Are Forced Teacher Transfers Allowed Under ESSA?
November 7, 2016
Education Week looked at the issue of “forced teacher transfers” and whether they are permitted under ESSA’s proposed spending rules. While the actual rules state, “Nothing in this section should be construed to require the forced or involuntary transfer of any school personnel,” American Federation of Teachers President Randi Weingarten interpreted them differently – as banning transfers. In a fact sheet about the proposal, the department encouraged districts to avoid forced staff transfers and consider “instead investing in providing the resources that students need to learn and that will attract staff to choose to work in Title I schools.” Statements from a number of other education experts – who largely disagree with Weingarten – are included in the article.