It appears that the ATR rotation has ended for the most part this school year. The majority of the ATRs were left in their school when the last rotation occurred. The only ATRs moved were ATRs that were better suited for certain schools. Like music teachers being sent to a performing arts school or a Math teacher sent to schools where the Math scores are poor and the ATR can provide extra support like tutoring and Regents prep.
Let's go over the facts and the rumors about the ATR situation as presently known.
Fact, it certainly looks like the ATR rotation is history this school year and I have been told by a DOE official that all ATRs will be "forced placed" next September. The details are currently being worked out with the UFT in their secret meetings on the issue that will result in a new ATR agreement for the next school year.
Fact, the field supervisor will still be the rating officer this school year, unless you are provisionally or permently appointed. While the school administration can observe you and even rate you, most will not bother to add to their paperwork.
Fact, Amy Arundell told the Executive Board that 200 ATRs obtained permanent positions due to the latest incentive. She also said that leaves 800 ATRs without a classroom. What was left unsaid by Amy was that between 400 and 500 ATRs have previously been provisionally appointed and will be dumped back into the ATR pool this summer. Therefore the 800 is really 1,300.
Fact, the DOE maintains two ATR lists. The first for ATRs who were excessed due to school or course closing and the other because of discipline. Only the ATRs on the excessed list are being offered to principals to be hired. The few ATRs on the discipline list that were hired occurred because there are no ATRs available in the subject area from the excessed list of that District or Borough.
Fact, the DOE and UFT keep the ATRs in the dark about changes in the ATR situation and don't seek out ATR input on issues concerning the ATRs. Once the UFT had an ATR group but they have not met in more than two years and there is no plan to bring it back together.
Rumor, the ATR rotation and field supervisors will no longer exist in the 2017-18 school year.
Rumor, all ATRs will be subject to Danielson and the teacher evaluation system. No more "S" or "U" ratings.
Rumor, the DOE and City will offer the ATR an incentive to retire or resign, similar to the 2014 incentive.
Rumor, UFT President Michael Mulgrew told a meeting of retirees in Boca Raton, Florida that he will be signing off on a deal to eliminate the ATR pool. I cannot independently verify this.
Whether its a fact or rumor, the bottom line is the DOE and UFT will continue to keep the ATRs in the dark and without their input, as significant changes are expected in the ATR pool for the next school year.