Here's why they REALLY want to end teacher tenure.

And no, folks, it really isn't that complicated. From Arthur Goldstein, active NYC Teacher and inveterate blogger. Via NY Daily News.

Reposted from GD: http://www.democraticunderground.com/10025268349


>>>>Every day, it seems, I read about a new lawsuit to do away with teacher tenure. The crusade reminds me of my friend Harris Lirtzman. It’s because of tenure that I teach and he doesn’t.

Harry used to be a deputy New York State controller until, in 2009, he decided to become a math teacher of special-education students in the Bronx. He offered experience and a depth of understanding few could match — but his discerning eye proved to be his downfall.

He studied the kids’ Individualized Education Programs, the documents that state what services special-education students require, and discovered that many were being underserved, possibly to save on school expenses.

Harry began asking questions — and learned exactly how unwelcome they were when, in December 2011, he was denied tenure.

Harry now tutors at-risk students in Yonkers. If he’d had tenure, he’d still be helping city public school kids.
(link to Lirtzman story in NY Times:http://www.nytimes.com/2012/05/22/nyregion/punished-for-helping-special-education-students.html?_r=0)

Without tenure, I’d probably be in Harry’s place. I teach English as a second language, usually to beginners, at Francis Lewis High School in Fresh Meadows, Queens.

One year, I had two students who spoke English but couldn’t read or write. One had been kicking around city schools for years.

He had a strategy for pushy teachers like me. He listened intently and participated orally as much as possible>>>>>
the rest at: http://www.nydailynews.com/opinion/teacher-tenure-good-apples-article-1.1868064