Some Essential Things to Know

..About Supplies

Books and Supplies

It’s the school’s responsibility to provide you with basic instructional supplies, such as paper, chalk, math manipulatives and textbooks, so that you can provide the best possible education to your students.

If you find you’re digging into your own wallet to buy the basics, talk to your chapter leader about utilizing the contract’s “basic school supplies” provision.

Teacher’s Choice

Because of their commitment to students, teachers often spend hundreds of dollars of their own money to buy supplementary materials to enhance their students’ learning. To help defray the cost, the UFT conceived of the Teacher’s Choice program and won funding, even in tough budget years like this one, from the City Council.

Some tips for getting the most out of your Teacher’s Choice money:

• The current allocation is $150 for all teachers.
• You may start spending the money on Aug. 1 at the store or Internet site of your choice.
• Keep receipts for all your purchases.
• Submit them in March with forms you can get at http://schools.nyc.gov/offices/DFO (then go to “Most Popular Clicks”).
• You can join with colleagues to pool some or all of the money to buy more expensive items to share.
• See your school secretary with any questions.

DonorsChoose

DonorsChoose.org is another way to provide your students with the books, technology and supplies that they need to learn. You propose ideas for needed resources, and donors around the nation may choose to fund your project. Here’s how to participate:

...About Class Size

Class Size

Since its inception, the UFT has made reducing class size a priority so teachers can give each child more individual attention. Early on, when classes often exceeded 40, we won class-size limits in the contract: usually 32 in elementary grades, 33 in intermediate schools and 34 in high schools.

In recent years we have fought for even smaller classes, finally securing city and state legislation for a cap of 28 in grades 1 to 3, 25 in kindergarten and 18 in pre-K.
Tell your UFT chapter leader if your class(es) exceed(s) these limits.

The greatest victory, however, came in 2007, when the state legislature agreed to a big boost in aid for city schools. When it came time to write the implementing legislation, the UFT and a well-organized group of parents and community allies convinced the governor and legislators to dedicate a portion of the money to class-size reduction. The goal is an average 20 students per class in grades K-3 and 24 students in grades 9-12. We hope you will see results of that victory in the coming years.

...About Accountability

Testing

Accountability is the buzzword at the Department of Education these days, and this current administration measures success by scores on high-stakes tests.

• Students in grades 3-8 take state tests in English language arts and mathematics. In grades 3, 5, 7, and 8, the results of these tests are used to determine promotion.
• High school students must pass at least five subject-specific Regents exams in order to graduate.
• There is also a regimen of in-class, “low-stakes” periodic assessments to keep close track of student progress throughout the school year. The premise is that teachers will be able to tailor instruction to their students’ needs by analyzing the test results, with the aid of a new data management system.

Every school receives an annual progress report with a grade from A to F. The grades are based largely on students’ year-to-year progress as measured by math and reading tests. The progress reports, which are posted online, also take into account attendance rates and, at the UFT’s urging, the results of parent and teacher surveys about the school. An F rating can lead to a school’s closing or a change of leadership

The UFT has voiced objections to the intense focus on high-stakes tests and the time that test preparation takes from instruction. The union has opposed the use of student test scores to evaluate teachers. It is a misguided use of student data, it is unfair to teachers and can hurt students.

Observations by supervisors

Supervisors are required to evaluate all teachers during classroom instruction periods and to write a report with an S (satisfactory) or U (unsatisfactory) rating for each observation. Normally, an evaluation comprises several factors, most importantly supervisors’ observations.

New teachers are generally observed several times a year; some visits may be unannounced. Ideally, supervisors use these observations as opportunities to encourage learning, reflection and dialogue, and to provide recommendations for growth.

Some Guidelines:

• Supervisors must give you advance notice of a formal observation. If for any reason you believe this will not be a good day or time, speak up and try to make a different appointment.
• In writing, request a pre-observation conference so that you can clarify what the supervisor will be looking for when he or she comes into your classroom. At the conference you can raise questions or concerns prior to the observation and, if needed, ask your supervisor for advice.
• Supervisors usually will discuss their observations with you at a post-observation conference; nevertheless, you should request such a conference in writing. They will also show you the report on your lesson and ask you to sign it to acknowledge receipt, though not necessarily your agreement. You may append a response if you think it is inaccurate or unfair. See your chapter leader for assistance.
• Use the post-observation conference as an opportunity to learn, to fully understand how your supervisor has evaluated your teaching and, if necessary, to discuss ways that you can improve.
• If you disagree with your supervisor’s evaluation, feel free to discuss it with her or him.
• If you get a U rating on an observation report, consult your UFT chapter leader immediately about your contractual rights and get professional advice from the Teacher Center staff, a coach or your mentor.
• In the rare instance that you believe a supervisor is harassing you with excessive observations, talk with your chapter leader about the process outlined in our contract to deal with this.

Ratings

At the end of every school year your principal will rate your service using a letter: S (satisfactory); U (unsatisfactory); D (doubtful). Principals must supply supporting documentation for their decisions.

A principal may give teachers a D rating only during their first year of probation. A rating of U during the probationary period can lead to a discontinuance of probation, i.e., termination of employment. If you receive a U rating but you are not discontinued, you will be frozen on your current salary step for the following school year.

You are entitled to appeal a U or D rating. Contact your UFT borough office immediately.

Official School File

Every teacher has an official file at school that contains the administration’s observation reports, annual evaluation sheets and other materials.

• You have a right to see and photocopy the contents of your file at any time, with advance notice.
• Your supervisor can place an item in your file only if you have seen and signed it. Signing an item does not mean you agree with it.
• Sometimes a supervisor wants to place a letter of reprimand in a file, which could later affect your evaluation. If you believe the letter is inaccurate, unfair or otherwise objectionable, you can append a response. See your chapter leader for assistance in formulating it.
• A contractual right allows you to remove any negative material in your file that has not been used in a disciplinary action against you three years from the date of the material.

Some Essential Things to Know continued