#DOE keeps tight lid on ‘unflattering’ remote-learning survey results

The city Department of Education called on parents and students in mid-April to let school officials know how learning from home on iPads or laptops is working out.

“NYC DOE wants your feedback! Take the Remote Learning Survey to share your experiences learning at home,” the notice said.

All students in grades 6 to 12, and parents or guardians of kids in grades pre-K to 12, were invited to respond to respective surveys. The deadline was May 1.

More than a month later, the DOE still won’t release the results.

Two weeks ago, City Councilman Mark Treyger, the education committee chairman, held a public hearing on remote learning and asked top DOE officials, including Chief Academic Offer Linda Chen, about the surveys.

They had nothing to offer.

“The answer was they’re still processing and collecting, but they have not given any updates since,” Treyger told The Post.

“It was shocking to me that we had senior DOE officials at that hearing, and not one person could give me basic information. The DOE seems to be operating in the dark, and it’s unacceptable.”

But a DOE insider said the results have not been shared with the City Council or the public because they are “not flattering.”

Many students and parents expressed dissatisfaction about the DOE’s remote program, the staffer said.

One question asked parents to respond to the statement, “In the past week, I have received the support I need from my child’s school in how to help with schoolwork.”

It asks for a response among the choices “Strongly disagree,” “Disagree,” “Agree,” “Strongly agree,” and “I don’t know.”

Another question asks what improvements they would most like to see. The choices include: “Provide more guidance,” “Provide more technology assistance,” “Provide more technology (e.g. iPad or computer),” “Provide fewer assignments,” “Provide more assignments,” and “Provide more resources in a language that I understand.”

Treyger asked Chen how many students are getting live instruction from teachers, a question not included in the survey. During the hearing, Chen said she didn’t know. The Post has reported that some teachers have abandoned or do not give live lessons on Google Classroom or Zoom, while some do.

Treyger said he expects more from an army of six-figure educrats.

“DOE central accounts for over $300 million in spending but didn’t have any answers at my hearing,” the lawmaker fumed.

DOE spokeswoman Danielle Filson told The Post the May 1 deadline was extended, but she did not give a new date.

Asked to show a  notification to parents and students about the extension, Filson could not provide any.

The DOE’s switch to remote instruction began on March 23, when school buildings closed amid the COVID-19 outbreak.