- until Randi finally got so fed up she eliminated district rep elections entirely.

With so many new people, we had a great session sharing advice on chapter organizing, communication, etc. Bruce and I and Kit Wainer laid out how the consultation committee should work -- it isYOUR meeting, not the principal's and YOU set the agenda and decide who should attend. (More on this another time.)

I'm excited that this group is shaping up as a support network for chapter leaders and delegates. You might think the UFT would offer this but the reality is that they do offer some good training, it is limited to chapter leaders --- and they use these trainings to recruit people into Unity, people who really have little idea as to what Unity is. But that closes them off to the alternate groups like ICE and TJC were (both are working with MORE and will not run in UFT elections again). The District Reps are the key gatekeepers and manage the CLs to make sure there is little voice of opposition, holding "support" over their heads. These are mostly young teachers who are jumping into the union so some kind of support network from experienced CLs like Kit, Bruce, James Eterno, Jeff Kaufman, etc will be very useful. This group will get together again I think on August 16. I urge anyone who is a current or future CL or delegate to come on down.

Fiction Writing

Then it was off to my 7PM fiction writing group which I have been part of since its inception 6 years ago. We read 3 pieces each session in advance of the meeting and critique them. Now other than Ed Notes (which the UFT and Tweed consider fiction) I haven't really been writing much for this group. There are some very talented people in the group, with a couple of novels and self-help books published. Mary Hoffman who I recruited to the group, used to teach with me and is a high level and serious writer with a published book of short stories and some novels hopefully on the verge. That meeting ended at 9 when I headed over to say goodbye to Anna.


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The opinions expressed on EdNotesOnline are solely those of Norm Scott and are not to be taken as official positions (though Unity Caucus/New Action slugs will try to paint them that way) of any of the groups or organizations Norm works with: ICE, GEM, MORE, Change the Stakes, NYCORE, FIRST Lego League NYC, Rockaway Theatre Co., Active Aging, The Wave, Aliens on Earth, etc.

Field Trip Against Field Tests: Parent Protest Pearson: June 7 @ 11:00 am

Some parents opting out of Pearson field tests will bring children to June 7 Pearson to protest having them be guinea pigs. Some parents are sending Pearson an invoice for the use of their children as child labor.

There's lots of exciting stuff happening on the opposition to  high stakes testing front. I really can't keep up so you'll have to troll around my Daily Blog roll. Here in NYC I have been part of the GEM Change the Stakes group which has attracted some outstanding parents from around the city. We had another great meeting yesterday and the next focus is on the June 7 protest at Pearson described below. I expect to be there to cover it. Other groups involved include a dynamic new group, Parent Voices (www.parentvoicesny.org) and the old standby Time Out From Testing. And this is nation-wide.

High-stakes testing protests spread http://wapo.st/KR0O2Q
*In New York, parents are organizing to boycott the June administration of a “try out” test. Students will answer experimental questions so Pearson can select items for future tests, perhaps to be used in multiple states for more profits, as was “Pineapple.” The company already had included experimental questions on the May state tests.--Valerie Strauss

The AFT/UFT/Randi Weingarten clique is looking to climb on board the test resistance movement with an  AFT Resolution on Testing resolution at the AFT convention in Detroit in July. It doesn't go far enough and is just words with no real demands. But check it out for yourself. One thing I can say for sure, every single one of the 800 Unity Caucus people going to Detroit will support it no matter what amendments are made to give it teeth. Look for them to call the question, take up space at the microphones, etc. to stop any changes. Read it for yourself --- looks good on paper but is missing some essential elements like:

-- Full transparency of all tests.

-- Full audit of all test costs.

And more -- like some focus on how the common core, which the union supports, will increase testing and costs and test prep. That they support common core and this supposed reso on testing indicates how bogus this is. Call it the Cover Our Ass reso.

Of course, as to events like this below, the UFT seems to have little interest.

If you want a copy of the flier click on the graphic and download it or send me an email and I'll get you the pdf.

Public school parents from across the city are gathering outside the headquarters of test publisher Pearson to protest misguided testing in the public schools.

The demonstration is taking place on:

Thursday, June 7 at 11AM
1330 6th Avenue –  gathering on the corner of 54th street and 6th avenue

We all saw this year how bad the tests are, with ridiculous questions like “The Pineapple and the Hare.” And yet no one takes responsibility. The New York State Education Department has turned over control of the education system to a private for-profit company with no accountability and no oversight

It’s time for parents, educators and concerned citizens to say, enough is enough! We want a rich curriculum for our kids – not “teaching to the test.”

There is no school on June 7th, so we encourage parents to bring their children on a “field trip against the field tests”. We will have a marching band, fun chants, puppets and other activities for kids.

So please join us – and tell your friends. See the attached graphics for more information and distribution.


This demonstration is sponsored by a coalition of groups, including ParentVoicesNY, Time Out From Testing, Change the Stakes, Restore Education Funding, Class Size Matters, Edu4, Alliance for Quality Education, Coalition for Educational Justice. For more information, see www.parentvoicesny.org or www.changethestakes.org.

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FAIR Test run by the great Monty Neill is the major national group fighting high stakes testing. Just to be in the same room with Debbie and Diane is worth the price of admission. I just sent in my $75 for a ticket. And even if you can't go on Tuesday, send them something to keep up the great work.

FairTest to Honor Diane Ravitch with the Deborah W. Meier Hero in Education Award

http://fairtest.org/fairtest-honor-diane-ravitch-deborah-w-meier-hero

Date and Time: Tuesday, 5 June, 6:00-830 p.m.
Place: Julia Richman Educational Complex, 317 East 67th St., New York City

Diane Ravitch is an internationally renowned and respected historian of education. Formerly a supporter of testing, test-based accountability, and school choice, she had the courage to publicly renounce her previous position after seeing the wreckage caused by No Child Left Behind. For the past two years, she has tirelessly toured the nation, encouraging educators, parents and other citizens to stand up against the relentless encroachment of high-stakes standardized testing on the minds of children and the lives of educators.

Author of 10 books, editor of 14 others, and the recipient of numerous honors and awards for her work, Diane is a graduate of the Houston (TX) public schools and earned a BA from Wellesley College and a Ph.D. in American Education History at Columbia University. She was on the faculty of Teachers College from 1975-1991. She then was Assistant Secretary for the Office of Education Research and Improvement in the administration of President George H.W. Bush. She was appointed to the National Assessment Governing Board by the Clinton administration, serving from 1997-2004. She shares a weekly blog with Deborah W. Meier on Education Week’s website column, “Bridging Differences.” Diane lives in Brooklyn with her partner Mary Butz.

Order your tickets or place an ad in the Celebration Program using this downloadable form.

If you are unable to attend, we hope you will place an ad in the program or make a donation in honor of Diane here.

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The opinions expressed on EdNotesOnline are solely those of Norm Scott and are not to be taken as official positions (though Unity Caucus/New Action slugs will try to paint them that way) of any of the groups or organizations Norm works with: ICE, GEM, MORE, Change the Stakes, NYCORE, FIRST Lego League NYC, Rockaway Theatre Co., Active Aging, The Wave, Aliens on Earth, etc.

The Incarceration Gap: School to Prison Pipe Line, Racism and Stop and Frisk

I received a phone call from a former student in an upstate prison serving 15 to life for murder one Thanksgiving while surrounded by 20 guests in my home. "Hey Scottie, guess who's here with me? M---." "What, he's back in prison," I said, shocked? M, one of my favorite students, came on the phone and we chatted. "There are 9 guys from the our block here," M said. ---- Norm Scott

Everything connects with everything, but the role that the incarceration of black men in America has played and continues to play seems suddenly a greater crisis than bad schools, or even poverty. If we—white Americans—were truly concerned about the "achievement gap," it's the gap in incarceration rates where we might start. No, it isn't a fact that it all starts with "pathology" or the "culture of poverty." --- Deb Meier

Yes, there's an incarceration gap. Ed Deformers blame that gap on US. Bad teaching you know.

All these issues are ignored when asshole ed deformers talk about the civil rights issue of our time being focused on getting rid of a few so-called "bad" teachers. As if the number of kids who have a dad or another close relative serving time has no relevance. Two articles featured here by Debbie Meier and Michael Powell though seemingly independent, are interrelated.

Deb connects the dots. But let's add in the series on "stop and frisk" Michael Powell has been doing at the NY Times. He has a good piece yesterday. Just about every one of my make students have been stopped.

Here are the links to Powell.

1. Time for Kelly to Drop Stop-and-Frisk in New York - NYTimes.com

   www.nytimes.com/.../reducing-crime-squandering-good-will.html

   Apr 9, 2012 – New York's police commissioner once said the use of stop-and-frisk tactics “sowed new seeds of community mistrust,” ... By MICHAEL POWELL ...

2. Arguments for Stop-and-Frisk Don't Hold Up - The New York Times

   www.nytimes.com/.../gotham-arguments-for-stop-and-frisk-dont-hol...

   By MICHAEL POWELL. Published: May 28, 2012. I grew up in the New York City so often invoked as the horror to which we might return if the police stopped ...

3. 'Officers, Why Do You Have Your Guns Out?' - The New York Times

   www.nytimes.com/.../fatal-shooting-of-ex-marine-by-white-plains-po...

   Mar 5, 2012 – By MICHAEL POWELL ... James Estrin/The New York Times ... and her voice cracks; she is speaking for the first time about what she saw.

'The New Jim Crow'

By Deborah Meier on May 24, 2012 10:58 AM

Dear Diane,
I've had a startling experience—even though "I knew it all" before. But it didn't add up until I read Michelle Alexander's The New Jim Crow.

Everything connects with everything, but the role that the incarceration of black men in America has played and continues to play seems suddenly a greater crisis than bad schools, or even poverty. If we—white Americans—were truly concerned about the "achievement gap," it's the gap in incarceration rates where we might start. No, it isn't a fact that it all starts with "pathology" or the "culture of poverty."

Alexander's rigorously researched and passionate book was hard to put down and equally hard to pick up. We (white Americans) keep inventing new ways to maintain racism in its most naked form—even as we about talk colorblindness. I think I have fallen into the trap, too, when pointing out that the white poor face many of the same obstacles that the black and Hispanic poor do. I, too, have been urging a more colorblind attack on our school system's miseducational policies. Tactically, it might have seemed wise, but factually, it's nonsense.

Read Deb's entire piece: http://blogs.edweek.org/edweek/Bridging-Differences/2012/05/_my_25_dear_diane.html 
 
And let me add Jose Vilson's

An Open Letter To NYS Education Commissioner John B. King [Testing Isn't Natural]

Jose ties into the testing movement as a way for the deformers to control the system -- and make more than a few bucks for their buddies. King is one of the bigger asshats and total suckup.

I’m in no way outraged because, as it turns out, I expected you to show your hand when it came to these things. The same money used to draw the huge contract recently doled out to Pearson to create (and probably fix) these tests could have been used to hire more adults to our neediest schools. Plus, your department asked the rest of us to carry out your agenda in the form of a memo. As if the kids haven’t already picked up that most of these tests shouldn’t be taken seriously. As if testing them this many times will actually matter in the lives they hope to lead after K-12.

Read all of Jose's piece:

And speaking of testing, did you know that Change the Stakes is meeting today at CUNY at 5:30 rm 5409 (34th and 5th ave -- bring id. Join the parents and teachers working on opting out or boycotting the Pearson field tests in June. And keep an eye out on ed notes for our exclusive reveal of test passages and questions in advance of the test.

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The opinions expressed on EdNotesOnline are solely those of Norm Scott and are not to be taken as official positions (though Unity Caucus/New Action slugs will try to paint them that way) of any of the groups or organizations Norm works with: ICE, GEM, MORE, Change the Stakes, NYCORE, FIRST Lego League NYC, Rockaway Theatre Co., Active Aging, The Wave, Aliens on Earth, etc.

Chicago Screening of The Inconvenient Truth Behind Waiting for Superman Draws Crowd in Chicago

 Little by little we are reaching new batches of people. This photo came in from Al Ramirez, one of the leaders of CORE, the Caucus of Rank and File Educators in Chicago, the same caucus that Karen Lewis is part of. Al is an old pal from the summer of 2009 when I got to hang out with CORE members when running the union was barely a glimmer in their eyes. One year later they were running the union.

Al texted this photo as they were filing in. I think this is being sponsored by a parent/community activist group who have been in touch.

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The opinions expressed on EdNotesOnline are solely those of Norm Scott and are not to be taken as official positions (though Unity Caucus/New Action slugs will try to paint them that way) of any of the groups or organizations Norm works with: ICE, GEM, MORE, Change the Stakes, NYCORE, FIRST Lego League NYC, Rockaway Theatre Co., Active Aging, The Wave, Aliens on Earth, etc.

TAPCO/Passarella Debate Continues

"I am a teacher in Queens who also has been following this. Why? Because it's disturbing. I saw it in the news on Channel 7 and googled the name PASSARELLA and SCANDAL and was lead to this blog. The entries read like a John Grisham novel. "

There is no little irony in the news today from WalBloom about the limits of a 3020a hearing for teachers from THEIR point of view. But when it comes to principal, they can pretty much do what they want --- a double -- or quadruple standard -- they get 4x the protection a teacher gets. TAPCO principal Lyn Passarella is a perfect example. I'm betting they give her a network to run --- networks, the burial ground for passing the principal lemons.

"What is disturbing is the implication that the DOE not only knew about Passarella, but probably provided the training and the knowledge for her to operate as she did. I would like to know WHO concealed her. WHO was her mentor. What organizations advised her. And most important, now that she has been exposed, are any of those parties being held accountable?"

The above quotes from a Queens teacher were intriguing for the questions they raise about the system in general under the ed deformers. We have had a few posts on TAPCO on Ed Notes over the past few years (see links below). Tapco was the highest scoring school -- until the scandals erupted. People connected to the school have been dropping by some of the posts over the years, with one garnering over 140 comments so far.
 
The debate has been intense, including teachers and students. Sometimes there are some rough edges. I do not censor any of it unless someone asks me to look at a comment. But I don't remember taking anything out. This debate really gets into the fabric of a school culture and can be very illuminating.

I'm bringing it up today because of this comment today from a teacher who has nothing to do with the school but was intrigued by the comments.

(NOTE: I have comment moderation turned on after a day or two because of the influx of ads, not to censor anyone. So it you post it will be up within 24 hours when I get to it.)

Anonymous has left a new comment on your post "Another DOE Scam - TAPCO - Theatre Arts Production...":

I am a teacher in Queens who also has been following this. Why? Because it's disturbing. I saw it in the news on Channel 7 and googled the name PASSARELLA and SCANDAL and was lead to this blog. The entries read like a John Grisham novel.

What is disturbing is the implication that the DOE not only knew about Passarella, but probably provided the training and the knowledge for her to operate as she did. I would like to know WHO concealed her. WHO was her mentor. What organizations advised her. And most important, now that she has been exposed, are any of those parties being held accountable?

Indeed the Passarella story is not just an indictment on her, but on the system she has been able to succeed in. Think about it. Her lying and cheating and cooking the books lead her school to achieve the number one ranking in the entire NYC school system. Yet from what I read, her graduates could barely survive in life after TAPCO. Bad sign.

Justice needs to be served. Is it true her hearing is not until fall? And she continues to collect that $145K? Incredible. Simply incredible. Why can't they after a 17 month investigation hear her case within a month? Or freeze her salary until it is decided? Just think of all the useful ways that money could be spent to better her school, and undue her damage! 

 Here are the links I found on a search of Ed Notes:

Another DOE Scam - TAPCO - Ed Notes Online - Yes

Nov 30, 2010

I find it interesting that TAPCO was discussed on this forum. Somehow, the Theatre Arts Production Co. School was rated the number 1 school in the NYC-DOE report cards this past month. When the principal announced it, ...

http://ednotesonline.blogspot.com/

Ed Notes Online: That Cheat'n Principal: Passarella Removed from ...

Mar 09, 2012

I am a former staff member at the school MS/HS225, also known as TAPCO. Although I have not worked at this school for several years, I am intimately familiar with the workings of the school and its principal, Lynn Passarella.

http://ednotesonline.blogspot.com/

 

UFT Condmened in TAPCO Fiasco - Ed Notes Online - Yes

Mar 11, 2012

This comment below from TAPCO takes the UFT Chapter Leader who was owned by the admin to task. But maybe you can't blame him considering he knows the UFT doesn't have the ability to protect his back. Do teachers ...

http://ednotesonline.blogspot.com/

 

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The opinions expressed on EdNotesOnline are solely those of Norm Scott and are not to be taken as official positions (though Unity Caucus/New Action slugs will try to paint them that way) of any of the groups or organizations Norm works with: ICE, GEM, MORE, Change the Stakes, NYCORE, FIRST Lego League NYC, Rockaway Theatre Co., Active Aging, The Wave, Aliens on Earth, etc.

NYC Teachers Support Parents on Field Test Boycott in Letter to Walcott

You can show your support for the boycott of Pearson Field testing which uses students and teachers as guinea pigs to test sample questions in days of tests this June. There is lots of action around this issue. Find out if your school is on the list to tested by checking the links at the end of this post.

Teachers and concerned citizens,

A handful of parents fought back against high-stakes testing last month by refusing to have their children sit for the state tests. Most recently hundreds of parents across New York City have been telling their principals they do not want their children to participate in the Pearson standalone field tests that schools are required to administer this month or next.

While many teachers would like to be able to join parents in boycotting the tests, we also know that such risks require a strong union leadership that is willing to support teachers in taking job actions of this kind in protest of unjust DOE practices.

For this reason several teachers have instead drafted a letter to Chancellor Walcott and the DOE requesting permission to not be required to participate in the June field tests. You can read and sign the letter here. The letter is polite and in no way could be considered insubordination, but please know that it is an open letter and we will be sending the names of those who signed along with the letter to the DOE and to press within the next several weeks.

Below is the text of the letter. It has already been endorsed by Movement of Rank-and-file Educators, the social justice caucus of the UFT. Please share widely with those who might be interested, and sign on by clicking here. Non-teachers such as concerned parents or community members can also sign on in support.

May, 2012


Chancellor Walcott and the New York City Department of Education
52 Chambers St
New York, NY 10007


Dear Chancellor Walcott and the New York City Department of Education,


We, the undersigned educators of the New York City schools, are writing to respectfully request that teachers across New York City not be required to participate in or proctor the Pearson stand-alone field tests that the New York State Education Department plans to administer in most schools this month and next. Our reasons for reaching out to you with this request are many-faceted, and while we will comply with any decision that is made, we would ask that you please consider our concerns with the field tests before coming to a decision.


To begin, many parents have become increasingly frustrated by the use, nature and abundance of standardized tests in our schools. We have seen this personally, in conversations with parents who express their concerns to us as their children’s teachers. And we have also seen it as a city-wide movement, which recently included a group of parents who refused to have their children sit for the New York State ELA and Math exams.  This effort by parents, organizing alongside concerned educators through the Grassroots Education Movement’s Change the Stakes committee, was supported by many more parents who said they would like to remove their children from the state exams but were concerned about the consequences. In explaining their reasons for choosing to boycott parents wrote that the increased focus on improving scores has forced teachers less time focussing on “inspiring a love of learning, fostering creativity, or encouraging critical and interdisciplinary thinking.”


Additionally, hundreds of parents organizing  with groups such as Time Out from Testing, Change the Stakes and ParentVoicesNY have now submitted letters to principals in schools across New York City stating that they “respectfully request that the school not give the [stand-alone field] tests at all, and that all students benefit from a day of instruction rather than waste yet another day on test-taking.” In the letter, parents cite concerns such as wasted instructional days and the use of their children as guinea pigs for the research purposes of “a for-profit corporation without [their] consent or permission.” We feel that as teachers it is our responsibility to be responsive to the concerns of the parents whose children we serve, and we would like to support this most recent parent effort around the stand-alone field tests.


Secondly, as teachers we agree with parents that excessive testing is damaging to our students. Indeed, the use of standardized tests to make high-stakes decisions about children, teachers and schools has been repeatedly documented by researchers to have negative consequences on children and on their education.  We have witnessed worrisome anxiety in the children we are charged with educating as the increased pressure to perform on the state exams affects them. We have seen- and in many cases been forced to comply with- a narrowing of the curriculum and the neglecting of non-tested subjects. We think that the use of time for test preparation as well as the number of days taken up by tests and practice tests is unconscionable.  Considering all this, we cannot in good faith subject our students to additional testing days in May and June without at the very least requesting permission to recuse ourselves from this practice on moral grounds.


Finally, we feel that the form and use of the stand-alone field tests are inappropriate for their stated purpose, and we lament the intended long-term strategy of increased “accountability based on tests” of which these field tests are a part. The use of stand-alone field tests for the purpose of norming state exams has been repeatedly criticized by experts. In fact, the NYS Education Department itself blamed stand alone field-testing in part for the need to re-calibrate the cut scores on the 2009 state exams that moved thousands of students across the state from passing to failing.  We also know that the field tests are meant to pilot various questions for exams that will then be used as part of the new New York State teacher evaluation system. We feel that the use of test scores in any form to evaluate teachers is inappropriate. The Board on Testing and Assessment of the National Research Council of the National Academy of Sciences has warned that so-called “value added models” based on test scores cannot be considered fair or reliable enough to make operational decisions about teachers.  But even if such models were improved, the consequences of using tests to evaluate teachers will be damaging to students’ education for reasons mentioned previously, and will also have a negative effect on school culture. The money spent on contracts with Pearson and other for-profit companies to develop, field-test and administer these exams should instead be spent on increased resources for classrooms and on supporting the educational and non-educational needs of all children, in particular children living in poverty.


In conclusion, we would like to assert that our request is in no way intended to be insubordinate but instead to raise concerns about the field tests and to respectfully request that educators across New York City not be mandated to participate in tests to which we have moral objections. Teachers need to be empowered to stand up when we recognize injustices done to our students and ourselves, and we need unions that support teachers in taking on such challenges. Indeed, teacher protections and the ability to take collective action against injustice help us protect children. We hope that you will consider our request, and we thank you for your time.


Sincerely,
Concerned teachers of the New York City Schools

Endorsed by Movement of Rank-and-file Educators, the social justice caucus of the UFT

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PRESS RELEASE - Change The Stakes Demands Full Disclosure of School Testing Program

Elementary and middle schools in NYC will be administering field tests in June.

Do you know which grades in your school will be tested?

Read our press release

Click on your school’s borough to find out which grade and subject will be tested in your school.

Take a stand against high stakes testing!

MANHATTAN SCHOOLS

BRONX SCHOOLS

BROOKLYN SCHOOLS

QUEENS SCHOOLS

STATEN ISLAND SCHOOLS

CITYWIDE SPECIAL EDUCATION SCHOOLS

COMPLETE CITYWIDE LIST of SCHOOLS

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The opinions expressed on EdNotesOnline are solely those of Norm Scott and are not to be taken as official positions (though Unity Caucus/New Action slugs will try to paint them that way) of any of the groups or organizations Norm works with: ICE, GEM, MORE, Change the Stakes, NYCORE, FIRST Lego League NYC, Rockaway Theatre Co., Active Aging, The Wave, Aliens on Earth, etc.

Memorials: Dad, Paul and Pete

It's been a tough week and Memorial Day brings up lots of thoughts about people missed, primarily my dad who died unexpectedly on Tuesday at the age of 94. That it was unexpected was in many ways a good thing, an indication he was relatively healthy for his years. Actually, remarkably healthy, living alone in a large apartment, refusing any outside help other than my bringing him his favorite foods so he didn't have to do much cooking.

He did have the usual health suspects: hard of hearing, macular degeneration and very poor teeth. We addressed all of these issues in some way over the past few years: hearing aids - which he didn't wear, lucentis injections in the eye to arrest the wet macular, and a brand new set of choppers, which since he got them a year and a half ago, led to his gaining, or at the very least, maintaining his weight, a very good sign for the elderly.

Well, he did eat just about anything and a week ago Friday I brought him a stash -- 4 tubs of Bryers ice cream (if I ever get in that age range and I have anything near my dad's digestive system, it will be Caty bar the door time when I get in the vacinity of food), shrimp with egg plant from a local take out Chinese place (ugh), Hebrew National LARGE franks, and a pile of other stuff.

Tuesday when he didn't answer the phone all afternoon and evening I grew concerned. He often was difficult to reach due to not hearing the phone, being asleep or immersed in his one hour daily routine of taking a hot bath, something he said was the reason for his lack of aches and pains. Over the years I had raced over there a few times expecting to find that he had fallen or just died of a heart attack (he did have a mild heart condition), always relieved to find him OK. This time I had more dread and at 10PM on Tuesday I was dialing 911. He looked to be asleep in a beach chair near an open window where he must have sat down to cool off, maybe after his bath. EMS said he had been dead about 6 hours. He was wearing his push-button alert, which obviously he never pressed. So I guess that may mean he never felt enough distress to call for help and  died in his sleep  -- hopefully.

Just yesterday I heard of one of my former colleagues, now 82, who fell in her apartment, broke her hip and lay there for 5 days until her niece came over and found her. (Get your elderly relatives one of these alerts). That my dad didn't have to go through anything like that is a sign that, as the rabbi said, he was a lucky man in many ways. In fact his nickname was Lucky. And that will be a story for another time.

He told me that when he was gone to throw a party for him with his favorite foods. (I used to ask, "Can we also order some stuff that is edible?") He said he is treating, so as long as the check from beyond doesn't bounce we have a plan. Will we survive ice cream, pastrami, and shrimp with eggplant in the same meal? We'll know in a few weeks.

Paul Baizerman
Last year's Memorial Day was the last time I spoke to my old friend and mentor Paul Baizerman, who I found out had died in December 2011, about a week after I returned from New Zealand. No one wanted to email me the news while I was traveling. I could write forever on the influence Paul had on me and others as an activist and in many other areas of life. Paul was someone who was a leader, and we don't find many of these around today. We traveled to Cuba together in 1978 and then spent 2 weeks racing around Mexico in his Volkswagon a few years later. I was over at his and Vera's place almost every day to chat about teaching and politics. "You eating," Paul would ask as he raced around the kitchen putting things together for dinner? The wrong question to ask me, of course.

We weren't as close over the last bunch of years but I called him a few times a year to get his reading on what was going on with the struggle in education. I could also write many blogs about Paul but will hold off for now. A memorial was held for him back in January and I taped some of it, so maybe as the anniversary of his death approaches in December I will tell the full story about Paul, though I will load up an edited version of the videos for his friends.

Pete Fornatale memorial
So in addition to the sadness of today, was that we had tickets last night to a memorial for legendary DJ Pete Fornatale who suddenly died late last month after a stroke. I wrote about it then. We had met him a few times at book signings out here in Rockaway where he also lived. We listened to Mixed Bag every Saturday at 4PM on WFUV. Pete wrote a book about Bookends, the Simon and Garfunkle album and was touring with Aztec Two-Step, doing commentary as they played the S and G songbook. Last night the scheduled concert was turned into a memorial at City Winery on Varrick St. with Pete's 2 sons and others taking over the commentary. It was a real treat that Tom Chapin was there -- and they played Harry's W-O-L-D, one of our favorites. We had seen Harry (and Tom) in concert many times. Harry has been gone 30 years now. (I hear his son may be involved with some of the high stakes testing activities going on which would be a perfect circle.)

Well anyway, here are some little pieces of video a shot using my cell phone.






http://youtu.be/UTsWdZvtszA

Enough maudlin sentiments. Time to turn up the barbecue.

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The opinions expressed on EdNotesOnline are solely those of Norm Scott and are not to be taken as official positions (though Unity Caucus/New Action slugs will try to paint them that way) of any of the groups or organizations Norm works with: ICE, GEM, MORE, Change the Stakes, NYCORE, FIRST Lego League NYC, Rockaway Theatre Co., Active Aging, The Wave, Aliens on Earth, etc.

Join MORE Members at Chapter Leader & Delegate Meet-Up - May 31

Given the Unity winner take all system in UFT elections (to take place in March 2013) the only way to really change the union is school by school. If you are a chapter leader or delegate (or even if you're not) come on down and meet others looking to change the union where it counts: at the school level where the grass roots grow. And if you will be around this summer, look for announcements for more activities.
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Join MORE: http://morecaucusnyc.org/join-the-movement-of-rank-and-file-educators/
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Chapter elections are underway and MORE is really making our presence known! Please forward and come to the next meetup of new and future chapter leaders and delegates. If you have recently won your election, please come celebrate your success share your story!

**** Please Forward Widely ****
Chapter Leader & Delegate Meet-Up
Are you a chapter leader or delegate (or know someone who is) and want to get advice and strategize with others? Want to build a strong, active chapter but not sure what that would entail? Or are you not currently in a union position at your school but just interested in UFT structure, chapters in general, the responsibilities of chapter leaders and delegates, etc?

Here is a chance to connect with other folks who are Chapter Leaders, Delegates, or just thoughtful union members to compare notes, get advice, and talk about how we can build stronger chapters.

Thursday, May 31st, 4:45pm

at The Grey Dog - 242 w. 16th st. betw. 7th and 8th (1/2/3/A/C/E to 14th or L to 8th Ave)

Corrected - Melissa Harris-Perry: Alter Interrupt

Our working conditions are out students' learning conditions. ----NYC HS Teacher Megan Behrent (MORE).

UPDATE: There are 2 clips, the 2nd didn't include Megan Behrent of the Movement of Rank and File Educators. Megan points out that the more important question than bad teachers are the fact that 50% of the teachers leave within 5 years. Also raises need of support to give teachers best chance to be best they can be.

Alter: Adult interest groups not always best for children. We're not bashing teachers.
Ha. Doesn't he mean only the unions are adult interest groups? As if TFA and DFER and Students First and Success Charters are not adult interest groups.

Visit msnbc.com for breaking news, world news, and news about the economy

Alter uses ed deform code words: adults interests, not children and he and the other ed deformer on the panel still try to shift focus to the so-called "bottom." She said, "we know there are bad teachers." Hey there are bad pundits like Alter -- probably bottom 1% - and does he always have to talk about himself? HE shows his support for teachers through donors choice or HIS nephew is in TFA and is going to stay -- want to bet Alter's nephew is not in the classroom in 5 years?

In the 2nd clip Megan doesn't get to say a word while Alter blathers and the other ed deformer gets the last word. Harris-Perry had to make her point over Alter's interruptions and attempt to steer the conversation away from her criticism of KIPP - which he actually accomplished. With the only teacher in the room relatively muted, she promised Megan a return appearance. Megan should have spilled coffee on Alter when he began to talk.

Visit msnbc.com for breaking news, world news, and news about the economy

See below the jump for a transcript of part 2:

YOU'RE FIRED: Crooked Daily News Editor Collin Myler Still on Payroll

Collin Myler: YOU'RE FIRED

Collin Myler was behind the “FIRE ’EM! Exposed: Perv Teachers Still on Payroll" story. Now it is time to give Collin Myler a '0" on his Editor Data Report (EDR). (I had this story on the back burner for a couple of weeks and a Sunday morning is a good way to clear some backlog.)

The DOE partnered with the Daily News in trying to trash teachers who were charged but not found guilty, releasing 16 names that were ordered blasted across the pages of the DN. Remember the shameful DN article about IS 318 for supposedly having 60% of its teachers with low TDA's which led to some of them charging the elementary feeder schools were cheating?

(This will lead to the upper grade teachers in those schools charging the lower grade teachers with cheating --- really, a great way to build a school community -- all this the result of the insane "accountability at the bottom" movement as a solution to the education problems --- and I must point out, something the AFT/UFT signed onto as far back as the mid-80s.) Myler engages in irresponsible journalism which has a much bigger negative impact that teachers with low TDAs.

Chaz was one of those 16 teachers and responded with very strong words, as did many other bloggers, including Ed Notes. Myler should be fired immediately given this headline:

Perverted teachers still working

The NY Times gave Myler himself a bit of ink a few weeks ago:

In the four months since he became editor of The Daily News, Mr. Myler, 59, has made it clear that he identifies with the sensibilities of the common man.

When a jury was unable to reach a full verdict in the trial of a police officer charged with raping a teacher, the front-page headline in The Daily News screamed, “What Does a Woman Have to Do to Prove She Was Raped?”

The headline for another cover story, on teachers accused of unseemly conduct with students, read: “FIRE ’EM! Exposed: Perv Teachers Still on Payroll.”

 Come on now Collin. It was a teacher who was raped. Did you check her TDA?

But every now and then in his rollicking journalistic adventures, Mr. Myler has become the story, or at least an integral part of it — and that became the case again on Tuesday, when he found himself a prime target of a British parliamentary panel’s report on the phone-hacking scandal that has engulfed Rupert Murdoch’s British newspapers.

The panel concluded that Mr. Myler had misled them about his knowledge of the illegal behavior, which puts him at risk of being cited for contempt of Parliament.

Reality-Based Educator commented on Myler:

Daily News Editor-In-Chief Colin Myler May Be Called Before Parliament For Punishment

Does Colin Myler still get to run the Daily News now?

The last non-member of Parliament called to apologize before Parliament was in 1957. And the last time Parliament imprisoned a non-member of Parliament was in 1880. But Myler, Crone and Hinton face all three of those possibilities. In addition, it is believed that Hinton may eventually face criminal charges related to the News Corporation hacking scandal as well. I wonder, can Colin Myler run the New York Daily News from a British prison cell?

It seems in the world of the Zuckerman Daily News only innocent teachers accused and later exonerated of allegations need to be fired.

Daily News editors found guilty of lying to Parliament and accused by a Labor MP of sending reporters to dig up dirt on investigators in order to get them to drop their investigation of his newspaper - those offenses are apparently not cause for concern.

Just another example of the two-tier justice system we have in our neo-feudal society these days - one where elites can pretty much do anything they want with impunity, and another for the rest of us where even a remark on Facebook can get you fired.

Read the original DN story:

Perverted teachers still working

http://articles.nydailynews.com/2012-04-05/news/31296372_1_michael-mulgrew-teachers-
union-president-city-teachers

WAGPOPS Brilliant Expose of Citizens of the World Charter Ponzi Scheme

Falsely inflated demand for charters exposed: The evidence that these two proposals put forth representing the demand for more elementary charter schools is preposterous.  

The proposals point to the New York Charter School Center’s data of 4,000 children on waiting lists at various charter schools in District 14, using self-reported data gathered by survey from charter school operators. Additionally, the data is pooled -- without delineating the waiting list by each charter school, the grade level of the applicants, or where the applicants live, these numbers are meaningless.....

We believe that there is a place in public education for charter schools, but Citizens of the World is bastardizing the original intent of charter schools. We have a district wide model for school choice in place. 

We are deeply concerned that our children will be fodder to what appears to be a ponzi scheme on the part of their developing CMO to use our New York City funds to pay backtheir debts in Los Angeles, opening more schools with more start up grants based on inflated projections, and enrolling more and more children in order to stay afloat with a financially unsustainable model.

We recognize that parents with children who are not yet school-age are unfamiliar with NYC DOE schools and are easily seduced by a campaign that maligns public schools generally. These parents have been led to believe that the glossy brochures, Power-Point presentations, and expensive marketing are offering something different, new, and special. Not only are the “dream schools” these parents have been sold already open (and under-enrolled) in our district, but our local elementary schools offer even more of what parents have expressed as desirable than these proposed charter schools.CWSNY1 and CWSNY2 are poor copies of our existing neighborhood schools.The CWSNY1 and CWSNY2 proposals are an insult, not just to our neighborhood public schools, but to the NYC DOE that developed mandates which these twoproposals pretend to be unique and proprietary to their individual schools. CWSNY1and CWSNY2 have nothing to do with providing “high-quality public school options for families,” and everything to do with politics.

Williamsburg and Greenpoint Parents for Our Public Schools (WAGPOPS) is a group based in District 14 that is doing great work.  Eva Moskowitz' husband, Eric Grannis, wants in on the action. WAGPOPS is trying to stop him and wrote a 45 page document to SUNY, the authorizing agent. Really, though long, this is a must-read document. The kind of work the UFT should be doing -- if the leadership weren't on the wrong side of the fence (see the article in the NY Teacher about how wonderful co-locations can be.)

Here is the link http://www.scribd.com/gemnyc/d/94382088-WAGPOPS-Letter-to-Suny-Opposing-Citizens-of-the-World-Charter-Schools and I'm embedding it below for the lazy ones.WAGPOPS Letter to Suny Opposing Citizens of the World Charter Schools


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The opinions expressed on EdNotesOnline are solely those of Norm Scott and are not to be taken as official positions (though Unity Caucus/New Action slugs will try to paint them that way) of any of the groups or organizations Norm works with: ICE, GEM, MORE, Change the Stakes, NYCORE, FIRST Lego League NYC, Rockaway Theatre Co., Active Aging, The Wave, Aliens on Earth, etc.

One Third of Chicago Teachers Hold Massive Rally

 Unashamed Randi posing as a CTU supporter

Who is that lady on the right trying to get into the picture and pose as a militant? Was Randi embarrassed at all that Chicago union leader Karen Lewis pulled out 10,000 teachers, a third of its force out for a rally when the UFT, with almost  4 times the number of teachers, could never come close to that percentage? Really, how dare Randi wear a CTU shirt?

Watch Chicago TU build for a potential strike incrementally against one of someone Rhambo Emanuel, even more vicious than Bloomberg. This take real preparation and orgaanizing with an aim towards the bigger issue

http://www.wgntv.com/news/wgntv-chicago-teachers-plan-downtown-rally-20120523,0,4872821.story

Here is in-depth coverage from Substance:

Huge crowds rally and march for union and public schools in Chicago while 'Mayor One Percent' tries another publicity stunt at a White Sox baseball game

By George N. Schmidt - May 24th, 2012 | 12 comments

By the time Chicago Teachers Union President Karen Lewis rose and took the microphone in front of more than 4,000 of her union's 30,000 members at Chicago's iconic Auditorium Theater on May 23, 2012, the . . .

Rally outside ran during the same time as the massive rally inside the Auditorium Theater

By David R. Stone - May 24th, 2012 | 0 comments

At the overflow rally outside of the Auditorium Theater, thousands of teachers, other Board of Education workers, and their supporters stood across Michigan Ave. from Roosevelt University and cheered as speakers listed reasons to stand . . .

When more than 4,000 CTU members booed Rahm and Arne... Chicago Teachers Union posts first of several videos outlining history of hypocrisy on corporate school reform

By George N. Schmidt - May 24th, 2012 | 0 comments

Less than one day after the massive rally and march that will precede the strike vote of the 30,000-member Chicago Teachers Union, the Chicago Teachers Union has released the first of several videos showing . . .

CTU President cites 'proudest day of my life,' while Astroturf groups try to regain footing

By George N. Schmidt - May 24th, 2012 | 0 comments

By the end of the day on May 24, 2012, Chicago Teachers Union President Karen Lewis had sent an email message to the membership, thanking them and also urging them to mobilize against the latest . . .

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The opinions expressed on EdNotesOnline are solely those of Norm Scott and are not to be taken as official positions (though Unity Caucus/New Action slugs will try to paint them that way) of any of the groups or organizations Norm works with: ICE, GEM, MORE, Change the Stakes, NYCORE, FIRST Lego League NYC, Rockaway Theatre Co., Active Aging, The Wave, Aliens on Earth, etc.

Movement of Rank and File Educators (MORE): Statement on Mulgrew Story

Below is the Movement of Rank and File Educator (MORE) official position on the Mulgrew affair - oops - I mean story.

Word is that Unity Caucus is trying to brand the stuff Jeff Kaufman and I have been writing about the Mulgrew scandal story as "the opposition."

As I've pointed out we are not THE OPPOSITION but 2 individuals commenting - which we have the right to do, as opposed to the Unity ant hill. While I've been working with MORE (as a fairly small cog), Jeff has not been involved with MORE other than doing a joint workshop with James Eterno (who is involved) at one of MORE's events. Anyway, I have my personal opinions but also had input in this statement which represents the sentiments of the people involved in MORE. Unlike Unity, this went through a democratic process with lots of people chipping in. Ahhhh, the fresh air of democracy!

MORE Statement on Michael Mulgrew

MORE is committed to democratic, activist unionism and accountable leadership. Our members have devoted years to challenging  the Unity leadership’s pattern of  bargaining away our rights and calling each give-back a victory, while at the same time we do the daily work of teaching and advocating for our students and their parents. We have also opposed the undemocratic functioning of the Unity leadership which has marginalized opposition voices, discouraged membership activism, and has used its absolute control of the union machinery to foster a patronage system that rewards cronyism instead of competence.

At the same time we will not join with the New York Post in its crusade against teacher unionism because it is a campaign not just against Michael Mulgrew but against all New York City educators. The recent scandal to which the Post has dedicated at least two days of coverage is typical of the journalistic standards one would expect from a Rupert Murdoch publication. As of this writing, the Post has published no actual evidence of any wrong-doing: no witnesses to the alleged sex scandal and no testimony supporting the supposed conspiracy between Mulgrew, AFT President Randi Weingarten, and Mayor Bloomberg to cover it up.

MORE will continue to educate and organize UFT members to build a stronger, more democratic union. We note that the challenge we face is far deeper than any alleged conspiracy hatched in 2005. In fact the union leadership has negotiated concessions at least as far back as the 1995 contract — some of us trace it further back than that. We believe the answer is to build a movement of rank and file educators around an alternative vision of unionism. At no point will we make common cause with the Post or any other anti-union force, even if they happen to attack one of our partisan opponents.

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The opinions expressed on EdNotesOnline are solely those of Norm Scott and are not to be taken as official positions (though Unity Caucus/New Action slugs will try to paint them that way) of any of the groups or organizations Norm works with: ICE, GEM, MORE, Change the Stakes, NYCORE, FIRST Lego League NYC, Rockaway Theatre Co., Active Aging, The Wave, Aliens on Earth, etc.

Unity/UFT On Sidelines in Jeffries/Barron Race

Neutrality in essence supports ed deformer/charter mole Hakeem Jeffries as the UFT wholesale sellout to ed deformers continues. Yes, boys and girls, the UFT at the Delegate Assembly yesterday said "no mas" allowing the deformers to capture a Brooklyn Congressional seat. Well, I predicted in yesterday's post that the UFT would actually support Jefffries but I guess they can't go that far. However, sitting this out is support, just like sitting out the mayoral race last time was supporting Bloomberg. (Just watch both Bloomberg and Mulgrew support Quinn, which should tell you something about there the UFT really stands.)

I'm not always a fan of Charles Barron over some of his bombast, but he and his wife, State Assemblywoman (and former teacher and principal Inez Barron, who I just love), have stood up for teachers, parents and community time and again in the WalBloomKlein years. Oh, and did I say he is adamantly opposed to mayoral control in any form – no tweaks like the UFT wants – and for local control that would empower parents and teachers at the school level, something that both Bloomberg, Bill Gates and Randi Weingarten/Michael Mulgrew all oppose.

At yesterday's DA, which thankfully I skipped, the Unity ant hill went along, leading their flock to slaughter.

Here is a post on the story from NYCTeachers.com

Mulgrew & UFT Execs Sit Out Another Important Political Race

• Posted by Mr. Jones on May 23, 2012 at 11:30pm
• View Blog

We all know how spineless Michael Mulgrew and the UFT executives were when they sat out of the most important mayoral race ever in New York City.  The UFT helped Bloomberg get his third term as mayor when they sat on their hands and did not endorse William Thompson.  How the teacher's union can sit out of a mayoral race is beyond comprehension.

Mulgrew and the UFT executives are showing that they are still not looking out for the best interest of their members, as they sit out of the very important Brooklyn Congressional race between Charles Barron and Hakeem Jeffries. Barron and Jeffries are running for the seat that the retiring Ed Towns held for many years.  The UFT is not looking out for the best interest of their members and that is a huge problem.

Charles Barron has been endorsed by NYCTeachers.com because he is a strong supporter of the teachers of New York City, and he has been on the frontline fighting against school closings, teacher layoffs and public funding being used for Charter schools.  Hakeem Jeffries receives funding from Charter school organizations and Charter school advocates, which is a slap in the face to teachers of New York City and to the union.  The expansion of Charter schools is an attempt by Bloomberg. Klein and many of their friends, to bust the union and to control public education  dollars.

How can the UFT not fight against a guy like Hakeem Jeffries, who will play a part in busting their own union and hurting their own members.   DC37 is smart enough to understand that a vote for Jeffries is a vote against unions and teachers, so they have decided to endorse Charles Barron.

Mulgrew and the UFT executives MUST answer questions about this move or they should be ousted immediately, for not looking out for the teacher's best interest.

Teachers must go out in full support of Charles Barron if we care about our profession.  Pass the word on to all teachers and educators. 

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The opinions expressed on EdNotesOnline are solely those of Norm Scott and are not to be taken as official positions (though Unity Caucus/New Action slugs will try to paint them that way) of any of the groups or organizations Norm works with: ICE, GEM, MORE, Change the Stakes, NYCORE, FIRST Lego League NYC, Rockaway Theatre Co., Active Aging, The Wave, Aliens on Earth, etc.