In response to a Freedom of Information Law (FOIL) request seeking the public release of data on placement of teachers from the Absent Teacher Reserve (ATR) filed last week by The Education Trust–New York and Educators for Excellence-New York, the New York City Department of Education replied yesterday afternoon that “a search for records will be conducted” and that a response is anticipated by December
29, 2017. DOE’s receipt of the request was provided on the last day allowed by law and its notification of intent to provide a response by December 29 further delays its next response until the last day allowed by law.
The following statement can be attributed to Ian Rosenblum, Executive Director, The Education Trust–New York:
“Access to strong educators is an essential pillar of educational equity. By delaying the release of data about the Absent Teacher Reserve (ATR), the New York City Department of Education is denying the most basic information to parents and the public. We renew our call for full and immediate transparency on how the administration’s decisions are impacting students.”
The following statement can be attributed to Evan Stone, Co-CEO and Founder, Educators for Excellence:
“Every child deserves a high-quality teacher and every teacher deserves to be treated fairly. Without further delay, the Department of Education must provide full and immediate transparency regarding the forced placement of teachers from the city’s Absent Teacher Reserve (ATR) pool. The pursuit of equity is impeded when teachers, parents, and students are unable to have a voice in the policies that affect their classrooms.”