No to Extremism...
Yes to Progress
Education:
Revolutionary Change
Education in NYC has been devastated over past generations. We must restore high standards. Here is a 10-year plan to transform schools and restore quality education. It is game changing plan putting its supporters at war with the status quo. If we want good education citywide, we will have to fight for it. New York City spends on education over $30 billion annually and nearly $19,000 per student, yet our city ranks poorly in math, science and reading. Real change will require a bold overhaul taking on tough challenges. Here is a package of innovation and reforms.
1. Decentralize Board of Education. Huge bureaucracies move slowly. Each district has different needs. Autonomous school districts can innovate quickly. Keep the central board for purchasing, salary and administrative efficiency. Autonomy gives opportunity to address problems quickly. The needs of students in Brooklyn are different from Staten Island.
2. Vocational Schools. Create a citywide vocational school system increasing opportunities for students who wish to pursue a trade verses a college education. Let them choose a trade they like and graduate ready for work. From plumbers to electricians to mechanics, students should have the option to choose. Those who want college should attend schools focused on college.
3. Economic Disparity. A path to end economic disparity is to give everyone quality education. City kids deserve the same quality as the rich… they deserve it more because of the barriers they face.
4. Faked Grades. Suppose five students in a class miss most classes and fail. Suppose the principal pressures the teacher to give a passing grade anyway. Think of the intimdation to job security. It must end. Shame on educators for graduating students without basic skills in reading, writing and math. Principals/teachers giving fake grades should receive suspension without pay. Moving students to the next grade, even as they fail, must be banned. Innovativenew programs can help. Those with emotional, learning or family problems can be placed in classes run by psychology experts trained to address such problems. It must include outreach to parents. Parental support is needed.
5. Fire Ineffective Teachers. Money can be better spent decreasing administrators and hiring more teachers to cap classroom sizes to 28. Suspended teachers banned from classrooms should not be paid. Years-long poor results must equal loss of employment. There must be consequences for ineptitude. Union contracts must allow the firing of incompetent teachers, replaced by competent ones so that no jobs are lost – except those unworthy of the honor of teaching.
6. After-School Programs. Expand programs providing activities and tutors to help those struggling in class. Libraries should be more accessible and given tutors to assist those in need.
7. Performing Arts. Music, dance and theater education were gutted for generations. Schools teach almost nothing of classical music, opera, dance, and Broadway in the cultural capital of the world. Fund at least two fine arts teachers in every school. Orchestras, bands and dance must be incorporated in education. Kids should grow up respecting the arts.
8. Charter Schools. Competition is healthy. Let high standards put pressure of pubic schools to improve. Schools that do poorly should be shut down.
9. Drugs & Safety. Ensure schools are safe as school crime has risen over time. Those caught using drugs must be sent to rehabilitation specialists. Those selling drugs in or near schools must be prosecuted to the fullest extent of the law.
10. Cell phones. No teacher should quarrel with a student about putting away a cell phone. Solution: store phones in a safe room during school hours, returned upon students leaving school.
11. Civics Classes. Create citywide civics classes focusing on topics often overlooked: finances, showing courtesy to others, basic understanding of government/Congress/Supreme Court, the need to vote, why democracy and participation are important, acceptance of different cultures, reporting sexual assault and inappropriate behavior, the need to follow news and read newspapers, respecting environment, conserving energy, recycling waste, etc.
12. Government Internships. Students should learn about local government. Students should offer 20 hours during high school by volunteering to work in a government office, from councilman to state officials, so that they become more of a part of our democracy and see it work firsthand.
13. Discipline & Attendance. Kids often disrespect teachers with no repercussions. It sends the wrong message. A citywide affirmation of discipline is needed. Students continuously disrespecting the class will be placed in special classes (newly created for this purpose) where psychology experts trained for troubled kids address the problem. Those who regularly miss classes shall be aided by trained experts. Parents who refuse to make their children attend school will be brought to court, fined, etc. -- whatever is necessary to ensure children are in class every day.