From “Why Johnnie Can’t Read” (1955) to Decentralization (1971) to Mayoral Control (2002) and A Nation at Risk (1983) one magic bullet after another. Bush junior No Child Left Behind (2002) and its offspring, the Every Child Succeeds Act (2016), add in the Common Core (2010) leading up to phonics and the Science of Reading andContinue reading “The Elusive Search for the Ultimate Magic Bullet”
Tag Archives: writing
The Upcoming UFT Contract Negotiations: “Failing to Plan is Planning to Fail”
The current UFT Contract “ends” November 28, 2027 and the UFT has begun the negotiations process. Negotiation sub committees reflecting all the titles, 700 members have met and will continue to meet to create bargaining demands.that reflect the views of the members. First, a primer: under provisions of the Public Employee Relations Act, commonly called the Taylor Law laborContinue reading “The Upcoming UFT Contract Negotiations: “Failing to Plan is Planning to Fail””
Mulgrew v Mamdani and the Office of Collective Bargaining
The Constitution requires the “advice and consent” of the Senate (Article 2, section 2, clause 2), hearings and a vote to confirm probably hundreds of members of the executive branch, from cabinet members to ambassadors and on and on. The Mayor of New York, appoints, or reappoints about three hundred positions, without any approval, theContinue reading “Mulgrew v Mamdani and the Office of Collective Bargaining”
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”
Navigating the Shadowy Hallways of City Hall: How Will the Mayor Respond to the Para Pay Bump?
Zohran, Elle and his inner circle. in the back room of a bar in Astoria, are probably debating the conundrum: how to respond to the para pay bump bill …. On Thursday, July 16th the City Council approved, by a 49-0 vote the paraprofessional pay boost, council member after member praised the bill. praised the work ofContinue reading “Navigating the Shadowy Hallways of City Hall: How Will the Mayor Respond to the Para Pay Bump?”
Will the Changes in NYS Graduation Requirements Better Prepare Students for the Post High School World? Part 2
The NYS Board of Regents has made sweeping changes to high school graduation requirements, with the implementation details “to be decided.” Will these changes improve outcomes for students? The major changes are confusing, *A range of options will be offered in addition to the regents exam to meet graduation requirements. New York State is shifting toContinue reading “Will the Changes in NYS Graduation Requirements Better Prepare Students for the Post High School World? Part 2”
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”
How Would You Rate the Chancellor?
At the end of a school year the pedagogical staff is assessed, for teachers the Matrix, for supervisors the Principal Performance Review and for the Chancellor, well ChatCPT says the mayor with input from the Panel for Educational Priorities, a majority of whom are appointed by the mayor. In elementary, 6-8, 6-12 and 9–12 schools parents, teachers andContinue reading “How Would You Rate the Chancellor?”
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”
