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Chancellor Farina's Showcase Schools Set Low Bar for Achievement

Chancellor Farina's Showcase Schools program is yet another disappointment for struggling schools awaiting much-needed help. The minuscule scale of the initiative and the low bar for student achievement is an insult to kids whose futures hang in the balance. Almost half of the so-called showcase schools just announced are failing our kids at unacceptable rates. Some of these schools may have positive attributes or interesting programs, but it is totally irresponsible to hold them up as a gold standard when they bear no proof of improving overall student achievement outcomes.

This administration promised to help all 1.1 million of New York City’s public school students, but to date, it has neglected the vast majority. Parents are infuriated by the glacial pace of school improvement, a sentiment shared by the principal of Boys and Girls High School who recently stepped down out of frustration. Students need to see a real plan for turning around a system that sadly continues to fail too many of them.

Background

Yesterday, Chancellor Farina announced the "Showcase Schools" program, comprised of 17 schools that will open their doors to visitors three times a year. Of the 13 schools selected with available 2013-2014 assessment data, 6 have failed to meet the citywide average in ELA or math proficiency.