| Releases & Statements
“The Department of Education’s plan to use much needed student instruction time for new curriculum training for teachers is yet another example of a flawed and hastily drawn up public school reorganization plan.
“Last week Chancellor Klein announced that school openings would be delayed by three days because of teacher curriculum training sessions. Now, Klein wants to cut into additional classroom time for city school students by using 20 minutes each day for teacher training. Yesterday, perhaps in recognition that even more time is needed to train teachers on the new curriculum, Deputy Chancellor Diana Lam promised a 12 hour curriculum training compact disk for teachers to use during their summer vacations.
“This is all the result of the Department’s operating in a vacuum shrouded by secrecy. Changing a curriculum must be a thoughtful deliberative process with honest dialogue from interested parties. This time, as in the past, the department did not consult involved parties – like teachers and parents – and the result is a seemingly chaotic plan that changes and morphs from week to week.
“It is time for Chancellor Klein to come clean and admit he has moved too quickly and must take a step back. I urge him to push forward the implementation date of his new curriculum and phase in a training plan that is developed in cooperation with teachers and parents.”
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