My U.S. History Regents exam was canceled after a mass shooting. Leaders must focus on removing the real threat.
As the New York State mandated U.S. History Regents exam approached, test preparation was in full swing at Stuyvesant High School, where I am a junior. This year would be the first time this exam was offered since the pandemic hit, and none of us knew what to expect. Stuyvesant held intensive test prep during […]
NYC is launching two virtual schools with a catch: Ninth graders only for now
New York City is moving forward with plans to launch two virtual schools that will serve ninth graders only next year, officials recently revealed. One of the schools will have a “heavy” career and internship focus while the other will be “completely remote,” said Carolyne Quintana, deputy chancellor for teaching and learning, during a virtual […]
Dancing after social distancing: NYC students learn to waltz together again
There was no hint of social distancing, no hesitation to get in close once the polka came on. Fifth graders at P.S. 48 in Washington Heights faced each other in two tight circles at the center of the gym, some wearing masks and others without. The upbeat pom-pom-pom music came through a small but powerful […]
NYC class sizes could shrink under state bill, but schools chancellor warns of possible cuts
New York City’s schools chancellor criticized a state bill to cut down class sizes as a plan that prioritizes the number of students in classrooms over other, critical issues. This bill would lower class sizes to 20 students in the younger grades and 25 for most high school subjects. Money to fund the plan would […]
NYC schools to pilot Asian American studies curriculum
New York City is piloting a curriculum on Asian American history this fall, with a wider rollout planned for 2024, officials announced Thursday. The lessons are part of the city’s roughly $200 million investment in Universal Mosaic, a curriculum under development that aims to provide more culturally representative lessons for the nearly 1 million students […]
Pennsylvania is increasingly underfunding special education, report finds
The state of Pennsylvania has paid a decreasing share over the last decade of what it costs to educate students in special education, putting a heavier burden on local districts to make up the difference, according to a new report. In the new analysis by the Education Law Center and the advocacy coalition PA Schools […]
After a lockdown brings fears home, Denver students rally for gun control
When Jude Keener-Ruscha realized the lockdown Thursday at Denver’s Northfield High School wasn’t a drill, they looked at the two good friends sitting next to them. “I thought, ‘Well, if I die sitting next to these two people, then it’s not that bad,’” said Jude, who will be a senior next year. “And that’s a […]
After Texas elementary school shooting, NYC officials ponder next steps
Safe corridors for children traveling to and from schools. New scanning devices to catch weapons before they are brought into classrooms. A public information campaign urging parents to keep an eye on their own children and whether they have guns. Those were some of the suggestions floated Wednesday by New York City officials at a […]
