Unfortunately, Schools Chancellor David Banks and his press office receive a failing grade in critical thinking and truth in advertising for their portrayal of the results of last spring’s English language arts and mathematics exams as “extremely encouraging.” In addition, they claim that in their first year in office, “We’re seeing more of our students …
Today in the newspaper, Wayne O’Connor and Ali Bracken shed light on the immensely challenging conditions faced by families with special needs children, highlighting the State’s apparent disregard for their well-being. Additionally, we report on tense exchanges between leading officials at the Health Service Executive and the Department of Health regarding the funding of the …
The Issue: The city school system’s failure to prepare for an influx of 21,000 illegal-migrant students. As a native New Yorker, I respectfully offer some thoughts on the Department of Education’s letter providing guidance on Project Open Arms, (“Kick in the ed,” Sept. 7). Firstly, it’s important to acknowledge that this is no longer a …
As American students embark on a new school year, they are confronted with significant learning setbacks. Unfortunately, elected officials have failed to tackle this crisis and provide necessary support for students to catch up. Instead, many have resorted to a policy that serves their political interests but neglects the needs of students: mandating smaller class …
The upcoming 2023-24 school year is overshadowed by the looming threat of a school bus strike, which could leave over 150,000 children stranded. Amalgamated Transit Union 1181, representing 8,000-plus school bus drivers, mechanics, and escorts, has taken an extreme approach by holding child hostages and demanding more than what other city workers have negotiated in …
As students return to the classroom after the summer break, it’s crucial for them to approach their studies with a sense of curiosity and a willingness to challenge conventional knowledge, as advocated by Polish philosopher Jacob Bronowski. The Citizens’ Assembly on the future of education is an opportunity to question and adapt our education system …
Can it be that our society’s rampant commodification has blinded us to the glaring inequalities that should provoke outrage instead of resignation? It seems that when we reduce everything to numbers, we can conveniently ignore the immense suffering experienced by those who lack a voice to advocate for themselves. Yet, even the most apathetic among …
On the first day of school, Monday, Success Academy in Rockaway Park celebrated their victory over the United Federation of Teachers by creating a joyful and festive atmosphere with smiles, music, and balloons. The charter network successfully dismissed the UFT’s attempt to hinder the education of predominantly minority charter school students using the courts. The …
State Senate Minority Leader Rob Ortt and Assemblyman William Colton are urging parents to be prepared for action as the Specialized High Schools Admissions Test (SHSAT) faces another attack. Assemblywoman Rodneyse Bichotte Hermelyn recently proposed eliminating the SHSAT as the sole admission criterion for the city’s specialized high schools, claiming that standardized tests are racist. …
The teachers union, with the support of a procrastinating judge, is once again jeopardizing the education of children by trying to prevent the opening of two Success Academy charter schools on Monday. Eva Moskowitz, the founder of Success Academy, deserves praise for her determination to open the schools as planned in order to protect students. …