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Meeting Minutes for Oct. 11, 2011

Attendance: Barr, Bayor, Blackwell, Brandle, Callahan, Cumba, Curcio, Dehler, DiStefano, Einbinder, Feingold, Franzese, Friedman, Gaglione, Garcia, Gloskin, Gottlieb, Greenberg, Gross, Hoffman, Jance, Johnson, Karwowski, Kellerman, Leventon, Lowenfels, Mann, Martin, Millstein, Nobles, Rattien, Ristorucci, Rosenblum, Rosenstein, Rosenstrauch, Schkrutz, Sedlmayer, Shulman, Silvera, Singletary, Smith, Spielvogel, Stulberg, Tokar, Weinstein, Zuckerberg

Agenda: Teacher evaluation: Transformation, Restart and Pilot programs - Leo Casey; Dealing With abusive administrators; ATRs and no layoff agreement - Amy Arundell; MAP program; Political action – George Caulfield; Good and Welfare.

Leo Casey- A presentation was made about the framework for a new evaluation system based on Charlotte Danielson’s model.  The UFT likes the model that establishes common language and common standards.  It judges all work that teachers do and appears to be a step forward, but the process must be monitored. The union has heard about abuses and wants the committee members to let DRs know of any such cases. The program is based on the Board for Professional Teaching Standards. There are 33 schools designated for Transformation/Restart. There are 110 schools which are part of a pilot program, but these teachers are still being evaluated on the old state guidelines (U or S).  The UFT  feels that Danielson is effective when there is a collaborative environment and proper training provided.  Gene Mann gave out a copy of Instructional Expectation and the Use of Research-based Rubrics, which was signed by the DOE and the union. Members should take copies to schools to empower the chapter leaders. Details of the evaluation system are being negotiated at local levels. There are 150 UFT members on the committee. The framework consists of two categories

  1. Student achievement 
  2. Teacher effectiveness   

Teacher effectiveness is broken in three categories

  1. Observations
  2. Peer Observations
  3. Portfolio

There are many questions about Danielson, but members should know that at this point the old rating system is in effect.  If you hear that Danielson is being implemented in any of your schools, let your DR know.

George Caulfield - An appeal was made to get members to participate in political action in Ohio. There is a major opportunity concerning legislation. A ballot issue about collective-bargaining rights is being presented to the voters. Volunteers are needed. The sites are Cleveland, Toledo and Cincinnati. Transportation, lodging and food expenses are covered. If interested, call George Caulfield at 347 754 8432  or email him at  Gcaulfd3@aol.com

A sign-up sheet was passed around.

MAP Program -Tina Puccio and Steve McNulty discussed mental health services provided by the union. Members were urged to let chapter leaders know about the program. Contact information was given: TPuccio@uft.org  or 212 701-9620.
It was emphasized that everything is confidential.

Abusive Principals –  Greg DiStefano presented a form that he and Paul Millstein worked up based on the Learning Environment Survey for schools on Staten Island. Greg indicated that at a past meeting most Organizing Team members reported that they worked in schools with abusive administrators. Strategies were discussed on how to effectively deal with abusive administrators. This is a growing problem citywide and will be discussed at a future meeting. Members were reminded to let their DR know of abusive situations.

Amy Arundell -The no-layoff agreement was discussed. The agreement prevented 4,600 from being laid off. ATRs will now be notified on a weekly basis about assignments.  They must check:

  1. DOE email
  2. Open Market Selection Site
  3. HR Connect

Every ATR who is hired to fill a vacancy or long-term leave is considered a provisional hire and after one year there must be mutual consent to continue in the position by the

  1. Principal
  2. Member

The committee was told to remind chapter leaders to reach out and welcome ATRs who are assigned to their buildings.

Good and Welfare - The next meeting will be on Nov. 15. The Labor Chorus will be performing on Nov. 5.  Tickets are available for $15.
The committee is now servicing over 200 schools. 
New members were welcomed.

The meeting was adjourned at 1:15 pm.

Respectfully,

Judy Rosenstein 

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