NYC Educator: Class in a Box

NYC Educator: Class in a Box:

Class in a Box

by NYC Educator

The ATR agreement, negotiated last year by the UFT and the DOE, has proven to be money-saving bonanza for city high schools. For example, it appears schools no longer need to invest their precious budget dollars on art teachers. In fact, one high school now simply gives a box of assignments that can be handed out to kids by any ATR teacher--art, English, science, or whatever.

The teacher distributes the assignment, and the kids do it. Or they don't. Or they copy it from a kid who does do it. Or whatever. When they're finished, the assignment goes into the magic box. From there, all that happens is someone, somewhere, checks off a name, and Voila! Instant art credit!

Think of the possibilities. Why should this process be