Why did the NYC Standardized Test Scores Dive?

Standardized testing has a long history, a very long history. China has the world’s oldest and most influential history of standardized testing, originating with the ancient imperial civil service examinations (keju) over 2,000 years ago. This merit-based tradition evolved into the modern Gaokao (National College Entrance Examination), shaping global concepts of educational testing and socialContinue reading “Why did the NYC Standardized Test Scores Dive?”

Ownership of Practice: Can Teachers, School Leaders and Parents “Seize the Reins” and Create Collaborative School Cultures

It’s August, for teachers a few more weeks of leisure or a summer job, or creeping anxiety, For the chancellor and his team planning for his first school opening in an environment where education is way down the mayor’s list. Running for office is exciting, cheering crowds of supporters, endless “high five-ing,” and the exaltationContinue reading “Ownership of Practice: Can Teachers, School Leaders and Parents “Seize the Reins” and Create Collaborative School Cultures”

Mulgrew v Mamdani: Does the Mayor Want to “Go to War?”

The Public Employee Relations Act (PERB), known as the Taylor Law, named after chairman of the commission that drafted the law, sets guidelines for public employee labor relations, all public employees in New York State can form unions without management interference, collective bargaining guidelines embedded in the law, all contracts remain in “full force andContinue reading “Mulgrew v Mamdani: Does the Mayor Want to “Go to War?””

Will the Changes to NYS Graduation Requirements Better Prepare Students for the Post High School World? Part 1

It was the fall of 2019 and the NYS Education Department was holding regional meetings across the state to discuss “Graduation Measures,” I defined as “the beginning of the end of Regents Examinations.” The Brooklyn meeting was held at Fort Hamilton High School, overlooking the harbor near the Verrazano Bridge, a lovely setting. We were assignedContinue reading “Will the Changes to NYS Graduation Requirements Better Prepare Students for the Post High School World? Part 1”

Does the Race of a Teacher Impact Student Outcomes? Is Supporting Black Teaching Candidates Discriminatory?

The NY Daily News reports,  The Trump administration is investigating the City University of New York over allegations of racial discrimination, the U.S. Justice Department announced Tuesday. The agency’s civil rights arm said it received reports alleging CUNY’s Black Male Initiative gives preference to some students over others on the basis of race. “Race can neverContinue reading “Does the Race of a Teacher Impact Student Outcomes? Is Supporting Black Teaching Candidates Discriminatory?”

Engaging the UFT Membership in the Upcoming Contract Negotiations

The current UFT Contract ends 11/28/27; however, the terms and conditions of the current contract remain in full force and effect until the successor contract is ratified.  In NYS public employee labor agreements, aka, contracts, don’t expire, they just designate a date to negotiate the next agrement. Prior to the Taylor Law contracts did expire andContinue reading “Engaging the UFT Membership in the Upcoming Contract Negotiations”

Mayor Mamdani: Time to Begin the Proces of Rebuilding the NYC School System

Over the years I’ve probably been in countless schools, sort of a participant observer, and have been appalled by the lack of leadership. Too many school leaders spend most of their time in their office, never teaching a class, chancellors, we’ve had six in the twelve years, more interested in spinning dud magic bullets. TooContinue reading “Mayor Mamdani: Time to Begin the Proces of Rebuilding the NYC School System”

Is the Mayor Planning to Defund the Affinity District Partner Organizations?

The NYS budget cycle is April 1 to March 31, if the governor/legislatures fail to reach an agreement the legislature passes a “continuing resolution” to keep the state solvent, meaning the ability to pay bills and pay state employees. Cuomo prided himself on timely budgets, each of Governor Hochel’s budgets has been late and thisContinue reading “Is the Mayor Planning to Defund the Affinity District Partner Organizations?”

Why is Education So Damned Fad Prone?

I’m imagining a get together, Elle Bisgaard-Church, Z’s Chief of Staff, the same position she held in Albany, a close friend, a confidant, a keeper of the SDP Torch, meeting with the inner circle in the backroom of a bar in the Commie Corridor. “We can’t let the Z v Tisch tension derail us, howContinue reading “Why is Education So Damned Fad Prone?”

Do You Want the Recipe for the Secret Sauce?

Why was Socrates sentenced to death by the rulers of Athens? Socrates was viewed as a threat to Athenian society because his relentless questioning challenged traditional religious beliefs, political structures, and democratic authority. By making influential figures appear foolish and encouraging young people to think critically, he was accused of impiety and corrupting the youth,Continue reading “Do You Want the Recipe for the Secret Sauce?”