I have always believed that the chapter union (UFT) meeting is sacrosanct. That what happens in a meeting stays in the meeting, and that if you are not a UFT member you have no business being there.

The meeting is where we can share, let off steam, kvetch, and feel safe. For anyone to attempt to go against that is no better than those we are trying to stand up against.

That's why I was shocked when sources at PS 154 in the Bronx shared with The Crack Team that the new chapter chair allowed DR Alison Coviello; Principal and Ed.D of PS 154 in the Bronx to "sit in" on a UFT meeting so she can ostensibly get feedback from teachers on what is "on their minds."

Yet again, DR Alison Coviello; Principal and Ed.D of PS 154 needs to be in control and not allow for independent though amongst the many anencephalic members (Most. Fortunately there are several independent thinkers left there) of PS 154. But the problem goes way beyond this.

With DR Alison Coviello; Principal and Ed.D of PS 154 in the Bronx involved in the meeting, and even if the purpose is benign, can teachers and paras feel safe to be candid with her? Is it not possible for DR Alison Coviello; Principal and Ed.D of PS 154 in the Bronx to make a mental or actual note of who is in attendance at the meeting and decide that those who are at a union meeting or speaking up vociferously should be targeted? Again, if DR Alison Coviello; Principal and Ed.D of PS 154 in the Bronx appearance is benign, is it not possible that teachers will not share because they are afraid to with her face to face? Is this not what the consultative committee is for?

Ah, the consultative committee at PS 154. It's a scam. The deck is stacked with the sycophants of DR Alison Coviello; Principal and Ed.D of PS 154 in the Bronx. They know who butters their bread and who can make their lives miserable so they play nice and look the other way. But that is to be expected.

What should not be expected nor accepted is the total acquiescence to the demands of  DR Alison Coviello; Principal and Ed.D of PS 154 in the Bronx by the current CL at PS 154. A lackey like this, has never been seen before. She has set up camp, with a a couch, TV, and barcalounger within the confines of the colon of DR Alison Coviello; Principal and Ed.D of PS 154 in the Bronx.

Take my example.

Over a week ago I emailed the payroll secretary at 154 inquiring about the whereabouts of my file. I did not receive an answer in a timely manner so I emailed the CL. Yes, the CL did get back to me and said she would check with the secretary. Shouldn't take long to ask. A day, another day went by and no response by the CL.

Over a week passed and I emailed the secretary again. No response. I then emailed the CL--again--and there was no response going on now for four days. What am I to think?

That, the payroll secretary was told not to respond back and, and this is even worse, the CL was told not to respond back in my opinion.

I'm not surprised. Word is the CL, before she was CL, threw a friend under the bus at PS 154 and has always done what she can to satisfy DR Alison Coviello; Principal and Ed.D of PS 154 in the Bronx. Hell, why not? When a school starts cutting, what is it they cut first? Art.

Here is my opinion for the few at PS 154 in the Bronx if you need the union;

Under no circumstances trust or go to your CL or the Consultative Committee. Whatever you say to your CL or CC in my opinion will be the same as if you were telling DR Alison Coviello; Principal and Ed.D of PS 154 in the Bronx and we all know what happens when DR Alison Coviello; Principal and Ed.D of PS 154 in the Bronx feels when she has been crossed.

Either email me for advice, the former CL,  or contact the new DL for District 7. 

It's been over a week since we last laid our eyes and ears upon the inanity of Rajendra Jimenez Jailall, former AP at PS 154x and current AP at Bronx Bridges High School. But for those who are just arriving or have forgotten, let's have a little review.

We have learned that Rajendra Jimenez Jailall has the ability to make empty promises to me in that he promised me composition notebooks for the students and never followed through.

We have learned that Rajendra Jimenez Jailall promised me a demo lesson, on two separate occasions and never followed through and when asked about such a promise in my 3020-a hearing misremembered.

And we have learned how Rajendra Jimenez Jailall, in a horrible case of truthiness, told me that my informal observation of October 12, 2012 was based on Danielson, denied it in my hearing and shared that the informal would not count towards my end of the year rating.

So what are we to learn today? How Rajendra Jimenez Jailall come to the conclusion based on using a blindfold and a spinner to decided that I was to be given a U on the informal observation of October 12, 2012. But first, let's have a looksee at the observation!



As we can see that of 28 items to check off, I was only rated on 12 items and none based on instruction, only my classroom, oops, I meant in the parlance of PS 154 and DR Alison Coviello; Principal and Ed.D of PS 154, my "learning environment."

Yes, I  know you are saying to yourself, what is the deal with the E? Well, E is for evolving, something that comes from Danielson, yet it was not supposed to be implemented during the 2012-13 school year. And yes, those numbers i parentheses? Danielson too. And to wonder why Rajendra Jimenez Jailall only misremembered this observation being based on Danielson.

But one thing was curious. Of the 12 items I was rated on, (1s, 3 u's, and 8e's) why was I given a U rating? Let's hear what Rajendra Jimenez Jailall had to say on November 12, 2012 as he first channeled Casey Stengel in doublespeak and then Ralph Kramden when he knows he screwed up. (LISTEN HERE).

Did you hear him say it was based on "all of the items that were not addressed"? So what he did not choose to rate me on I was rated U anyway? What the heck? How can I have an observation based on what he did not check off?

And, since when is a informal observation based only on the classroom environment? More importantly, how can class routines, high expectations, paired work, etc... be rated when all Rajendra Jimenez Jailall observed was not even being in 15 minutes in my room and we were all in the middle of the mini-lesson?

LISTEN TO  Rajendra Jimenez Jailal's reaction when I question him on Danielson. He has no idea what to say.

And LISTEN TO Rajendra Jimenez Jailal's reaction as I question him about there is nothing about the student's engagement in my class, that they are learning, that they enjoy coming to my class. He again has nothing to say. Just mumbled and gargled words.

It's obvious that DR Alison Coviello; Principal and Ed.D of PS 154 in the Bronx neutered Rajendra Jimenez Jailal soon before the school year had started and he was only "following orders," and "kissing ass." We have heard from several members of his former school, PS 28 in the Bronx and this seems to be Rajendra Jimenez Jailal's pattern.

The ironic part is that Rajendra Jimenez Jailal went through what I had gone through the following school year, 2013-14 school year. Karma is a bitch, eh Raj?

Teachers at Bronx Bridges, watch yourself around Rajendra Jimenez Jailal. Watch what you say and what you think. In my opinion he is not to be trusted and he has a long relationship with Nelsie Castillo.

As one former colleague of Rajendra Jimenez Jailal's at PS 28 wrote to me in an email;

"Only thing I can say is that he was a horrible teacher and colleague. Arrogant and condescending to both kids and teachers.  I was with him when he was a 4th grade teacher and he couldn't manage his class. And I was with him when he became literacy coach and couldn't handle that either.  He thought he was God's gift to education....he was an arrogant jerk and we pretty much let him know it back then."

What a pathetic little "man."

As promised, there is more about the most inept AP ever, Rajendra Jimenez Jailall.


As has been previously reported on this pages, Mr J, or as he was affectionately known, Mr Bowtie, had promised me a demo lesson which never came to fruition. In his cross examination at my 3020-a hearing Mr J was asked;

"Do you recall if Mr. Zucker asked you during that post observation conference if you could provide him with a demo lesson?"

Mr J, being the man that he is replied;

"Not to my knowledge. Whether he asked for it, but we had Teacher's College working in the building and there was an opportunity for demonstration lessons to occur, but I don't remember that specifically."

Now mind you, the first time I asked for a demo lesson from Mr J was November 9, 2012. At this point I had zero staff development on the Cult of Lucy Calkins nor had a TC hack come to visit me. But I digress. The cross examination continued with him still being asked about me asking for a demo lesson.

Q.You don't remember him specifically asking you to provide him with a demo lesson? Mr J: Right.  Q. And what is a demo lesson to your understanding? Mr J:  That's when someone models a lesson about how to deliver a lesson.

That he doesn't recall, but he remembers the notebooks. Let's refresh his memory.

Listen here as Mr J promises me a demo lesson on November 9, 2012. 

But maybe we should give Mr J the benefit of the doubt, no? Perhaps he misremembered? What about when I asked him on January 31, 2013 for a demo lesson (Listen here) and his response to my request was;

"Absolutely, but before I do that DR Coviello will send you to a workshop with a TC representative , and we'll talk further on that. But if you want a demonstration lesson from me, fine, OK, (And here he tries to intimidate me in tough guy voice) but whatever I decide to demonstrate you will do it exactly...so we'll talk about it."

I'm still waiting that demo lesson Raj! Where is it? Even the first week of March of 2013 when I asked DR Alison Coviello; Principal and Ed.D. of PS 154 in the Bronx and she replied (listen here!).

I've always believed that I had never received those demo lessons because it went against the grand plan of the conspiracy that DR Alison Coviello; Principal and Ed.D. of PS 154 in the Bronx had hatched against me. But then again Mr J, or Mr Bowtie never gave me those lesson plans because he was just to inept and incompetent to give me a demo lesson.

Listen here as Mr Bowtie attempts to explain how to integrate Character Education and The Cult of Lucy Calkins.

What a maroon. One would assume that Raj would have decided to be a man. How sad.

That's it for now, stay tuned for more fun with audio and the most inept AP ever, Rajendra Jimenez Jailall.

So how is that lawsuit going you might ask? Well, it is chugging along slowly.

I last mentioned the lawsuit that we filed against DR Alison Coviello; Principal and Ed.D. of PS 154 in the Bronx, the DOE, and Yolanda Torres back in August.

Discovery was supposed to be in on September 11, 2015 and so far we have received squat.

Because I have an extremely ethical attorney in Bryan Glass he kept on top of me to get my tush in gear to finish those darn Interrogatories. It's been tough. What with the holidays and me looking for a job every day for several weeks I just could not do it. But I finally finished it.

One interrogatory that comes to mind is when I am asked who told me that I would be given notebooks to use for my Character Education Through Literacy (Always add the "Through Literacy" or DR Alison Coviello; Principal and Ed.D. of PS 154 in the Bronx will plotz!) and when.

Simple. It was the most inept Assistant Principal ever, Rajendra Jimenez Jailall. He is not at 154 anymore, but currently the AP at Bronx Bridges High School (God he couldn't deal with 3rd graders how is he doing this?). DR Alison Coviello; Principal and Ed.D. of PS 154 in the Bronx effectively neutered him his last year at 154 the 2013-2014 school year.

We even supported Mr J as we called him, or sometimes Mr Bowtie, when he was shat upon by DR Alison Coviello; Principal and Ed.D. of PS 154 in the Bronx. But he was just too neutered to do anything and just tucked it under and slank away.

But Mr J and myself had a meeting on November 9, 2012 in which he promised to get me notebooks (Listen here).

No remember that I had this program thrust upon me in a conspiracy between DR Alison Coviello; Principal and Ed.D. of PS 154 in the Bronx and BFF AP Jessica Cruz. I had taught Character Ed. before but I not integrating it with the cult of Lucy Calkins.

I never received the notebooks from Mr J. Instead all I received were about 300 pocket folders. But so much could have been taken care back in September if I just followed what BFF AP Jessica Cruz testified to in my 3020-a hearing.

So the procedure for getting supplies  for students at the beginning of the school year--and  this is a practice that, I mean, we all learn in  Teachers School. You write "Welcome letters" to your  parents introducing yourself and teachers ask for  supply lists. And so, students typically would come  with the supplies to school for students that can't  afford or don't bring all the supplies, then we can  make accommodations.

We learn this in teacher school? Did the dance teacher have to do this? The art teacher? I had been a cluster before and never was I asked to send a letter home for supplies. Only homeroom teachers had done that. But even if I was supposed to why did DR Alison Coviello; Principal and Ed.D. of PS 154 in the Bronx mention this to me or in any of the write ups I had in the beginning of that school year or what did not BFF AP Jessica Cruz inform me of this on our September 29 meeting?

But it gets better, BFF AP Jessica Cruz goes on;

So Mr. Zucker had asked Mr. J for folders

No I didn't. Listen again, it was offered to me.

But BFF AP Jessica Cruz is not done with me yet...

So as I mentioned, the schools are not in the policy or the habit of providing supplies for  all classroom teachers I was a cluster not a classroom teacher for the school year, which is the reason why teachers all write letters to parents welcoming them--introducing themselves and welcoming  their children to the classroom classroom teachers do, and they do it in June and not clusters, and also include a  list of supplies that you would need. In addition to  that, we do have a supply closet, and there are some  supplies in there. So if a student doesn't bring, or if a classroom happens to just have a group of students where most parents didn't supply the  materials then we would provide for that class. You  know, it would be for that specific--because that  class has a specific need. In addition to that,  teachers receive Teacher's Choice, and Teacher's Choice is monies that are given to teachers by the  Department of Education to provide--to buy supplies for students or for their classroom, and it would encompass anything from crayons and markers and paper  to even, like, an overhead projector. I spent over $100 of my money to get that classroom ready!So the  Teacher's Choice usually comes around December so how could I get notebooks for December?, and teachers have--it's either a direct deposit or an  actual check that's handed to teachers. The teachers  have to August--before the school year kicks off--  until March to use up the monies, and they just have  to provide receipts for what they've purchased. 

See, BFF AP Jessica Cruz had come to informally observe me on November 8, 2012. My meeting with Mr J, to discuss my informal observation of a month earlier was about to take place, the next day. At this point when BFF AP Jessica Cruz came into informally observed me my meeting with Mr J had yet tot take place so that I can learn from my previous observation!

And how did Mr J testify?

Q. Mr. Zucker asked you for student notebooks for his students? 
A. Yes, there was a request for notebooks.

WRONG RAJENDRA!! You offered the notebooks, twice (Listen to the second time in the same meeting)!

But who's fault is it that I never was told of sending a letter home, getting the notebooks, and getting folders instead... at the end of December? Of course, it was my fault.

Why was it my fault? I know dumb question.

If my name was Joe Smith I never go through this crap.

Next time...audio of me asking the most inept Assistant Principal ever, Rajendra Jimenez Jailall, for a demo lesson in November than January and he promising it and never following through. Oh, and let's not forget me asking the most inept Assistant Principal ever, Rajendra Jimenez Jailall, that I can stay late one day a week after school and if he can work with me on setting up my learning environment and hear how he blows me off. That and more next time!

I have got less than 48 hours of having my health benefits. We went to Westchester Social Services on
Friday and were approved for only $115 a month in Food Stamps and are waiting to find out about Medicaid.

My son got approved for free lunch and I have my Unemployment appeal hearing on Wednesday. In the last week or so I have sent out about 10 resumes to charter school and private employers. Nothing yet. Putting in an application with a tutoring service tomorrow. I spoke with director, she is keen on hiring me but we'll see.

On Wednesday I wrote about The Ratt at PS 154 who decided to make up such a vicious story that not only was I charged but the charge was substantiated.

What about the two other charges The Ratt came up with?

You will laugh.

As previously mentioned I had The Ratt's class usually the last period of the day at 1:50.

One day, and this happened often with The Ratt, she brought her class early to my classroom. The teacher of the class before me would pick up her class either at 1:50 on the dot and with The Ratt's class waiting for 5 minutes already I had to deal with a class that was already fidgety.

On this day, the teacher was classy enough to pick up her class several minutes early, about 1:47 PM. I had three minutes.

Unfortunately, The Ratt brought her class early and just as the other class had finished filing out, The Ratt started to walk away from the class.

Dang, I thought to myself, I needed that three minutes (FYI, DR Alison Coviello; Principal and Ed.D of PS 154 in the Bronx never had any grace time between periods. Not even a minute. I always wondered why.) to run down to teacher's lounge and get some peanuts. I had plenty of time.

I needed those peanuts. I had not eaten since breakfast that day and it was late. I could feel (Can't explain, but if you are diabetic you can tell) blood sugar getting low. I needed the peanuts and The Ratt brought her class early!

I asked The Ratt if she can just stay with the class for no more than two minutes, that I will be back by 1:50.

"Nooooo," The Ratt squealed, "I won't have a full prep."

I explained that I am diabetic and that I need to get something into my system. The Ratt did not care.

I turned to a 5th grade teacher bathrooming his class, "Can you watch The Ratt's class for me so I can get peanuts. I am diabetic and I asked her and she said she would not."

At this point The Ratt let out a loud, whiny, "WHY ARE YOU TELLING HIM MY BUSINESS?" shrill in front of the 5th grade class and her class. And I was the one crapped on. The Ratt claimed I did not talk to her in a professional manner.

If I didn't why was there no supporting anecdotal from the 5th grade teacher? Why did DR Alison Coviello; Principal and Ed.D of PS 154 in the Bronx take her word for it? And yes, I got a letter in the file.

Here is a another one involving The Ratt.

A week or so after this incident I had to get keys from her for extended day. I spent 15 minutes looking all over the school for The Ratt. Announcements were made and there was no response.

I finally located her in the computer room. All I said when I saw her was, "Oh there you are, I have been looking all over for you."

In her whiny shrilly voice I got it again, '"WHY ARE YOU TALKING TO ME SO UNPROFESSIONALLY? STOP!!!"

Yep, I got a letter in the file as well. In fact she said this in a room full of student whilst sitting between two teachers. Where was anecdotals from students and the two teachers? Again, I got written up for this. Only her word was good enough.

What comes around goes around. The Ratt fell out of favor so quickly. Just was removed from the colon of DR Alison Coviello; Principal and Ed.D of PS 154 in the Bronx.

But The Ratt is teaching in best community possible. The Ratt can be celebrated in 2020. 

It has been quite week for me.

On Saturday I got the notice for my NYS Unemployment appeal hearing (September 9, 9:45 AM 250 Schermerhorn St in Brooklyn). I attempted to have the NYU Law School Unemployment Action Center represent me (Can't school just started). I spent all day yesterday sending resumes to charters (YUCK!). I have a week left on my health benefits and Welfare Fund. Turned in the application for my son to have free or reduced lunch. And tomorrow, going into White Plains to Westchester County Social Services to apply for food stamps and Medicaid.

It's tough. My wife is on disability due to severe back issues (She will eventually need a fusion from L3 up to thoracic area of spine) and I am going to have to stop looking at charters for a job and start just accepting anything. I do have some income. I am tutoring at a chain tutoring center but the hours are shaky and the pay is not that much. But I shall prevail.

In my rejection of Unemployment benefits the NYS Dept. of Labor said that I...

"...should have known that my actions could've have led to a suspension."

Of course, they don't know the entire story.

When I picked up my file the other day to see what the DOE had written in their response to as why I should not get UI, one thing stuck out at me among many;

"...he failed to be at his assigned post..."

Wow. Yeah, that is what I one of the charges were and it was sustained;

"Respondent neglected his professional duties in that he failed to be at his assigned post in May 16, 2013."

Who made this allegation about me? Another teacher. A Ratt. Of course if I too had lived in the colon of DR Alison Coviello; Principal and Ed.D. of PS 154 in the Bronx I would have been, at the most, taken aside and talked it out.

The story of this Ratt and how this Ratt came about to stabbing yours truly in the back (Several times that year) is somewhat long, but for brevity I shall hit on the high points.

In 2011-12 school year I was SAVE room teacher. The Ratt always would come and tell me how much The Ratt would love to have my job. So when preference sheets came around, guess what? Nice, huh? I have never ever put down for a position on the preference sheet for myself what another colleague wanted or had. Especially if that colleague had done a lot for me in the past.

When school started in September of 2012 I realized that The Ratt is plutonium and to stay far away from The Ratt. I decided that there was to be no communication between The Ratt and myself except for professional matters.

On May 16, a Thursday, The Ratt (Who at this time was no longer the SAVE room teacher but replaced a spec. ed teacher that had been targeted by DR Alison Coviello; Principal and Ed.D. of PS 154 in the Bronx) was informed, as was I, that I would be covering The Ratt's class the last period of the day at 1:50 PM until 2:35 PM.

The class before had been picked up at 1:49 PM and I got things ready and then waited in the doorway for the arrival of The Ratt's special ed 3/4 class. When the clock hit 1:50 the class had yet to arrive.

The clock soon hit 1:55 PM. No class. 2 PM. No class. I peered down the hall way looking at The Ratt's classroom. The door was closed and the lights were off. I has assumed that the class was late coming from a mass prep in the auditorium (This would happen when teachers had PD).

At about 2:08 or so I felt the urge, a bad urge, to relieve myself (Metformin tends to do this). As I was taking care of business, over the PA it was announced for me to call the main office. I ended what I was doing and ran down there.

The school secretary, who is a wonderful person, told me that The Ratt called whining that I had never shown up to The Ratt's class for the coverage. I was puzzled. All cluster positions at PS 154 that year the classes CAME to the teachers, not the other way around. The Ratt was well aware of this being that I had her class two other days of the week.

I finally show up at 2:10 or so and the hell and whining I got from The Ratt was too much. Knowing how far inside the colon of DR Alison Coviello; Principal and Ed.D. of PS 154 in the Bronx The Ratt was ensconced I decided to err o the side of caution.

I apologized profusely. I told The Ratt that I would make up the 15 minutes on my lunch time or a prep. The whining was incessant, "I lost my prep time." I really tried to make good. But to no avail.

This charge was sustained based on the secretary's testimony. The Ratt had never shown.

A month later on National Write-Up Day (I received about 5 letters to the file on one day) I found out that The Ratt did what The Ratt did. Ratted me out.

This is ironic considering all that I had done for The Ratt in the past:

Gave The Ratt rides home into Manhattan.

Under a previous administration I listened and supported The Ratt has The Ratt was whining and crying was going on that that administration was targeting and harassing The Ratt.

In 2010 when our school got a grant through Play Study Win to have Metro Soccer come into the school and start a soccer team for the 4th and 5th graders to celebrate the 2010 World Cup (The kids practiced for a month to play in a tournament as Costa Rica to play in an all day tournament at Floyd Bennett Field) we (Myself and the phys ed teacher) allowed The Ratt to particpate.

We also put up with The Ratt fawning all over the representative from Metro Soccer for 6 weeks.

The Ratt was invited to come to MLS offices with us.

The Ratt was involved in a traffic accident in which The Ratt was injured. The Ratt was in need of an attorney I gave The Ratt the number of our personal attorney and The Ratt was on the phone for an hour with him and never retained him. Nor was The Ratt charged for the consultation ($500).

When the entire school, save for a select few, would endlessly badmouth The Ratt, I stuck up for The Ratt.

And how am I repaid? By The Ratt finding the most little petty POS thing The Ratt can think of and being nothing more than a Ratt.

Hey but I am in good company. That special ed teacher The Ratt took over for? The Ratt was planted into his room by DR Alison Coviello; Principal and Ed.D. of PS 154 in the Bronx into that class about two months before he got 3020-a charges. The Ratt was supposed to "help out" but it was really The Ratt reporting back from what The Crack Team was told.

But Karma came. The 2013-14 school year DR Alison Coviello; Principal and Ed.D. of PS 154 turned on The Ratt. The Ratt was cast out of the colon of DR Alison Coviello; Principal and Ed.D. of PS 154 into the cold cruel world. The whining and crying were back. The Ratt left PS 154 after that year and now The Ratt is an activist for teachers rights. BARF!

Karma can be a game changer.

Baseball is a great sport. Think about it. What other sport are you considered great if you fail 70% of the time?

The .300 batting average is what hitters wish to attain. Hit over .300 in a season you did well. Have a lifetime .300 batting average over a career you are considered one of the finest hitters of all time. Of the 18,274 (Including pitchers) players to play Major League Baseball since 1876 only 178 have a lifetime .300 average (Based on 1,000 games played). That is less than 1%!!!!!!!

From the highest, Ty Cobb with a lifetime average of .366 to a lowest .300 on the dot for 11 players, that .300 average is a mark of success.

Even the last player to he .400, Ted Williams in 1941 when he hit .406, failed to get a hit in 60% of his at bats (When I was a kid my dad always said Williams would have hit 800 if he didn't miss 5 years due to military service).

The great Mickey Mantle finished with a career .298 average. Mickey always lamented playing his last two seasons, 1967 and 1968 in which he hit .245 and .237 respectfully (He hit .300 or better 10 times in his career). Take away those two seasons, Mick winds up hitting over .300 lifetime.

The point?

Why is it acceptable for a NYC school to have 80% of it's 5th graders and over 80% of its 3rd graders unable to read or write and then go into middle school where they have no skills at all.

This school? PS 154 in the Bronx, led by that purveyor of all things Lucy Calkin, DR Alison Coviello, Principal and Ed.D, this is what is happening the students on East 135th St in the South Bronx.

These are the scores that came out last week. Of the 57 fifth graders tested at PS 154 31.6% scored a 1 and 54.4% scored a 2. That is over 80% This is acceptable? Yes, 14% scored a 3, but this comes out to only 7.98 students. EIGHT STUDENTS!!!!


In 3rd grade 58 students were tested Of these, 55.2% of the students recieved a 1 and 29.3% a 2. This totals 84% of students out of a class who apparently weren't taught well from K-2 and especially 3rd grade. Again, to be fair, 15.5% received a 3 in 3rd grade, only 8.99 students. NINE STUDENTS!!!

WHERE IS THE OUTRAGE IN THE COMMUNITY???

The students and the community of PS 154 are being short changed by a failed writing and reading curriculum brought into PS 154 by DR Alison Coviello; Principal and Ed.d of PS 154 in the Bronx. Can/should DR Alison Coviello; Principal and Ed.d of PS 154 in the Bronx be trusted to impart the right reading and writing program into PS 154 when she has close ties to Lucy Calkins and her failed methodology?

The community of PS 154 needs to know that they can do something. Demand to whomever will listen that an 80 percent failure rate is not acceptable and demand accountability. This is your community, your school, and your children.

Would these scores be acceptable in Scarsdale? HECK NO! How fast would the Scarsdale superintendent clean house? Think about it. So why is it acceptable in the South Bronx?

Because they believe they have a compliant population that will not contradict what they are told and how they are told to think. 

The parents, the community of PS 154, are the only ones capable of taking charge of your child's education. The parents and community are the best and only advocates. But to do this parents must always question what they are told and come up with their own answers.

It is up to the parents and the community to put and end to the NYCDOE allowing a 80% failure rate to be seen as a success. 

If Mickey Mantle had failed to get a hit 80% of the time he would have been a .200 hitter. He would not have lasted in the Majors for 18 years and would not be in the Hall of Fame.

One common takeaway from all the people who had attended my 3020-a hearing was how robotic, how unemotional, how two dimensional DR Alison Coviello; Principal and Ed.D of PS 154 in the Bronx came across.  Can DR Coviello; Principal and Ed.D of PS 154 in the Bronx be the inspiration of Styx's 1983 song Mr Roboto?

Several sources deep within PS 154 in the Bronx shared with The Crack Team a email she had sent out to the sycophants and suck-ups thanking them for flowers she had been given at the end of the year. There is no emotion.

So The Crack Team was able to take the thank you email, put it through our Crack Computers and were unable to decode the email into what DR Coviello; Principal and Ed.D of PS 154 in the Bronx was really thinking. We also decided to add the lyrics from the Styx song, "Mr Roboto," of the the album "Kilroy Was Here."

Domo arigato, Mr. Roboto [どうもありがとうミスターロボット],
Mata au hi made [また会う日まで]

Dear Colleagues Those beneath me,

Yes, the rumors are true!!

Neil Haley, host of BlogTalk Radio's The Total Tutor Show has been negotiating for sometime to get me to appear live on his Internet radio show.

Months of talks had commiserated between Neil and The Crack Team as we were waiting for our demands to be made. Finally, in fact just this morning, Neil finally caved to the demands of The Crack Team and I will be live, on air, talking with Neil and taking phone calls.

Nothing will be off topic. For those who remember my own Internet radio show, those who have heard me live on WFAS-AM, and for readers of this blog, there is nothing that I will not share my honest opinion of.

This all takes place tomorrow night, July 15 at 11 PM EDT. 

Click this link and listen from your device or computer and hear as I openly and honestly discuss my 3020-a hearing, the charges against me, my suspension, DR Alison Coviello; Principal and Ed.D of PS 154 in the Bronx, the death of education in New York State and nationwide, the AFT, the UFT, the upcoming 2016 UFT elections, MORE, how teachers can best help themselves against attacks, and whatever else Neil decides to throw at me.

You can call in to speak to Neil and myself at (805) 285-9736 and also follow me on Twitter in which I will be attempting to live tweet along with Neil on his Twitter feed and follow along at hashtag #educhat.

One thing a good leader should always do is not to assume. A good leader will know to ask questions before the leader makes assumptions. Only a "leader" will assume and we all know what happens when one assumes, no?


In yesterday's post we discussed how an unnamed "leader" not only decided to throw my 3020-a proceedings and decision in my face but the unnamed "leader" decided without having read the transcript nor having asked me any questions that the unnamed "leader" knew the entire background of my case.

Today is another lesson on why we ask questions, why we don't make unfounded conclusions, and why when one wants to act as a "leader" one does not do what the unnamed "leader did.

The Cowgirl was mentioned yesterday in how I was thrown under the bus. Yes, of course, this Cowgirl could not have done it without the enabling of DR Alison Coviello; Principal and Ed.D of PS 154 in the Bronx. But as we know no one makes anyone do anything they don't want to do. As the unnamed "leader" know, being a tattle tale on other teachers is gauche.

We here at SBSB wish to share with the unnamed "leader" what type of person The Cowgirl truly is. The Cowgirl created a issue in September 2012 with the then physical education teacher, Carmine Ragguzzi. Carmine was so hurt that he penned an email to DR Alison Coviello; Principal and Ed.D of PS 154 in the Bronx. Carmine has shared the email with The Crack Team which will be shared here on these pages and seen nationally for the first time ever. Names and class numbers have been changed.

The following accurately describes a situation that occurred between Class 222 (The Cowgirl) at the time of their scheduled Physical Education class on September 19, 2012:

Class 222 was scheduled to have Physical Education at 1:50 in the gymnasium. The door to the gym that class 222 usually enters was left open just prior to 1:50 in expectation of their arrival. After opening the door and while waiting for the class, I returned to my office to prepare and "catch up" on a few things.  At 2:05 another staff member telephoned me, and during our brief conversation, I mentioned that I had been waiting for my class to arrive.  After that call(15 Minutes having passed), the class still was not at the gym. Therefore, I started to put away the equipment that was to be used for this class, thinking there was some unknown reason for the class not to show. I then checked the hallway once more, still no class.  I then closed the gym door.  There was no courtesy call to explain the situation. At this point, I went to the library to check the school website.

For this teacher to tell the Principal that the class had been waiting at the gym door at 1:50 was a blatant lie and an attempt to discredit me with absolutely no regard for the picture this painted as far as me adhering to my responsibilities as a teacher.

In addition to the above, there have been numerous instances whereby students from class 222, because of unacceptable prior behavior in their Physical Education class, it was necessary to make use of the "Buddy System" and have them sent to another buddy teacher's classroom in place of their P.E. class.

The Cowgirl was advised of this prior to the P.E. class and sent the students to their P.E. class, ignoring my request.

Carmine

Hmmm. One can see a pattern here with The Cowgirl. One can also see the blatant hypocrisy of The Cowgirl and the cahoots The Cowgirl engaged in with DR Alison Coviello; Principal and Ed.D of PS 154 in the Bronx.

Worse, it makes one wonder of the unnamed "leader" will engage in the type of behavior of The Cowgirl with members and teachers that dare to disappoint the leader. 

I can sleep at night and look in the mirror. I have never thrown something back in a teacher's face and if I have any questions I ask.

So what am I to do when someone, someone claims that he is the champion of teachers, the champion of teachers rights, the undisputed person of getting things done, the one who claims he will walk through a wall of fire, throws in my face-- whilst looking down their nose-- one of the charges against me in my 3020-a?

I was told by this person (Who shall remain nameless) the other day;

"Why didn't you tell me of all the charges you had against you?"

To wit I replied,;

"What do you mean?"

I believe this unnamed "leader" was implying that I was not being honest about the charges. Well I was. I said I had 19 and if one asked me, I would share each and every charge. Besides, this unnamed "leader" had been through the 3020-a ringer as well and was fully aware and should have been just as fully empathetic to just not my plight, but the plight of others in the same situation.

When I asked this unnamed "leader" what charge this unnamed "leader" was referring to there was no answer. I told this unnamed "leader" , "Hey you brought it up, I have nothing to hide and I will be truthful."

The reply, as follows;

"You told students that they can do whatever they want?"

Hmmm. Not only was that accusation out of context but this unnamed "leader" had no context either nor did this unnamed "leader" even have all the facts. This is the last time I share my 3020-a decision with someone. The worst part is that this unnamed "leader" used my plight as a sword against me.

Moses would never do something like this.

So here is the facts. Not as I see it, but what actually happened.

It was a Friday afternoon. A 3rd grade teacher, The Cowgirl, had her prep at 1:50 PM. Her class was a rough class for all the clusters in the school. Most didn't behave, most had to be sent to buddy classes for the first 15 minutes of cluster time just so us clusters could get the class settled down. This was true with the Phys Ed teacher, the librarian, and perhaps with the art teacher but she lived so far in the colon of admins she was Teflon. But I digress.

I had already sent her a note asking for about 5 students to be sent to buddy classes as per the guidelines set forth by DR Alison Coviello; Principal and Ed.D of PS 154 in the Bronx. The Cowgirl did not like that I was asking.

I had been teaching a class when at about 1:45 the class had lined up outside my classroom. Now this was strange for the class was not due for another 5 minutes and being that their classroom was only 25 feet from mine why would they need to be there so early?

Maybe if we look at The Cowgirl's direct testimony from my 3020-a;

 And in your statement, you mention
16 that you--the student came with that note at
17 approximately 1:30. What were you doing at that time
18 when the student brought the note?
19 A. Wrapping up the day, getting them
20 packed up, going over their homework.

Getting packed up at 1:30 twenty full minutes before the class was to arrive? Twenty full minutes without instruction? God, imagine if I had let a class go on for 20 minutes without instruction.

Homework should take no longer than 5 minutes and since this was June there were no coats, hats, and gloves to put on so how long can it take to get packed up? Most teachers give homework right after lunch. Or couldn't the homework be on the board and students copy it when they have completed their independent work. Or, why copy the homework when a weekly homework sheet is given out on Monday's?

On cross The Cowgirl was asked; 

Q. Okay. And so, is it fair to say that
10 you have responsibility for the class up until the
11 period that Mr. Zucker's class would have started?
12 A. 'Til 1:50

So if The Cowgirl claims the class is her responsibility why didn't The Cowgirl have the class waiting quietly and standing in line properly for me to, as they say at 154, "Welcome them into the learning environment?"

As soon as the class I had was dismissed and went out to the hallway, contrary to what The Cowgirl testified to, she split. No wonder. It was the end of the day, it was Friday, she needed her prep and I was but a lowly cluster teacher.

Now I was tasked with trying to get the class calm. I tried every trick in the book and nothing worked. Down the hall from me was BFF AP Jessica Cruz handing out cap and gowns to the 5th graders. I though, wrongly of course, that an AP would assist me with this class, and AP would have my back, and AP would settle this class down.

I was wrong.

She came spoke to the class briefly and left. Then it got worse. We were still in the hall when the behavior got worse. There was one female student who insisted that she could stand anywhere in line. I asked her several times to get back to her spot and the verbal abuse I had gotten from her was something I had never gotten from a student.

All this was happening within earshot and eyeshot of BFF AP Jessica Cruz. She did nothing. I asked her several time, by phone to come and assist me and she said she was too busy handing out the caps and gowns.

She finally came back down and instead of admonishing the students, I was admonished and humiliated in front of the students. It was at that point I knew I was being set up, Serpico style. 

She left me with zero credibility.

When I finally got the students in the class and sitting down the same girl was still out of control, doing whatever she wanted to do. She came up to me and asked me what we are going to do. I said, "It doesn't matter what we are going to do, you seem that you will do whatever it is you want."

At this point, she turns to the class and yells that Mr Zucker said we can do whatever we want.

Nothing was further from the truth.

Was I wrong? Yep. Was I sarcastic? Yep. Was I frustrated? Yep. Was I being set up? Yep. Again, was I wrong? Yep. If I was amongst the Chosen People of PS 154 would I have been written up? Nope!

Did the unnamed "leader" ever bother to ask me my side? If asked, I should not have answered, but I did. For this person knew damn well what it was like to have their words and actions twisted. I went through a school year of hell every single day. The unnamed "leader" only had a few months of hell at school.

I had taught for almost 20 years. Never ever did I have a problem with classroom management unto the 2012-13 school year. The students knew that year that they ran the building thank to the lack of management style of DR Alison Coviello; Principal and Ed.D of PS 154 in the Bronx.

How can someone who purports to be Moses and Jimmy Hoffa rolled into one be the first teacher to throw anything in my face whilst this unnamed "leader" know more than anything what it is like to have words and actions twisted and contorted.

Then, worse, has the audacity to call for me to post my decision online while we, the world, are waiting for this unnamed leader's decision? 

Glass houses.

I smoke. I know I shouldn't but I do. Maybe 10 cigs a day and I don't buy packs. I just buy loosies for if I have a whole pack with me I'll wind up smoking that pack.

I want to quit and know that I will be more or less stress free for the next 6 months I think this is as good as time as ever.
So why am I sharing this? Because one of the 19 charges against me was that I had been smoking a cigarette, outside, away from the school during that 5 minute lull we all have between the time we dismiss the students and when we have to start PD.

On December 12, 2012 As I was smoking, as per chancellor's regulation C-810 that was in effect at the time and written on May 3, 2005 (I shall paste only what pertains to me);

Smoking is prohibited on all school grounds and other DOE outdoor facilities, including playing fields, school yards, entrances and exits to buildings, parking lots, and the like.

Fine, no problem. However, DR Alison Coviello, Ed.D and Principal of PS 154 in the Bronx decided to add her own codicil to a Chancellor's Regulation. There was to be no smoking on the entire block the PS 154 was on. From East 135th between Willis and Alexander Avenues and on Willis up to 139th St and Alexander to East 137th St.

The spot I was smoking can be seen here (Click to enlarge);
I indicated my spot by marking it with "ME." The main entrance is where you see that white truck and by that tree that is indicated as where I was is a city park, not any park or property that belongs to the school.

In the disciplinary proceeding that followed several days later I asked how she can supersede a Chancellor's Regulation. DR Alison Coviello, Ed.D and Principal of PS 154 in the Bronx responded that she had spoke to someone at legal and they said it was OK. When asked the name of the person DR Alison Coviello, Ed.D and Principal of PS 154 in the Bronx responded, "I don't remember." Apparently her favorite words.

Yes, DR Alison Coviello's, Ed.D and Principal of PS 154 in the Bronx edict was in the 2012-2013 Staff Manifesto about where to smoke but as we shall soon see, not everyone has to follow the edicts from the burning bush.

DR Alison Coviello, Ed.D and Principal of PS 154 in the Bronx did inform me that I was free to smoke directly across the street from the school however illogical as it would seem for in Chancellor's Reg C-810 it did say that children should not see their teachers smoke.

I was written up for this. I had never ever smoked where I was not supposed to, I always followed C-810, and never was disciplined for this. Why I couldn't get a counseling memo is beyond belief but if I was part of the inner circle, the few, the proud, the ignorant, perhaps, well not perhaps, nothing would have come of this.

As we ended the meeting I inquired if the cars are only allowed to be parked in spaces in the lot and not along the wall. DR Alison Coviello, Ed.D and Principal of PS 154 in the Bronx said yes as one can read in the school manifesto. I inquired as to why one of her Chosen, Gladys Rabinowitz has been parking her car there for weeks now. It is not as if DR Alison Coviello, Ed.D and Principal of PS 154 in the Bronx was not aware of this. DR Alison Coviello, Ed.D and Principal of PS 154 in the Bronx did one period of lunch duty and when she escorted the students to playground from the cafeteria she had no choice but to walk by Ms Rabinowitz's car.
This photo was taken just the next day or two days later. For the rest of the month the car was still there. Parked everyday violating the terms of the school manifesto.


When we came back after the break what was there to see? The car. Here is the car on January 14, a full month later;
And guess what? It was there at least through January 28.

Again, why do I get a disciplinary letter and the Nissan stays?

When we get to the hearing the defense we use is that I was following Chancellors Regulation's to the T. The smoking on entire block was never used by the DOE, but that I was too close to the school. But that was contradictory to C-810.

An updated C-810 came out on November 29, 2012. Which states (Click to enlarge);


In the hearing they now were nailing me that I was within 100 feet of the building as opposed to the May 2005 Reg which said not near entrances or exits. I was not near the playground, nor was I near the parking lot. I was not smoking near an entrance or an exit. I was complying.

And guess what? DR Alison Coviello, Ed.D and Principal of PS 154 in the Bronx never informed the staff of this change in Regs!!! Is that not part of her job?

Here is what the arbitrator had to say;
How am I, or any other teacher, supposed to know when a new Chancellor's Reg comes out? Does this not fall to the purview of a school leader to do so? Even using the arbitrator's convoluted logic that I was still in violation of the previous C-810 where is he getting being on the sidewalk is the same as being in the parking lot or the school grounds? These arbitrators pick and choose what they want to believe and try to find some distorted rationalization to fit with their perverted logic.

Again, if my name was Joe Blow or I was feminine, I don't get written up for this. No way no how. This was all part of the DR Alison Coviello, Ed.D and Principal of PS 154 in the Bronx method and conspiracy to do me in. She had one set of rules for her inner circle, her crowd, her boot lickers and another set of rules for those she hates.

Gladys Rabinowitz by being a favorite, a toady flouts the rules only because it curries favor, or has the opportunity to curry favor. DR Alison Coviello, Ed.D and Principal of PS 154 in the Bronx know how to divide and conquer the staff of a school.


Oh, one more thing. I know what I did wrong, in retrospect I should not. BUT, what became of this incident was not warranted. A true leader doesn't need to use the hammer all the time.

Individual Educational Plans, or IEP's if you will, are sacrosanct. They are mandated by federal law and are legal documents. Sadly, too many manipulate IEP's for their own evil ways and parents are not aware of their rights and how much power they wield.

Several disturbing stories from sources deep within my now former school, PS 154 in the Bronx, have come to The Crack Team in recent weeks alleging monkey business with student's IEP's and services that are mandated to them.

The first allegation, and this was from several sources as well, was a veteran staff member with involved in the IEP's for the last several years at 154 decided that at the end of the 2013-14 school no longer wished to be involved in the IEP process anymore and decided to move on to a different path at PS 154.

A newbie teacher is now the one who make the decisions and she is one who only has an initial certificate. How could this happen?

The Crack Team was informed that upper echelon at PS 154 was allegedly exerting undue pressure of the veteran staff member to manipulate IEP's. This staff member has a conscience. This staff member could no longer deal with unethical requests.

Better yet to have a pliable newbie teacher for administration to work with, no?

The Crack Team has also come across something as equally disturbing.

Allegedly, paras, one to one paras, have been pulled from being with their students this year at PS 154 to give tutoring to students in Reading Rescue.

Allegedly, these tutoring sessions have been happening in the morning and while we here at SBSB applaud any and all methods to help our most troubled students get up to speed we do not believe it should be done at the expense of students whose federally mandated one to one paras are spending less time do what they should be doing by law. We are also troubled that the Cult of Calkins endorses Reading Rescue.

To get around such shenanigans either the IEP's are either being ignored or being changed.

If they are being ignored then that would be not only unethical but can appear to be stealing money. Funds are allocated for paras based on how much time they spend with a student. If said paras are only spending part of the day with the students they work with then the they are not full time paras and the monies for these paras should be cut.

On the other hand, and we have seen it before at PS 154, IEP's are being changed that a student needs his one to one para for only half the day. Of course this is easy to do in the South Bronx where parents are not fully aware of how much power the posses and not knowing the law. Even with this method monies are being spent for full day paras when they are in essence not full day paras.

We at SBSB are quite concerned with these allegations and wish to see a special blue ribbon panel put together by Chancellor Fariña post haste. The children of PS 154 deserve to be protected.

 I went to the PEP meeting (I'm at about 19:40 in) this past Thursday at Murry Bergtraum High School and had the pleasure of addressing the PEP. Unfortunately I was unable to fulfill my 2 minutes since the matter was a personal issue. In light of that, I am writing this open letter to Chancellor Fariña to share the gist of what I had planned on speaking about.


Dear Chancellor Fariña;

Thank you so much for allowing me the time to address you this past Thursday night at the PEP meeting. I apologize for bringing up a personal matter before the PEP. I had never done something like this before and was not aware of the protocol.

The lady, Ms X, who spoke to me privately about my concerns was gracious and seemed genuinely concerned, and shocked as I shared my story. I know both of you have been busy since and she might not have had the time to share with you what I had with her so please allow me to briefly share with you what I told her and what I had attempted to share with you at the PEP meeting.

I had been teaching for 18 years when before the 2012-2013 school year began Dr Alison Coviello, Principal of PS 154 in the Bronx, had decided before the school year started that I would be found incompetent.

Dr Coviello had also already scheduled me for 2 formal evaluations even before I had my first.

I, and neither does any teacher, have no problem being judged on their merits. But I ask you respectfully Chancellor Fariña, how can we be properly judged or evaluated when what his being dealt to us comes from the bottom of the deck? All we want is the same chance, an equal chance of every teacher in our building or the city.

Even if the argument is that Dr Coviello has a right to consult with XXXXXX to do her job, the question must be asked, what was shared about me,  with XXXXXX? Was he told that I had already been U-rated and had unsatisfactory observations in the 2011-2012 school year? Or was he told that I must be "gotten" at all costs. Either way, the parties acted in an unethical manner.

If Dr Coviello told XXXXX that I had been U-rated and the previous year, that would be untrue and unethical. If Dr Coviello told XXXXXX that I must be "gotten" at all costs that would be just as unethical unethical and just plain wrong.

But this calls into question who initiated the contact with XXXXX? Was it Dr Coviello? Was it a third party? Was it XXXXXXX? See how this seems like a conspiracy?

But even if Dr Coviello says that this was a consultation which is her right to be informed and that she at no time was planning on finding me incompetent, why then was I scheduled for 2 formal observation before I even had my first? A reasonable person can see that this shows intent to find me incompetent ahead of time, before the school year had even started.

Is it ethical for XXXXXXX to not only assist principals in how to U-rate teachers but to sit on a panel and render and/or assist in decisions to determine if U-rated teachers were wronged?

Is it ethical for a principal to determine before hand that a teacher would be rated incompetent? Should not a principal do everything in their power to raise the level of a teacher's pedagogy? To do everything to help a teacher thrive?

From what you know of this situation Chancellor Fariña, does this all fall into the Frameworks that you have espoused?

Would a principal in Roslyn, in White Plains, or in my town of Harrison, NY engage in such behavior? Would a school board in any of those towns when informed of the truth of something that had befallen myself, and probably countless other NYC teachers, not be shocked and indignant at such transgressions?

I love working with kids, I miss working with kids.

One of the great joys of being a teacher is seeing the growth in our students as people. We want them to be the best possible person they can be. We as teachers want the students to have ethics and morals yet the way most of us are treated nearly everyday is contradictory to what we are trying to impart.

Does this "gotcha" mentality directed at teachers actually do the students any good? The time and the money spent on me and the other 8 teachers at PS 154 that were U-rated in 2012-2013, how did that benefit the students? How does the constant harassment of ATR's help the educational process?

Everything directed at teachers appears to be punitive in nature. Why must it be that way? Must every matter involving a teacher that has done something incorrect have a figurative hammer applied to it? What ever happened to talking problems out? Is this not what we want to impart on our students? 

Thank you for your time. 

Great news came across the SBSB news desk this week.

After many hours of lobbying, phone calls, letter writings, etc... trips to Albany, I have finally gotten an audience with a highly respected and highly influential New York State senator to meet with me, and maybe some others, on my plight and the conspiracy DR Alison Coviello, Ed.D and Principal of PS 154 in the Bronx had diabolically planned against me and possibly others.

I can't give all the details but the meeting will be taking place after the November elections at the senator's office. The senator is aware of the situation at PS 154 and from what his chief of staff has shared is appalled.

Details to follow.

DR Alison Coviello, Ed.D and Principal of PS 154 in the Bronx has a hidden, well not hidden, rather a special talent that not too many know about.

Apparently, it seems that DR Alison Coviello, Ed.D and Principal is not only an educator but a court reporter as well. Yes, you read that right, a court reporter.

It's not being implied that she moonlights as a court reporter, but rather she has the skills of a court reporter and these skills have come across in how she conducts (Or has conducted in the 2012-2013 school year) formal observations.

Back in 2012-2013 when DR Alison Coviello, Ed.D and Principal had pre-planned how many observations I was to have, as well as the diabolical plot that I would be found incompetent before the school year started, DR Alison Coviello, Ed.D and Principal had a very unique method of observing.

She would enter the classroom with her trusty laptop, sit her self down, and when you started teaching she did what she had to do. No, not taking copious hand written notes, but rather transcribing the entire 50 minute lesson onto her laptop.

How can this be done you ask? Yes, DR Alison Coviello, Ed.D and Principal is super duper smart and like James Bond knows it all. But did DR Alison Coviello, Ed.D and Principal, while earning her doctorate, also attend some of the finer schools in Manhattan for court stenography? Better yet, does she have the skills were court reporting?

A good court reporter must be able to type about 180-22- words per minute using what is known as a Stenograph (Take a look at this video) on a 22 key unmarked keyboard. Now remember, this is a hard job, even though most of the time there are mostly two people talking, or even one.  Yes, there is a lot of interaction amongst judges, lawyers, witnesses, but not like having 25 kids and 1 teacher.

DR Alison Coviello, Ed.D and Principal was able to take these skills as a court reporter and transfer them to the classroom. Not only was she able to transcribe the entire 50 minute lesson, supposedly verbatim, but in the transcription have the name of every child who has spoken, the inflections of the voices, and the movements of all in the class. She was able to do all this while being able to concentrate on the lesson being taught as well.

Now, there were some mistakes made in the transcription handed back. Large chunks of the lesson were missing and comments, inflections, interactions that never happened in the lesson were on the transcript.

Now for the readers of this blog who say, "IMPOSSIBLE!", well, you must put away your cynical hat for just a moment. As my dad said, "Anything is possible, the question is, is it probable."

Hmm, let's put my dad's theory to use.

Can DR Alison Coviello, Ed.D and Principal actually type as fast as a court reporter? Anyone can, even a monkey, but type that fast with accuracy or DR Alison Coviello, Ed.D and Principal's idea of truthiness? 

If DR Alison Coviello, Ed.D and Principal can type that fast, she would have to be spot on accurate with who said what to whom as well as the correct inflection used in each speaker's voice. 

If DR Alison Coviello, Ed.D and Principal can type that fast and accurate surely it must take some amount of concentration, concentration that is not used to properly follow the lesson, no? 

If DR Alison Coviello, Ed.D and Principal can type that fast and accurate along with the needed concentration wouldn't she not miss out on some of the small intricacies of the lesson? Perhaps even unspoken moments? 

Can DR Alison Coviello, Ed.D and Principal truly type that fast and accurate and if not, dare it be said...? That she covertly recorded the lesson on her laptop only to transcribe it later and purposely omit exculpatory evidence to quality teaching?

If DR Alison Coviello, Ed.D and Principal was audio recording observations, does this then not explain why (To transcribe the audio) it took almost a month to get feedback, the rating, and the transcription of the observation back?

At anytime, if the observations were being recorded, had DR Alison Coviello, Ed.D and Principal informed or gotten permission from the teacher being observed for the lesson to be audio recorded? 

In a previous 3020-a hearing, DR Alison Coviello, Ed.D and Principal when asked if she had audio recorded observations denied she had. Was this the truth or a fib?

In a controlled setting, would DR Alison Coviello, Ed.D and Principal be able to replicate such skills as she exhibited during formal observations? 

These are all questions inquiring minds would like answered. If these observations were audio recorded it would be a serious breech of trust and of ethics on the part of DR Alison Coviello, Ed.D and Principal.