The documentation of the past is a formidable task. What stories are told, and who they belong to, are important. Too often history leaves out the less advantaged. This local curriculum project developed by Susan Stessin-Cohn demonstrates that every one has a story with value.

This was a challenging case and a difficult decision. The bottom line is that every child is entitled to a “Free and Appropriate Education.” And students with disabilities are entitled to have their educational needs met. If the school district does not meet the specific needs, the district must pay so that they are met. (more…)

College is expensive. Financial aid can help. As detailed in this NYT article, applying for that aid will get easier. The fact that there is an industry of consultants to assist with this basic application - which is confusing - means that those who most need it and can’t navigate the system are less likely to apply and then less likely to attend due to the cost of attendance. Simplification means a better step towards making financial aid accessible to all.

This NYT article discusses a current gap in the marketplace - experienced, trained/ educated welders, nurses, civil engineers, etc. There are needs for all sorts of craftspeople - a basic supply and demand issue. And those with experience will be aging out. We need guidance, programs and support for our schools to identify and work with those students who may be interested in these (and other) fields.

According to this article, area high school graduation rates are up. In some schools. With a state average of 71%, many of our hudson valley communities- suburban and rural, are above that rate. On page 2 though, the inequity is clear - the city school is just over half the state average at 43% and well below the high 90s that its neighbors are. (more…)

There is a new repayment program designed to lessen the burden of federal loan repayment. College costs are substantial and too often place low, median and even middle income families in the difficult position of deciding that college is not affordable. This serves to further stratify income inequity. Putting the new repayment plan into place is a step toward making college a real, affordable possibility for everyone.

A new Stanford study described here by US News and World Report finds no advantage of charter schools. The findings are a bit conflicting related to gains for traditionally under-resourced students - low income, race based. If the schools aren’t working, they should close. But for those that are - support them, capitalize on their innovations and enable their success.

Most of these budget cuts make sense. The printing of course catalogs when they are available online is redundant and useless. Cell phones have virtually replaced land lines. And drinking tap water is great for the earth and our skin.

The question is - how can we take these college institutional level cutbacks and apply them to our k-12 school districts, who are all in need of creative cutbacks?

As researched and reported by McKinsey & Company. There is hope: “ The wide variation in performance among schools serving similar  students suggests that these gaps can be closed. Race and poverty are not destiny.”

Dysfunction could lead to function? According to this article, the senate crisis presents a necessary opportunity for true change. We can only hope.