Bill de Blasio Must Close the Education Equality Gap
The implementation of the new Common Core standards has showcased the evident equality gap in New York City. Mayor-elect Bill de Blasio must narrow this gap while improving education for all NYC residents.
New York State Education Commissioner John King has been touring the state to discuss the Common Core standards with teachers, parents, students, and education advocates. In his recent visit to Brooklyn, representatives of the education advocacy organization StudentsFirstNY shared concerns.
In New York Magazine, parent and supporter of StudentsFirstNY Ayana Bowen expresses her concern about the equality gap in NYC:
“It sickens me that people are against Common Core,” she says. Then her composure crumbles. Her eyes brim with tears. “Just because we reside in a lower-income community doesn’t mean my child should have lower potential. People in better-off communities like Park Slope or the Upper East Side want to lower standards for my child.” When she finishes, there is scattered applause, but mostly humbled silence.
