The fight for advanced math classes in NYC
There are only 4 NYC school districts that offer Geometry in middle school, District 2 is NOT one of them
Last week at our CEC meeting I mentioned that another district in NYC has recently announced that they will offer Geometry in some middle schools.
Currently there are only 4 school districts in NYC that offer this option (Districts 21, 26, 28 and next year district 20).
Access to Geometry in middle school is very important because it can decide if you are able to take Algebra II, Pre-Calculus, and Calculus in high school - which are expected to be accepted in many selective colleges.
Unfortunately, the largest school district in the city (CEC 2) still has not reinstituted advanced math classes in its middle schools. Before the pandemic, we had some middle schools with special admissions which guaranteed that all kids in that class were able to handle advanced math classes. Now, we have only 4 programs with admissions based on grades (which we know are not reliable measures of achievement) and no differentiated classes for kids who can and want to take advanced math classes.
Last year we approved Resolution 252 which asked our Superintendent to create a math pilot program to offer advanced math options in middle schools in our district.
We are still trying to make this a reality for D2 public school students. You can help by sending an email to D2 Superintendent asking him to offer math advanced classes.
What I am reading this week
NYC high school admissions and the SHSAT: Here’s where the mayoral candidates stand (Chalkbeat)
Elite Stuyvesant HS restricts boys’ restroom use in ‘cover-up’ of anti-Jew graffiti (NY Post)
Parents Wonder: Where Will NYC Get More Teachers, Space to Make Smaller Classes? (The 74)
San Francisco Unified calls off controversial 'equitable grading' initiative (ABC)
An agenda for raising student achievement (Flypaper)
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Contact me if you want to help bring education freedom to NY! #SchoolChoiceNY
