why were the providence teachers fired? because they collaborated with the enemy.

[Hannah Bell]

Noticeably absent (in supporting the Central Falls teachers who were fired en masse) were Providence teachers, who comprise one-sixth of the state's teaching staff. While teachers in Central Falls and East Providence faced attacks on their working conditions and pay, the leadership of the PTU was busy working with the Rhode Island Department of Education (RIDE) to support its application for Race to the Top (RTTT) funds.

The PTU has also been working with RIDE and the PPSD to implement wide-ranging reforms in the lowest-performing schools, and establish a more stringent and punitive evaluation system for teachers... A look at these "reforms" makes crystal clear how harmful their collaboration has been. As part of RTTT, RIDE unveiled a new evaluation system that is clearly aimed at undercutting seniority and making it easy to fire teachers...

Through (anti-teacher fights in Central Falls & East Providence), the PTU was conspicuously silent. When this year's attack befell it, it was disarmed. The PTU leadership has naturally condemned the mass firing, but its collaboration with the PPSD on "reform" initiatives that attack teachers has meant it places the blame on the mayor, but won't criticize the superintendent.

Furthermore, the PTU's absence in previous struggles in the state likely means it has undercut its own position. While many teachers will still stand in solidarity, that solidarity would be even more automatic--and better organized from the top--had solidarity been maintained during last spring's battles....the PTU has done next to nothing to respond. The union hasn't called any general membership meetings. Instead, PTU President Smith simply sent out an e-mail, stating: "We will be calling on you to write letters, make phone calls, attend rallies and possibly picket, at the very least at mayoral events...."

http://socialistworker.org/2011/03/01/providence-teachers-fired


The race to the top trojan horses are coming to bite teachers.

[Skip_In_Boulder]

1. We can hang together, or hang separately. n/t

[boston bean]

5. so true, so why hang separate now.

All of this can be talked about and examined, but now is not time for the blame game.

We all need to "hang" together.

Or we will hang separately.

[boston bean]

2. I don't think that's why they were fired, but anyhow

they should have been more supportive to their fellow teachers.

However, most of this had to do with Arne Duncan and Obama.

And as you know some of the democratic groups have had a very hard time breaking from the Democratic Presidents policies. Many groups have somehow become an arm of the DNC vs standing up for their cause. You could probably think up your own examples. Womens groups leaders, LGBT groups leaders.

[Hannah Bell]

3. they gave their enemies the concessions that allowed the firings to go through.

that's a fact.

and there are a lot more districts/states out there who've already done the same.

[boston bean]

4. so hasn't most of those in control of the democratic party

that's a fact.

These concessions were supported by Obama and the admin.

I think my point still stands. And I already agreed they compromised on principle.

[Hannah Bell]

6. "so hasn't most of those in control of the democratic party" = ?

it's because they didn't hand together that they're now being hanged.

[boston bean]

7. come on hannah,

many of those in control of the democratic party support Obama's race to the top program and "gave their enemies the concessions that allowed the firings to go through.."

Demoninze teachers by saying there are bad ones that are protected by the union.

Are you really stooping to commenting about my grammar, or was this a real question.

if you are curious about my answer, I hope I have answered it for you.

[Hannah Bell]

8. i didn't understand the meaning of the sentence i quoted. i still don't.

the concessions they gave that *i'm* talking about are the rttt concessions that made it easier to fire them.

yes, duncan & obama had a lot to do with it, but any fool could see that when you agree to a process that makes it easier to fire you, firings are coming.

you don't have to pick up the gun & shoot yourself just because someone says it won't hurt.

[boston bean]

9. So, I guess what you are saying is that other teachers in RI and this country

should not support the Providence teachers now.

Because they made their bed and they weren't there for anyone else.

Yeah, they made a mistake. There is a movement being built around the teachers right now, that just won't help teachers, but could possibly help all of us.

So, I guess I'm asking what is the point and how important is it really at this point in time.

What happened is over and done with and yes they were fools, if that makes you feel better, but I'll continue to stand with the fools who have woke up.

[Hannah Bell]

10. right, that's what i'm saying. it's so obvious. i mean, anyone who's read what i post here would

know that.

drawing attention to the fact that a lot of districts have been busily slitting their own throats, yep, exactly the same thing.

[boston bean]

12. drawing attention to how they have been busily slitting their own throats...

My point was, many democratic groups have been doing the same thing. And there is pressure from the party on them to do it.

They are unlikely to disagree with the party even if it goes against their principle. That was my point. I wish they wouldn't and I think it's a god damned shame. And it's part of the reason we're in this place.

But you know a lot of people have woken up and I just don't think it does much for the cause to give people reason to believe the teachers brought this on all by them little selves and slit their own throats.

There are many factors, as you seem to agree.

[Hannah Bell]

13. it wasn't necessary to "disagree with the party". only to *not* apply for the race to the top grant.

you have to apply to get the money. if you apply, you have to meet certain conditions, all of which have negative consequences for teachers & the union.

and you might not even get the money (it was something like two applicants only who would) -- nevertheless, you've already agreed to the concessions, & they're going to bite.

it's analogous to shooting your leg off for the promise of money -- & after your leg is gone, most of the contestants are stuck with the hospital bill & no money.

[boston bean]

15. Deval Patrick has been doing the same here.....

There is power and money in it. What part of this equation are you not getting?

I agree that principles have been sold down the river. Many democratic groups have shot off a limb or two to continue supporting the least of two evils.

Many Democratic groups have backed and supported this bullshit. The race to the top comes from the top.

If you think all teachers were busily slitting their own throats and were shooting off their leg for money, you are wrong. They are rank and file union members who were trying to do the best they could and were following and/or allowing their leadership to make the decisions based on trust.

Many of these people now realize what has gotten them in this situation, and to blame all Providence teachers for slitting their own throat is just bullshit. Look at the real problem. Look at where these policies are made.

[Hannah Bell]

16. Do you understand that in a RTTT app, the union has to sign on?

And in a number of cases, that includes a vote of the full membership?

I would ask that you stop making bullshit accusations. If the unions hadn't signed on, the applications couldn't have gone through, even if the pols wanted them to. They slit their own throats, & there's nothing wrong with saying so, particularly if it prevents others from doing the same.

And it was obvious from the get-go that that's what they were doing. Any member who was paying attention, & certainly the union leadership knew damn well.

[boston bean]

17. Do you understand that it comes from the top. So you are blaming the teachers for slitting

their own throat and shooting off a leg for MONEY!

That is really cynical Hannah.

And not helpful to people who are fighting for their rights.

You ARE saying they deserve this, even as you say that you don't feel that way as anyone who reads DU would know.

Well now, I'm not so sure.

[Hannah Bell]

18. goodbye, mr. bean.

[boston bean]

19. goodbye, mrs. bell.

[Smarmie Doofus]

11. My quotable quote of the day:

>>>but any fool could see that when you agree to a process that makes it easier to fire you, firings are coming.

you don't have to pick up the gun & shoot yourself just because someone says it won't hurt.>>>>

I'm using it my newsletter, if there are no objections.

[Hannah Bell]

14. wow, i spawned a quotable quote. that's a first.

[Tatiana]

20. Our union refused to sign on to the RTTT bullcrap. And we paid for it too.

Illinois didn't get any $$$$ (likely because CTU refused to sign on) and last summer, our school district fired nearly 1,800 teachers (including tenured and national board certified staff).

We're now in court over the firings. I'm glad our union didn't sign on to the state's application. They were coming for us anyway and it's better to stand and fight for your beliefs rather than give your enemy the tools to destroy you.

[boston bean]

21. that i agree with as well.

but to denigrate others who have now woken up and realize a mistake is not helpful.

There may be a lesson it, but I think it's been learned by many the hard way.

A firing is a firing. Union busting is union busting, no matter what came before it and if people are fighting for the same cause now, I say Hooray!

[Hannah Bell]

23. you're the only one who's denigrated anyone.

[boston bean]

25. who did I denigrate?

I agreed with much of what you had to say.

Although I disagree that we should think people slit their own throats and cut of their own leg for money, implying they deserve no sympathy and deserve a comeuppance.

[Hannah Bell]

28. it implied nothing of the sort. that's your spin.

Oh, and those teachers in Central Falls, Rhode Island who were fired as a result of Obama's RttT policy who got their jobs back because they collaborated with the ed deformers to add time, days and other goodies to the school?

They got fired this week too.

The lesson for teachers is to STOP COLLABORATING with the ed deform movement or their political shills.

How many fired teachers will it take for the NEA and AFT leadership to get that through their heads?

Or will it take an Egypt-like coup inside the teachers unions to finally bring the point across - NO MORE COLLABORATION.

COLLABORATION LEADS TO EXPLOITATION AND MASS FIRINGS.

The Providence teachers collaborated and gave the reformers everything they wanted.

They were fired for their collaborative efforts.

Same for the Central Falls teachers.

And the same will happen all across this country until teachers FIGHT BACK AGAINST THE OLIGARCHS.

http://perdidostreetschool.blogspot.com/2011/02/mass-teacher-firings-betrayed-trust.html

[boston bean]

29. What is your point then?

[Hannah Bell]

32. i thought the caps made it clear.

STOP COLLABORATING with the ed deform movement or their political shills.

[boston bean]

34. that would have stopped these firings? are you sure? I don't think you can link the two

even the article you cited talks about support for the PTU because of RTTT.

That is not helpful in this fight and if people aren't going to stand together now and let by gones be by gones, we are fucked.

[Hannah Bell]

35. i think you can, but we'll see how it plays. i don't know what you're talking about "support

for the ptu because of rttt"

nor do i understand why you keep insisting that noting that ptu helped slit its own throat by collaborating with the deformers equates to:

1. not standing with the teachers.
2. blaming the teachers & thinking they got what they deserve
3. the rest of the similar accusations you've made.

oh, & ps: we're already fucked. it was obvious a year ago that big guns were out for teachers & public workers and it's only recently people really started catching on.

maybe they'll also catch on to the fact that their union leaders aren't necessarily their friends; that COLLABORATORS like randi weingarten are a big part of the problem.

[boston bean]

36. i was referring to the article where it infers the PTU could have more support from

other teachers had they not signed on to RTTT.

Randi Weingarten was in Providence a year ago touting RTTT and the PTU's agreement.

They did fuck themselves over with that.

And as I said up above, a lot of democratic groups have sold their soul to the party. They do not stand on principle.

And as to your question - why you keep insisting that noting that ptu helped slit its own throat by collaborating with the deformers equates to:

1. not standing with the teachers.
2. blaming the teachers & thinking they got what they deserve
3. the rest of the similar accusations you've made.


I think it gives people a reason to feel unsympathetic and creates an environment that breeds the feelings that the Providence teachers don't deserve our support. That they were stupid enough to sign on to something for MONEY to save their own souls, now to hell with them. I truly don't feel it's that much of a reach.

[Hannah Bell]

39. randi weingarten is a two-faced collaborator, & the sooner teachers wake up

to the fact that their leadership is not on their side, the better.

the people who are going to be "unsympathetic" to teachers being fired en masse aren't going to come to that conclusion by my noting that teachers have been giving their enemies the rope to hang them with.

[boston bean]

40. ok, I'm sorry for any words that may have caused you to feel bad

I certainly do know that you support the teachers.

I went about making my posts in the wrong way.

I still think I have a point, but I don't think the point needs to be made to you.

--bb

[Hannah Bell]

41. i understand your point. i disagree, & think that rather than starting out by accusing

me of saying the providence teachers deserve what they're getting, you could have simply said people might take it that way.

[boston bean]

42. true enough.

[Hannah Bell]

22. i agree. & if you'd signed, you wouldn't be able to go to court with as much,

because you would have effectively granted permission to fire.

[boston bean]

24. The Providence teachers are taking it to court.

The teachers unions never agreed to the firing of every teacher w/o cause.

[Tatiana]

26. Are they suing the city? I hadn't seen that they had filed in recent news.

If so, good for them.

And just so everyone understands, Mayor Taveras is a Democrat. A Democratic mayor is doing this to the teaching workforce and minority students (80% latino/african-american).

With friends like these...

[Hannah Bell]

27. There is a reason that it's happening in Providence.

PROVIDENCE — Rhode Island Education Commissioner Deborah A. Gist flies to Washington, D.C., on Tuesday to hand-deliver her $125-million school-reform proposal bolstered by the long-sought approval of the Providence Teachers Union — a key endorsement that improves the state’s chances to win the federal education aid.

The 2,000-member Providence local was the only affiliate of the Rhode Island Federation of Teachers and Health Professionals to support the reform plan, and it did so in the 11th hour. Gist also received the endorsement, with reservations, of RIFTHP president Marcia Reback.

The National Education Association of Rhode Island, which represents most of the suburban and rural districts, withheld its support of the state’s Race to the Top application in the competition to win a portion of a $4-billion federal pot.

http://www.projo.com/news/content/race_to_the_top_update_01-19-10_Q3H5FTL_v68.3c1be25.html

[boston bean]

30. really, they all got fired because the ptu signed on to rttt?

They got fired because this is a union busting tactic.

plain and simple.

[Hannah Bell]

31. you're sure about that, are you? well, we'll see.

[boston bean]

33. I think it sucks they signed on to RTTT. Do I have to make myself any clearer?

Do I think that the rank and file slit their own throats and shot off a limb for MONEY, NO!

Do I think they deserve this, NO.

Do I think RTTT is a disgusting program, YES!

Do I think it's right for a democratic mayor to fire them all and shaft people who have been teaching for 30 years, NO!

Do I think it's right to sow division amongst teachers because some went along with the "democratic" administration, and still lost their jobs, NO.

Do wish they never signed on with it, YES!

As I stated above, there is a lesson to be learned, but the firings are union busting, that I am sure of.

Now, what do you and I disagree about?

[Hannah Bell]

37. my main disagreement with you is that you make a lot of assumptions.

which you repeat again in this post.

noting that the providence teachers (union) gave their enemies the rope to hang them with does not equate to:

1. thinking they deserve to be fired
2. sowing division among teachers

and the rest of the accusations you've thrown at me.

i took a lot of flak from posters here over the central falls firings and race to the top. people who couldn't believe there could be nefarious aims behind that nice mr obama's wonderful plans for 'reforming' education, rttt, etc.

now the tune has changed. but mine has been the same from day one. i've been posting on ed deform daily for the last year and have taken mass shit for it.

i'm damned if i'll take more from you.

[boston bean]

38. I have never challenged you on RTTT. I have agreed with you.

i'm not a late comer to that party.

I have answered you above, where you asked the same question. Please see that reply.

I would like you to reconsider how it can sow division. I'm not trying to be mean. I have made my case. You should reconsider how this particular post makes it look like the providence teachers brought this on themselves because the collaborated with the enemy.

I think I hhave a better understanding of what I think you mean, but I think you should consider that it may be taken a different way by others.