I recently testified about middle school integration at City Hall as a newly elected member of District 15’s Community Education Council, a.k.a. CEC15. My comments elicited a mildly humorous response from Councilmember Daniel Dromm, then the Education Committee Chair. I had just ended my speech with, “I am hopeful WXY can deliver a streamlined middle school process, with fewer forums… Read more →
I recently spoke to parent-teacher coordinators and guidance counselors from various elementary schools and discovered a promising opportunity for District 15 parents. This year there has been a shift in 5th-grade students placed at several schools I term “Options for All.” Such schools offer parents a chance both to reform our segregated middle schools and create more “choice.” But I’m… Read more →
Oh, give me a home where the streetcars roam. Where the children vote on participatory budgeting projects all week. Where seldom is heard a discouraging word on new school construction and the skies are not cloudy all day. It might come as a surprise to hear there are exciting government projects underway in our own backyard! I thought you might… Read more →
Every September, the parents of New York City fifth graders begin the dreaded middle school process. The process is commonly likened to “The Hunger Games” by disillusioned parents for its Darwinian system of reshuffling and categorizing 10-year-olds. Even in District 15, which has many “choice” schools, the middle school application process is truly grim. The Brooklyn Middle School “Hunger Games” – Part 1 explored those grim aspects, while Part 2,… Read more →
Every September, the parents of New York City fifth graders begin the dreaded middle school process. The process is commonly likened to “The Hunger Games” by disillusioned parents for its Darwinian system of reshuffling and categorizing 10-year-olds. If you read The Brooklyn Middle School “Hunger Games”, Part 1, you understand that this application process is truly grim. Now, I will introduce you to District 15 Parents for Middle School Equity… Read more →