Parents plan protest of DOE proposal

Parents and teachers are outraged at a proposal by the Department of Education (DOE) that they claim would profoundly affect children within Hearing Education Services (HES).
HES is an agency within District 75 - citywide educational, vocational, and behavioral support programs for approximately 23,000 students with special needs - that services deaf and hard of hearing students in many different learning environments throughout the five boroughs.
According to a parent letter by Rose O’Connor, HES-UFT Chapter Leader, as of Wednesday, January 30, the DOE officially announced its proposal to put all self-contained classes within HES and Educational Vision Services (EVS) under the direct supervision of the school principal. A self-contained class is one in which all the students have the same classification and are taught by a licensed teacher of the deaf and hard of hearing.
“Presently, all self-contained classes are supervised by HES Supervisors who are licensed and experienced in the area of Deaf Studies and are familiar with the educational, social and psychological needs of the deaf and hard of hearing,” wrote O’Connor. “Many deaf and hard of hearing students are often mandated services that are funded by District 75.”
If the proposal were to go through, O’Connor wrote, “Your child’s education would be now funded by the principal of your community school — who is not licensed in the field of Deaf Studies — not District 75.”
O’Connor went on to say that there is a “big push for accountability.”
She explained that currently HES or EVS Supervisors are rating teachers, but principals would be rating, hiring and/or firing instructors under the new plan.
“There needs to be one source/organization for funding and a continuation of services,” she said.
Maibe Gonzales, DOE spokesperson told The Queens Courier, “We are exploring options, and are discussing a model of joint supervision. We have made no decisions, but we will ensure that services will remain intact. Whatever changes, if any, will not affect services in any way.”
A teacher who works with the hearing impaired told The Queens Courier, “The ramifications [of the proposal] are great because these kids will get lost in the shuffle. I fear they will be lumped with Special Education students.”
She continued, “Are principals going to be concerned about cost? Will they make cuts?”
In opposition of the proposal, a meeting will be held on Tuesday, February 12 at 6 p.m. at Selis Manor, 135 West 23rd Street. O’Connor urges all to attend.
“The supporters of keeping HES classes under the direct supervision of District 75 will join forces with EVS supporters and we will work together to prevent the destruction of agencies that have served students with hearing and visual impairments,” wrote O’Connor.