Archives for category: New York

Who Is Zephyr Teachout?

By dianeravitch

May 30, 2014 //

The Working Families Party, a small party in Néw York state, will hold its convention Saturday in Albany.

At that time, the party will decide whether to endorse Governor Cuomo for re-election or run its own candidate. Polls show that Cuomo wins easily if he does not face a credible challenger on the left. He has lined up Mayor Bill de Blasio’s support and is wooing labor leaders who are active in the WFP.

Many on the WFP executive committee have expressed interest in the candidacy of Zephyr Teachout, a professor at Fordham Law School with an impressive record as a champion of ethics in government.

There is likely to be a heated floor fight.

Governor Cuomo has been a disaster on education issues. He has cut state aid, and districts are not allowed to raise their own school taxes above Cuomo’s cap of 2% unless they get a supermajority vote of 60%. A vote of 59.9%, and your budget goes down to defeat. He has ably represented the 3% of students enrolled in charter schools, because their allies on Wall Street are major donors to Cuomo’s campaign. He just doesn’t care much for public schools. Large numbers of parents and educators are looking for an alternative to Cuomo, who will speak up for public schools and reduce the state’s obsession with high-stakes testing.

So who is Zephyr Teachout?

Here is a testimonial by a law professor at Duke Law School, where she earned her law degree and graduated summa cum laude.

Here is her official Fordham University bio.

And here is the statement she released today:

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE – MAY 30, 2014

STATEMENT FROM ZEPHYR TEACHOUT ON SEEKING THE WORKING FAMILIES PARTY NOMINATION FOR GOVERNOR OF THE STATE OF NEW YORK

Contact: Zephyr Teachout, info@zephyrteachout.com

New York, NY — Gubernatorial candidate Zephyr Teachout released this statement Friday on her decision to seek the Working Families Party nomination for Governor of the State of New York:

“I’m seeking the WFP nomination because New Yorkers deserve an economy and democracy that works for all of us, not just the wealthy and well-connected. The system is rigged for the rich and powerful, and as part of that broken system, Andrew Cuomo isn’t going to fix it. People’s voices aren’t being heard,” said Gubernatorial Candidate Zephyr Teachout. “Cuomo not only failed to do anything real to prevent wealthy and corporate donors from buying our politicians, but proposed severe cuts in education funding while giving massive tax breaks to bankers and billionaires. I am strong supporter of public education, a democracy responsive to our voices, and an economy grounded in good jobs and many small businesses, not a few powerful corporations.”

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Categories Cuomo, Andrew, New York

Parents in New York: Say NO to Field Tests!

By dianeravitch

May 30, 2014 //

Parents, there is one sure way to stop the testing mania that is devouring your child’s education: Say NO to the next round of field tests, scheduled for June 2 to June 11. Don’t let Pearson and the State Education Department steal more time from your child that should be spent learning, playing, dancing, singing, and studying.

Want to learn more about the campaign to Change the Stakes? Open this link to go to the webpage of Change the Stakes. You will find practical information about how to opt out of the field testing.

Categories New York, Parents, Pearson, Resistance, Standardized Testing

Carol Burris: Anybody But Cuomo

By dianeravitch

May 30, 2014 //

Carol Burris eloquently explains why she will vote for Anybody But Cuomo.

She remembers when Democrats fought for good public schools for all.

She remembers when Democrats saw funding public schools as a civic obligation, not as “throwing money at the problem.”

She wants a governor who believes in public schools, and that is not Andrew Cuomo.

She writes:

“I stood with one thousand others on a Wednesday evening outside the recent Democratic Convention. The chant of the crowd was clear—ABC—Anybody but Cuomo. There was a hunger in the crowd for a candidate who will respect the work of teachers. There was hunger for someone who will respect the pleas from parents to roll back testing and the Common Core. There was hunger for someone who instead of claiming he will be the “student lobbyist” will actually stand up for all children, by equitably funding their schools rather than cutting taxes on millionaires. Words and commissions are not enough. A change in direction is what is needed.

“Now is the time to courageously stand and say we will not be bullied by the fear posed by false choices. The Working Families Party must put forth a candidate who respects its ideals if it is to have credibility and voice. I want to be able to respond to the question, “Where will you go?” with an answer. I want that answer to be, “I will go to the WFP who believes in our public schools.”

“If you feel the same, contact the Working Family Party today. Email director Bill Lipton at blipton@workingfamilies.org.

“Let him know that you too want an alternative to Andrew Cuomo, too!”

Categories Budget Cuts, Charter Schools, Corporate Reformers, Cuomo, Andrew, New York

I Am Not a Candidate for Political Office

By dianeravitch

May 29, 2014 //

In the past two days, there has been speculation in the media that I might be a candidate for governor on behalf of the Working Families Party.

I have not sought this designation nor am I running for any political office. There are many well-qualified candidates, and I expect that WFP will choose one of them.

Regular readers of this blog know that I had major surgery on May 9 to replace a knee that I injured when I fell in April. For the balance of this summer, I look forward to walking, not running!

I hope that WFP mounts a vigorous campaign, especially on the issue of education, pointing out that the Cuomo administration has tolerated highly inequitable funding, limited the ability of districts to tax themselves to meet their needs, and shown preference for charter schools–which enroll 3% of the state’s children–over public schools. Our children are our future.

Categories Cuomo, Andrew, New York, Ravitch, Diane

Cleveland Elementary School: Why Close an Excellent School?

By dianeravitch

May 28, 2014 //

Cleveland Elementary School in upstate Cleveland, New York, was once designated a “failing school.” But with a united community and hard work, the school improved and was named a Blue Ribbon school of excellence in 2010. It was recognized again in 2013. It continues to enjoy strong community support, but the Central Square Board of Education decided to close the school because of declining enrollment, state budget cuts, and rising costs.

The parents are trying to save the school but the local school board is adamant.

Why close an excellent school?

Below is a letter from a parent at Cleveland Elementary School. My advice: Organize the community, run candidates for the school board, write letters to the editor, meet with elected officials, appeal to Governor Cuomo.

Here is a letter from a parent:

Dear Ms. Ravitch,

I am reaching out to you because of your strong views and commitment to the education of our children. It is my hope that raising your awareness to the situation our community is facing will gain your support in our fight to save the community schools in our district.

Cleveland Elementary School is a school in Upstate New York that has experienced a transformation in the past seven years – due entirely to character education and an intentional focus on building relationships with students and the larger community. The school now stands as the pride – and hub – of the community.

The Central Square School District, one which was recently honored in Albany with a NY State District of Character Award, voted to close Cleveland Elementary – a National School of Character, only days apart in the same week. This noble district-wide achievement would not be conceivable without the model and leadership of Cleveland Elementary. Cleveland Elementary, Home of the Shamrocks, was honored by the US Department of Education as a 2010 Blue Ribbon School for Academic Excellence. In 2012 Cleveland Elementary sought and received a New York State School of Character Honorable Mention Award and continued on to earn a 2013 National School of Character Award. This school of academic and character excellence, who also proudly serves as the local food pantry, is among less than 1% of the schools across the country with such distinction.

To many, a school is nothing more than brick and mortar. While that may be the case in other schools, I have to say Cleveland Elementary has been so much more to us. Behind its doors is a sense of community—a family. A culture of developing ethical, responsible, and caring children- in addition to academic principles. The teachers and staff are passionate about their roles as mentors to the children; their dedication and love for what they do is evident in every interaction. If given the opportunity I am certain every parent would want this for their children. This type of education is LOST in over-crowded class rooms and schools….positive relationships cannot be fully developed due to time constraints and demands on the teacher; a student becomes just a student. Our Cleveland Family wants to maintain the ability to engage ALL children—get to KNOW them as people, TEACH them how to be a part of something bigger than themselves. I will never understand how anyone could put a price tag on our children’s development when it matters most.
As a parent of a first grader, the decision to close Cleveland Elementary is truly disheartening and unacceptable. What does it say about the value of education? Cleveland Elementary is so much more than brick and mortar…..It is the HEART of our Community….and the children are our future. Our community takes great pride in the collective efforts and accomplishments our school has achieved. The reputation of our school has been a draw for many families to move to this rural area. Closing this vital part of our community will have devastating effects to us, our community, as well as to those that rely on the services the school provides outside of the academic day.

Although I am certain this decision was not taken lightly, I am concerned it was made in haste under the pressure of a budget crunch. There are detailed options that are more viable and fiscally responsible than closing a Nationally Recognized School that only represents 1% of the tax levy. Perhaps it is easier to target schools that are in less economically prosperous areas. The district has not shared information with its members or been open to conversations regarding these options. We are unaware of a projected long term plan, and truthfully it does not appear there is one. Our concerns lie in knowing the impact closing ANY school with have on ALL of the children in our district? Over-crowding the class room is not the answer to our current situation of low enrollment. This consolidation will put students at 107% capacity. While I know there are no easy answers….I would ask that someone revisit the numbers, the current aid our district just received ($960,055 above what was expected), as well as the goal for our district as we move forward.

What is the incentive for dedicated teachers to strive for excellence in the education of children, if the reward is having your successful award winning school closed? How will our Country ever be Leaders in Education if we cannot see the value in community schools?

Please take the time to visit our Facebook Page, and see for yourself the struggle we are facing.

https://www.facebook.com/saveclevelandelementary

Our concerns have not been addressed by the board. They will not answer any questions, and have been dismissive and rude. There has yet to be even a letter to parents from the Administration regarding the closure, which is not only a little over a month away.

Thank you in advance for your consideration and time. I appreciate your anticipated support for our Community Schools.

Sincerely,

Jennifer S. Leahy

Proud Parent, Community Member &
President of American Legion Auxiliary Unit 858
Cleveland, NY

Categories Closing schools, New York

Long Island: Housing Segregation Causes School Segregation

By dianeravitch

May 23, 2014 //

Sixty years after the Brown decision, and despite federal and state anti-discrimination laws, residential segregation not only persists but is growing. Long Island, Néw York, has highly segregated communities and schools.

As this article in the Long Island Press shows, this is not accidental. Nor is it a reflection of the incomes of black and white families. Even when black families can afford to live in a middle-class or affluent district, they may be steered away by landlords or real estate agents.

Even when towns build “affordable housing,” they give preference to residents, which screens out newcomers.

As Richard Rothstein has written, school segregation is rooted in residential segregation. Society can’t reduce the former without reducing the latter.

Categories New York, Segregation , Racial Isolation and Integration

Another District in Néw York Says No to Pearson Field Tests

By dianeravitch

May 21, 2014 //

Add Spackenkill to the list of districts in New York that will not administer the Pearson field tests in grades 4 and 8. More are on the way. When districts realize that they have the power to say no, that’s when we begin to clip the wings of the testing industry and begin to restore reasonable balance to education as well as a reasonable balance of power between the state and localities.

Boycotting districts:

Babylon
Bellmore/Merrick CHSD
Comsewogue
Fairport
HFL
Glen Cove
Great Neck
Happauge
Jericho
Manhasset
Merrick
Mount Sinai
North Bellmore
Ossining
Pittsford
Plainview Old-Bethpage
Rye Neck
Rocky Point
Spackenkill
Syosset
West Irondequoit
Webster
White Plains

Categories New York, Pearson, Testing

Two More New York Districts Boycotting Pearson Field Tests

By dianeravitch

May 21, 2014 //

Add White Plains and Rye Neck to the list of districts that are refusing to administer the Pearson field test in New York.

Boycotting districts:

Babylon
Bellmore/Merrick CHSD
Comsewogue
Fairport
HFL
Glen Cove
Great Neck
Happauge
Jericho
Manhasset
Merrick
Mount Sinai
North Bellmore
Ossining
Pittsford
Plainview Old-Bethpage
Rye Neck
Rocky Point
Syosset
West Irondequoit
Webster
White Plains

Categories New York, Pearson, Testing

Many New York Districts Are Boycotting Pearson Field Tests

By dianeravitch

May 21, 2014 //

Things are not working out so well for the corporate reformers in Néw York. They expected that the abysmal scores on the Pearson tests would cause parents to turn against their public schools; they expected parent demands for vouchers and charters.

Instead, parents are furious at the Néw York State Education Department for testing their kids for seven hours, and they are furious at Pearson for making bad tests and hiding their contents from teachers and parents. How can teachers or students benefit if the test contents are hidden?

Here are the districts that are boycotting the Pearson field tests (more may join them):

Babylon
Bellmore/Merrick CHSD
Comsewogue
Fairport
HFL
Glen Cove
Great Neck
Happauge
Jericho
Manhasset
Merrick
Mount Sinaii
North Bellmore
Ossining
Pittsford
Plainview Old-Bethpage
Rocky Point
Syosset
West Irondequoit
Webster

NOTE: this is not the Tea Party. This is school boards and parents who are fed up with too much testing.

Categories New York, Pearson, Resistance, Testing

Ossining District in New York Will Not Give Pearson Field Test

By dianeravitch

May 21, 2014 //

I honor the Ossining School District in Néw York for having the good sense and courage to say “no” to field testing. The school superintendent Raymond Sanchez says in the letter below that he must protect instructional time for the students, who recently lost seven hours to testing. Enough is enough!

The people of Ossining have confidence in their public schools. The school budget recently passed with the highest approval rate in its history (72%).

From: Superintendent’s Office [mailto:oufsd@ossiningufsd.ccsend.com] On Behalf Of Superintendent’s Office
Sent: Wednesday, May 21, 2014 12:03 PM
Subject: New York State Field Tests

May 21, 2014

Dear Parents/Guardians:

Annually, the New York State Education Department randomly selects school districts to administer the New York State Field Tests. This year the Ossining School District was selected to administer the exams in 4th, 5th and 8th grades. These exams are intended to “provide data necessary to ensure the validity and reliability of the New York State Testing program.” The field tests are a series of standardized exams developed by the independent testing company Pearson. The company uses the field tests as trial for questions it may use on future exams.

After a discussion with the building administrators and the Board of Education, I am recommending that the Ossining School District not administer the field tests. My reasons are as follows:

1. Protect Instructional Time: Due to inclement weather, we have lost a significant amount of instructional time. In addition, students were recently administered 7 hours of exams. Administering the field exams will lead to additional lost time. Instead, our goal is to use the time to continue to provide our students with appropriate direct instruction.

2. Lack of Transparency: These exams do not provide parents, teachers or administrators with information regarding each child’s progress.

I want to reemphasize that I feel that this decision is in the best interest of the students we serve in our school district. It is critical that we protect the instructional time we have with our students.

If you should have any questions after reading this notice, please feel free to contact your building principal – Ms. Regina M. Cellio, Ms. Kate Mathews, or Dr. Corey W. Reynolds.

Sincerely yours,

Raymond Sanchez

Ossining Union Free School District
190 Croton Avenue Ossining, NY 10562
(914) 941-7700 | jforsberg@ossining.k12.ny.us

Categories Honor Roll, New York, Pearson, Resistance, Testing