The Times is normally so deferential to the Mayor that it was actually a shock to see such a damaging story printed there. Most disturbing was the official response, which was essentially: as long as the numbers on the reports look good, we don't care how people get them.
As the wholesale restructuring continues, it's our most vulnerable kids who will bear the brunt of the chaos.
I think the tone can be explained in part because it was a columnist, not a reporter, who wrote that. Sam Freedman has been sticking up for my beleaguered ESL students of late, and I'm glad to see that.
But even in the story the other day about the mayor's big show against "special interests," they seem to have peeled back quite a bit of his veil.
I've always suspected that lack of experience is good for something.
I know for a fact that my former principal (the one who violated my due process rights and shitcanned me for extremely flimsy reasons) accepted funding for ESL programs which never occurred. At that school, there were no ESL classes, and very very few classes where students' IEPs were respected.
MTZ
Oh bloody 'ell I just came back from a school that I believe is actually "doing it"..to read this article and lose my idealism again. Joder! This NY Times author should collect stories all over including the charter schools.. ESL programs are being gutted and teachers are definitely being victimized and set up. You hit it on the nose NYCEducator.. Good show !
The biggest problem is the federal government and state exercise no real oversight, unlike the case with ELA and math, for which test scores a school can be shut down.
I've certainly witnessed principals who take advantage of the newbies. Hopefully those who know better will keep an eye out!
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