SlideShare une entreprise Scribd logo
1  sur  24
Télécharger pour lire hors ligne
National Black MBA Association – Metro New York Chapter
Presents
2014 C.A.S.H. Program
Student Case Competition
Factors Impacting the Quality of High
School Education in New York City
(The Students’ Point-of-View)
Written by Program Director, Tyrone Scott
1
Research Assistants
The following current college students (former C.A.S.H. students and graduates of the program)
and current returning high school senior students (those who have been in the program
multiple years and now serve in a capacity that assists with the mentoring of underclassmen
peers) contributed tremendously to all of the research that went into this case. In addition to
factual data and research findings, these students felt it was important to add their personal
experience to the case for authenticity.
Team Leaders & College Student Mentors/C.A.S.H. Graduates
Latoya Bethune---Teacher Unions
Monnero Guervil---The Charter School Debate
Ronald Taylor---The Charter School Debate
Returning Senior Students
Louis Galindez---Education (Achievement) Gap
Moriah Blackman---Standardized Testing
Jabari Baker---Financials
Marcus Richards---The Charter School Debate
Jazmyn Fuller---Rankings, Rates and School Report Cards
2
Table of Contents
Introduction------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------Pg. 3
Education (Achievement) Gap-------------------------------------------------------------------------Pg. 4
Standardized Testing-------------------------------------------------------------------------------------Pg. 8
Rankings, Rates and School Report Cards----------------------------------------------------------Pg. 11
Teacher Unions--------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------Pg. 15
The Charter School Debate----------------------------------------------------------------------------Pg. 18
Research Source List-------------------------------------------------------------------------------------Pg. 21
Case Questions--------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------Pg. 22
Case Competition Instructions-----------------------------------------------------------------------Pg. 23
3
Introduction
A group of this year’s returning seniors felt strongly about having a case written about the
quality of high school education in New York City. There has been much discussion about the
state of education throughout all levels of public education in New York, but none has been
under more scrutiny than the education of our high school students. From the raging debate
about whether students in the largest school system in the nation are adequately prepared for
college or the workforce to the ongoing and increasing debate on the impact of charter
schools—there are many factors that our students discussed that they felt has impacted their
lives over the course of the last four years and will continue to impact them through college.
This case, written in five chapters, discusses some the primary factors (from the students’ point
of view) that impact the quality of a high school education in New York City. Please note that
this case primarily deals with the “public” school system and deals with the black and Hispanic
students who are the primary attendees of this system.
4
Education (Achievement) Gap
It doesn’t take a rocket scientist to realize that black and Hispanic children are faced with an
education gap in this country and in particularly in New York City. This education/achievement
gap is so pervasive that students are aware of it long before they even get to high school. Our
students are no fools. They completely get it when it comes to understanding the
disadvantages they are faced with. They understand the budget deficits that their schools are
faced with compared to their white or Asian counterparts. They are keenly aware of the zoning
issues that impact the choices of schools they go to. They are highly aware of the significant
issue of segregation that they are subjected to. In fact, a recent report showed that the state of
New York has the most segregated schools in the nation. But when one travels to schools in
New York City, it is easy to see how true this can be. The fact is, white kids do NOT go to school
with black kids for the most part in this city. Asian kids do NOT go to school with Hispanic kids
for the most part. Now there are certain “specialized schools” and/or charter schools, or
private schools where there is diversity. But due to “white flight”, the white kids no longer
attend school with black and brown kids. Now add standardized and common core tests to the
mix and the problem our children are faced with are even more exacerbated. And once again,
these kids are not fools—they get it.
Let’s break down some of the achievement gap factors hurting our students and present them
for what they really are—limiting factors that do NOT benefit our children.
5
Competitiveness and Zoning
In 2003, the New York Department of Education revamped its high school admissions policy.
No longer (supposedly) would students with high test score and aggressive parents have the
choice of the best schools. But here we are eleven years later and that still remains the case.
So what went wrong? The changed policy had too many assumptions, like assuming that
students had parents who had the ability to tour schools and complete applications to schools.
Another issue was thousands of students were assigned to schools they did not even apply to.
And about half were assigned to schools that simply had space left—the lowest performing
schools. This presents an automatic competitive disadvantage to a kid who thought he or she
was going to be attending a “good” school. Students with special needs are often zoned to
schools that don’t even have the services that they need the most. And students whose
parents speak another language other than English are at a significant disadvantage in the
admissions process; giving these families a “culture shock” beyond the simple language barrier.
Mid to average students were and are often screened out of the selection process. Often times
getting a B or B- could be the death nail for excluded to a top school. And finally once assigned
to a school, it is almost nearly impossible to switch schools unless under a specific set of criteria
that is often hard to prove.
Common Core Widening the Gap
An article by the Washington Post suggested that the New York Common Core test results are
the fruit of a poisonous tree1
. The article goes on to say “what should be useful data about
students learning is, instead, data without value. And as we all know, data without value is by
6
definition—useless. Educators are not prepared for common core and a “living under a rock” it
said.
The following tables demonstrate the findings from the black/white achievement gap that
continues to widen.
NOTE: The achievement gap between Hispanic and white students overall grew from 3 points
to 22 points from 2012 to 2013. So potentially, students who may already be demoralized
knowing what they are up against are even more so after being faced with these kinds of
deficits.
GAP MEASURED AREA GAP
Black/White Achievement Gap 3rd
grade English
Language Arts
12-point gap
Black/White Achievement Gap 8th
grade ELA 14-point gap
Black/White Achievement Gap 3rd
grade Math scores 8-point gap
Black/White Achievement Gap 8th
grade Math scores 13-point gap
GAP MEASURED AREA GAP
Black/White Achievement Gap 3rd
grade English
Language Arts
19-point gap
Black/White Achievement Gap 8th
grade ELA 25-point gap
Black/White Achievement Gap 3rd
grade Math scores 14-point gap
Black/White Achievement Gap 8th
grade Math scores 18-point gap
2012
2013
7
Segregation
Segregation in this country was one of the greatest wrongs of the 19th
and 20th
century. It
represented the epitome of racial discrimination and mistreatment of blacks through the Civil
Rights Movement. Well now its 2014 and New York State and (City) for that matter has the
most segregated system in the country. That is ahead of Mississippi, Alabama, Kentucky and
South Carolina. That is a shock that is hard to stomach and it is something that is killing our kids
and not preparing them remotely for the real world that they will face in college, much less in
the real world upon completing their education. Even with all of its own problems, corporate
America even has a specific focus on diversity these days, albeit for not the most altruistic
reasons, but that is a different case for a different day. The point is, how on earth can we be
preparing our students to compete in a global workforce when they attend schools in the 21st
century with only people who look and think like themselves—yet expect them to be a success
at the next education level or to compete with China and other emerging markets? The short
answer is we can’t and we must change this in our city. It makes no logical sense whatsoever
that New York City (State) can be known as the great “melting pot” of America and yet quietly
an almost secretly have the most segregated school system in the country.
TO DO: Teams are asked to present solutions to the growing education gap and for that
matter the (technology gap, financial knowledge gap, access to college gap) and demonstrate
examples across the city or otherwise where the achievement gap is being close. Teams are
also asked to present their solutions to the epidemic of segregated education in New York
City. How does this problem get solved for the next generation of students coming behind
them?
8
Standardized Testing
New York City high school students often complain that besides their regular curriculum of tests
for their core classes, they are subjected to a battery of other standardized tests from PSATs,
SATs to regents exams to even the Specialized High School Admissions Test (SHSAT) which is a
test taken in order to get into one of a select few high schools that supposedly give a student an
added advantage toward being accepted to some of the top colleges in the nation. The list of
these specialized schools is as follows:
 Bronx High School of Science
 Brooklyn Latin
 Brooklyn Technical High School
 High School of Mathematics, Science and Engineering at City College
 High School of American Studies at Lehman College
 Queens High School for the Sciences at York
 Staten Island Technical High School (newly designated)
 Stuyvesant High School
And for better or for worse, admission to this elite list of schools is solely based on the SHSAT.
According to a little known New York State law known as the Hecht-Calandra Act, this is the
only method these schools may use to determine admission. On average about 20,000
students take this test annually. The only remaining specialized high school in New York City
that does not rely on this test but rather an audition is Fiorello H. LaGaurdia High School of
Music & Art and Performing Arts.
Many are now asking the question of the merits of this test and for that matter the other
system-wide standardized tests being utilized to select, self-select, and often times weed out
students of color. It is no secret that many of the standardized tests taken by black and brown
9
students are dubbed to be unfair. This has major ramifications on the quality of colleges that
New York City students can attend and can have longer term quality of life impacts as well. If
the deck is stacked against a young man or young woman as early as high school, how can they
ever catch up with their majority counterparts?
The argument presented by students and other opponents of standardized and specialized tests
is not simply that they add to the education/achievement gap or the segregation gap, but they
take valuable student time away from learning from regular science, math, reading and history
that is not covered on these tests in similar fashions that it is taught by teachers throughout the
year. The problem becomes we have become a society where a student’s lot in life is
determined by his/her test score and not be how well they have truly grasped the material or
been able to retain the material to help them in college. Not only that, teachers are “teaching
to the test” these days where every subject is taught based on the theory of passing a regents
test or getting ready for a PSAT. Colleges are to blame for this as well since the overwhelming
majority of them put more emphasis on these test scores than any other component of a
student’s application; so much so that it’s not even close compared to other factors like grades,
class rank, resume, activities, volunteerism. It is as if we are raising a generation of test robots
who quite often don’t understand basic Reading, Writing and Arithmetic because they have
become drones to standardized testing.
A national report2
just released showed that only 26% of the nation’s high school seniors are
proficient in math while only 38% are proficient at reading. Both of these numbers are
decreases from previous test results four years prior. When thinking about minority students in
10
New York City, for which this case is primarily written for, only 7% of black students met the
math standards on this national test, while only 12% of Hispanic students met it. This is
compared to 33% for their white counterparts and 47% for Asians. So the point is despite an
increase in the amount of standardized testing, our children are falling further behind in the
ability to compete globally on just the “basic” subjects, much less on more complicated subjects
such as a science and technology.
TO DO: Students should consider their individual and team experiences at their various
schools. Do they agree that they are being over-tested and to what end do they feel these
tests are helping their educational cause? Students should also present a list presentation of
the different tests involved outside of regular subject matter testing and analyze how much of
the information they honestly retain upon completion of the test. Also what from these tests
do they think they will use in college or in the work force as compared to their subject
knowledge.
11
Rankings, Rates and School Report Cards
Rankings
Rankings, rates and grades are what define the education system in this country. It doesn’t
matter if its ranking early childhood development or post college graduate programs,
Americans have a fascination with how things are ranked. The high school education system in
New York City is no different. The city has 458 public high schools and the district has 115
schools that received either a gold, silver or bronze medal in a recent U.S. News & World Report
rankings report3
. Listed below is are the best public high schools in New York City, along with
their “scorecard” report based on overall college readiness. College readiness is defined as
based on the percentage of 12th
graders who were tested and passed AP exams. The maximum
college readiness index value is 100.0.
Top 10 Best Public High Schools in New York City
1. The High School of American Studies at Lehman College, 95.7 (#32 nationally ranked)
2. Bronx High School of the Science, 94.1
3. Brooklyn Latin School, 93.9
4. High School for Dual Language and Asian Studies, 91.4
5. Townsend Harris High School, 91.1
6. Staten Island Technical School, 89.9
7. Manhattan Bridges High School, 87.5
8. Queens High School for the Sciences at York, 86.3
9. Brooklyn Technical High School, 85.8
10. Stuyvesant High School, 83.0
*The report also showed the worst schools in the system but the writer chose to not show
these names.
Rates
Despite not listing the “bad” schools, the impact of going to a “good” school versus one that is
dubbed “bad” or worse, a “dropout factory”, cannot be discounted. In 20134
, New York City
achieved an all-time high graduation rate of 66%, while at the same time, achieved an all-time
12
low dropout rate of 10.6%. In addition, another all-time high of 46.8% of graduates were
deemed college ready. All of these numbers are significant improvement from the 2005
numbers shown in the chart below. However, and I’m not an expert but how bad are things in
our education system when we celebrate the fact that not even 7 out of 10 of our kids don’t
graduation; One out of 10 will drop out; and less than half are ready for college? What kind of
future are we setting ourselves up for? As a society and as a community we must come to
terms that these are dreadful numbers and we MUST do better for our children’s sake.
Figure 1: New York City Graduation and Dropout Rates as of 2005
Although these figures show an improvement, it cannot be mistaken for progress in terms of
black and Hispanic graduates, as the DOE’s own findings show the disparity that black and
brown graduates face compared to the either Asian and white counterparts. In my humble
opinion, we should NOT be celebrating “all-time highs”, when such a large achievement gap
exists for children of color. Any rational person with common sense understands how this gap
13
will translate into a lifetime of difficulty, overcoming challenges and dreams and opportunities
unfilled if we continue on this trend.
School Report Cards
Just about every New York City public high school receives a progress report grade. This is done
on an A through F scale similar to what a student would get in a class. Of the 458 public high
schools, for the 2012-2013 school year, 120 or almost 25%, received an A grade. However, 22
of the schools received a grade of D while 18 received an F grade. Combined, that makes up 40
of the 458 schools or nearly 10%. Isn’t it ironic that this 10% number mirrors the 10% number
of students that dropped out as of 2013? Although not directly related, I just find it really
interesting how those things align. Below is a sample of the Overall Progress Report Card from
one of the top schools in the city, the High School of Fashion Industries. Take note of the 5
14
categories that make up the school’s “Overall Progress Report Grade”, as measured by the
Department of Education.
1. Student Progress
2. Student Performance
3. Student Environment
4. College and Career Readiness
5. Closing the Achievement Gap
TO DO: Teams are asked to present how they can individually and collectively overcome the
statistics presented by these findings, the rankings, rates and school report cards. They are
asked to complete an analysis of the “collective” report card of all the schools represented by
the whole team and what they plan to do about it, whether the final outcome is a good grade
or a bad grade.
15
Teacher Unions
There primary teacher union in the New York City public school system is the American
Federation of Teachers (AFT). Its New York City affiliate, representing public school teachers in
the city is more commonly known as the United Federation of Teachers (UFT). This one union
represents over 180,0005
teaching professionals in New York City. It has assets of over $120
million and is recognized as one of the most powerful labor unions in the nation. The average
annual salary of one of its members is just over $56,000 per year.
There is no secret the influence that this union has on city, state and federal officials as is the
case with teacher unions across the country. In New York City, the UFT has been accused of
obstructing educational reform to protect its own interests, from blocking a merit pay for
performance model, from blocking increasing teacher evaluations, and for having conflicts of
interest when it comes to teacher “benefits” among other things. With so much negative press
surrounding the unions themselves, often times by default there can be a great amount of
negative light put on the teachers. This fact is not lost on our students who are being educated
in our city’s public system. It is also not lost on their parents, who continue to recognize that
much progress is being prevented due to the perception of stubbornness within the UFT and its
leadership. Parents and students alike want reform. Despite what the media demonstrates,
both parents and their high school children understand that the path to a better life starts with
education. And they also understand that there are a lot of good or great teachers within the
public school system here but they realize too there are a litany of bad ones that continue to be
16
protected and sustained by a 20th
century model that the UFT represents, with the pretense of
educating 21st
century students.
Of course this case is being written
with the view of the student in mind.
And in all fairness, we must try to
present a balanced view so that both
sides of the coin can be taken into
consideration when it comes to teacher unions. Kristin Rawls of AlterNet6
wrote an article in
2012. In this article she acknowledged the reputational hit that teacher unions as a whole have
taken but presented reasons why they are in fact still good for our kids.
1. Teacher unions are the only major educational players still focusing on advancing
school quality by leveling the playing field.
2. Teacher union fight to protect teachers First Amendment rights, allowing them to
advocate for children and schools without facing retaliation.
3. Schools with unionized teachers often produce higher achieving students.
4. Teacher unions help teachers get better.
5. Teacher unions protect student and teacher safety in schools.
6. Teacher unions oppose school vouchers.
Now to the writer of this case much of this list sounds like something from a horror movie and
personally does not sound like anything that is of true value in terms of improving or advancing
the state of the public high school education of black and brown students in New York City.
Other chapters of this case by themselves have demonstrated that these supposedly positive
facts supporting teacher unions just don’t hold weight. It is up to our students who have voiced
their opinion in coming up with this chapter of the case to be written. They now want to hear
from their underclassmen peers about their views on this topic.
17
Teacher Ratings
This case study would be remiss if it addresses teach unions and not address teachers
themselves. No matter what the UFT or any other teacher union says or no matter how much
they try to fight reform, the numbers don’t lie—teacher performance (or lack thereof) impacts
student performance. This is a proven fact across the country and through the decades. If a
student has a teacher who does not care—that student will more than likely fail. It’s basic
“arithmetic”. New York City has a good amount of U-rated (Unsatisfactory rated) teachers in its
system based on a recent report7
. In fact, to prove the point of teacher performance directly
impacting student performance, the report goes on to say those students in high schools with
Low College Readiness Rates were more than twice as likely to be taught by a U-rated teacher
as students with High College Readiness Rates.
TO DO: The teams should think critically about the ways they feel that teacher unions, in
particular the UFT are helping or hindering their education. Are there facts about the UFT,
not presented in the case do the students feel play a major role on the quality of education
that public high school teachers provide in New York City public?
18
The Charter School Debate
Ever since New York mayor Bill De Blasio became the front runner in last year’s mayoral race,
the debate has raged about the future of charter schools in the city. The new mayor-to-be
made it clear while campaigning that he would put an end to charter school funding of public
money. The then-candidate ran on this platform with the help of the powerful UFT who made
no secret its opposition for just about everything that the charter school model represents—
significant education reform, hiring of non-union teachers, firing teachers based on non-
performance, merit-based pay, to name a few issues. Now that Mayor De Blasio is firmly
entrenched to lead the city for the next four years at least, the charter school debate has come
front and center. It has culminated in a very public battle between the mayor and fellow
Democratic, governor Cuomo. The two men are on completely different sides of the coin with
respect to charter schools with De Blasio and the UFT opposing them and the governor fully
supporting them.
A heated debate ensued shortly after De Blasio became mayor. Three of the newest charter
schools were set to open their doors in the fall of 2014 but the mayor pulled the plug of their
funding sparking a huge public outcry from parents of students slated to attend those schools
and from advocates of charter school education. The central issue was that under the mayor’s
plan, charter schools would have to “pay rent” for the space they use in public school buildings.
Based on the number of students attending a given school, this could present several thousands
of dollars to the budgets of charter schools across the city, causing them to eliminate much of
the model they feel make them a success compared to regular public schools.
19
Advocates of charter school education point to the following pros of charter schools8
over
regular public high schools as the very reason why they should be continued to grow and
prosper.
Pros
1. Charter schools present families with options. The neighborhood school is not
necessarily a good option for a child and a charter school presents options.
2. Charter schools foster competition. It is this competition that some feel keep
parents, students and educators on their toes.
3. Charter schools foster innovation. Some of the most exciting innovation in American
education is occurring in charter schools. Examples of this include the KIPP network
of schools or the Harlem Children’s Zone founded by Geoffrey Canada.
4. Charter schools carve out a niche. Whereas regular public schools try to be all things
to all people, charter schools are able to focus on a specific vision.
Cons
1. Charter schools are fiscally inefficient. The very existence of charter schools takes
away funding from regular public schools which based on today’s numbers, the
majority of high school students in the city still attend regular high schools.
2. Charter schools present an unfair playing field. Charters can target who exactly they
want to attend their school, and opponents feel that this is an open door to filter out
low income or special education families.
3. Charter schools are less transparent. Charter schools are not subject to the
Freedom of Information Act since they are public schools run by “private”
institutions.
4. Charter schools have less local control and accountability. Charters have appointed
boards instead of elected ones. Opponents say when problems occur, this means
parents have less avenues to protest. And this also leads to favoritism coming into
play.
5. Charter schools are less diverse. Opponents say charters create more racial and
economic segregation since they usually have a target market.
20
The charter school battle continues to rage in the city of New York. A bill presented earlier this
year from the city council calls for more scrutiny to be put on charter schools9
. It addresses
some of the cons presented below like calling for more reporting about demographics and
academic performance at co-located schools. Co-location is the primary model being used
currently by charter schools in the city. This occurs when charter schools co-late in the same
building as a regular public school. Often times the regular school at some point was one very
large building with thousands of students that has now been reduced in size and the building
“zoned” out to various different schools, including charters. The following chart shows the
growth of charter schools in New York City since 199510
.
TO DO: Teams are asked to do further research on the charter school model, in particular as it
relates to high school education in New York City. For example, how many and what
percentage of high school students attended charter five years ago vs. how many do so
today? Also, teams are expected to provide a point of view of charter schools since some of
the team members attend regular public schools as well as charter schools.
21
Sources of Research:
1
Common Core tests widen achievement gap in New York, Valerie Strauss, August 25,
2013. Page 5 of case.
2
CBS News Report on National Assessment of Educational Progress. Page 9 of case.
3
U.S. News & World Report, Education Best High Schools: New York City Public Schools.
Page 11 of case.
4
New York City Department of Education website. Page 11 of case.
5
Office of Labor Management Standards. Page 15 of case.
6
6 Reasons Teacher Unions Are Good for Kids, by Kristin Rawls, AlterNet. Page 16 of case.
7
StudentsFirstNY, “Unsatisfactory: The Distribution of Teacher Quality in New York City”,
StudentsFirstNY.org, May 4, 2014. Page 17 of case.
8
Weighing the pros and cons of charter schools, Julie Mack. Page 19 of case.
9
New York City Council Seeks More Scrutiny of Charter Schools, Wall Street Journal, May
6, 2014. Page 20 of case.
10
Charter School Performance in New York City, by Credo at Stanford University (Center
for Research on Education Outcomes). Page 20 of case.
22
Case Questions
The following are a few questions your team needs to take into consideration when analyzing
the case. During your presentation you will be judged on how well you grasp the material
presented plus how creative you are in thinking outside the box without rehashing the details
of the case. You have to present your own ideas in a thought-provoking manner. You don’t
have to present answers to every single question, but you want to choose which questions help
your team to come to the conclusion that allows you to present your interpretation of the case
in the best way possible. Remember there is NO right or wrong answer unless you don’t try.
Questions that your team should answer research, analysis and presentation include:
1. Each team must choose a minimum of two of the chapters of the case with which to
present its opinion on the case. Of those two, EVERY team must address the
“EDUCATION/ACHIEVEMENT GAP” chapter as part of their presentation. Teams are
asked to look at the “To-Do” from that chapter and present what they would and plan
to do to close this gap. THIS ONE QUESTION IS A MUST FOR EVERY TEAM!
2. Each team can choose to present a “research-based”, statistical facts and figures
presentation no matter which topics of the case the team decides to present. These are
not expected to be boring numbers presentations but creative representations of what
all of the statistics and ratings and percentages are showing about New York City high
school students prospects for the future.
3. Each team can present thought leadership on the chapters of the case in terms of the
past, present and future and demonstrate its take on what all of this means for high
school education in New York City public.
4. For the question, teams can choose to add their own chapter(s) to the case. A team
tackling this would think critically about what the case does not discuss and what other
factors are also important to address. This does NOT mean that every chapter of the
case should be ignored, they should still be demonstrated in the presentation, in
particularly the mandatory one from Q.1 above, but what else did the author or student
researchers not consider that is just as important a factor in quality of high school
education in New York City?
NOTE: ALL 4 QUESTIONS DO NOT AND SHOULD NOT BE ANSWERED IN THE PRESENTATION.
23
Case Competition Instructions
1. Take a few minutes to read over the case individually then begin discussing as a team.
Think “outside the box” and consider college considerations that are not presented in
the case. This is your chance as young people to fully and completely understand how
the economics of college and the impact these economics will have on your life. There
is no right or wrong answer—it’s how your team interprets the case.
2. Be sure to consider the case questions at the end of the case to support your team’s
theories on how different economic and financial scenarios play out.
3. This part is very important. Your team can choose which of the case questions to
answer and you do not have to answer ALL of them, nor are you expected to. You must
however submit a PowerPoint presentation with any number of pages, as you make
your live presentation.
4. Choose a format to present your case. Your team can choose any format including
video, debate, skit, surveys, on-stage props, sitcom, serious analysis, audience
discussion, etc. Whatever you feel is appropriate to get your team’s point across as long
as you adhere to the case competition protocols.
5. Be sure to cite your sources of research no matter what format your team chooses to
present in. This will be very important in your score.
6. Also, you need to have a page on screen or verbal announcement or something
introducing your team and the members of the team who are presenting to the
audience.
7. Each of the four teams will present their case in a maximum of 20 minutes each. You
can present in less than 20 minutes with no penalty but if you go over 20 minutes you
will be penalized 5 points for each minute over.
8. This year, only the winning 1st
place team will be awarded prizes as there are only four
teams presenting. Winners will be announced during the graduation ceremony on June
20th. However, each team will receive feedback on their performance.

Contenu connexe

Tendances

The Achievement Gap Infographic
The Achievement Gap InfographicThe Achievement Gap Infographic
The Achievement Gap InfographicNewark Thrives
 
20081001 Murray and Stacey Peeking Behind the Blue Ribbon How the NCLB Blue R...
20081001 Murray and Stacey Peeking Behind the Blue Ribbon How the NCLB Blue R...20081001 Murray and Stacey Peeking Behind the Blue Ribbon How the NCLB Blue R...
20081001 Murray and Stacey Peeking Behind the Blue Ribbon How the NCLB Blue R...Vicki Alger
 
Complete dissertation prospectus
Complete dissertation prospectusComplete dissertation prospectus
Complete dissertation prospectusjuliuswairimu1
 
Final day 4 social context of curriculum 2011 bridgewater
Final day 4 social context of curriculum 2011 bridgewaterFinal day 4 social context of curriculum 2011 bridgewater
Final day 4 social context of curriculum 2011 bridgewatervpriddle
 
Dr. William Allan Kritsonis, Dissertation Chair for Sheri L. Miller-Williams,...
Dr. William Allan Kritsonis, Dissertation Chair for Sheri L. Miller-Williams,...Dr. William Allan Kritsonis, Dissertation Chair for Sheri L. Miller-Williams,...
Dr. William Allan Kritsonis, Dissertation Chair for Sheri L. Miller-Williams,...William Kritsonis
 
AN INVESTIGATION OF THE IMPACT OF ATYPICAL PRINCIPALO PREPARATION PROGRAMS ON...
AN INVESTIGATION OF THE IMPACT OF ATYPICAL PRINCIPALO PREPARATION PROGRAMS ON...AN INVESTIGATION OF THE IMPACT OF ATYPICAL PRINCIPALO PREPARATION PROGRAMS ON...
AN INVESTIGATION OF THE IMPACT OF ATYPICAL PRINCIPALO PREPARATION PROGRAMS ON...William Kritsonis
 
Resisting Total Marginality: Understanding African-American College Students’...
Resisting Total Marginality: Understanding African-American College Students’...Resisting Total Marginality: Understanding African-American College Students’...
Resisting Total Marginality: Understanding African-American College Students’...QUESTJOURNAL
 
A Right Denied - The Critical Need For Genuine School Reform
A Right Denied - The Critical Need For Genuine School ReformA Right Denied - The Critical Need For Genuine School Reform
A Right Denied - The Critical Need For Genuine School ReformLeila Jerusalem
 
2015-SVT-Postsecondary-Project-Report-full copy
2015-SVT-Postsecondary-Project-Report-full copy2015-SVT-Postsecondary-Project-Report-full copy
2015-SVT-Postsecondary-Project-Report-full copyGentry Fitch
 
Final Presentation - Workforce and College Preparation
Final Presentation - Workforce and College PreparationFinal Presentation - Workforce and College Preparation
Final Presentation - Workforce and College PreparationDaniel Lebowitz
 
Need for Change in the American Educational System
Need for Change in the American Educational SystemNeed for Change in the American Educational System
Need for Change in the American Educational SystemF Jenkins
 
Whatever it Takes: How Twelve Communities Are Reconnecting Out-of-School Yout...
Whatever it Takes: How Twelve Communities Are Reconnecting Out-of-School Yout...Whatever it Takes: How Twelve Communities Are Reconnecting Out-of-School Yout...
Whatever it Takes: How Twelve Communities Are Reconnecting Out-of-School Yout...nmartin7136
 
Education Week Top News August 20, 2014
Education Week Top News August 20, 2014Education Week Top News August 20, 2014
Education Week Top News August 20, 2014Gtomko
 
Schooling and hispanics group project final
Schooling and hispanics group project finalSchooling and hispanics group project final
Schooling and hispanics group project finalpclervil
 

Tendances (20)

The Achievement Gap Infographic
The Achievement Gap InfographicThe Achievement Gap Infographic
The Achievement Gap Infographic
 
20081001 Murray and Stacey Peeking Behind the Blue Ribbon How the NCLB Blue R...
20081001 Murray and Stacey Peeking Behind the Blue Ribbon How the NCLB Blue R...20081001 Murray and Stacey Peeking Behind the Blue Ribbon How the NCLB Blue R...
20081001 Murray and Stacey Peeking Behind the Blue Ribbon How the NCLB Blue R...
 
Dr Petrini philosophy student success 4LI
Dr Petrini philosophy student success 4LIDr Petrini philosophy student success 4LI
Dr Petrini philosophy student success 4LI
 
Complete dissertation prospectus
Complete dissertation prospectusComplete dissertation prospectus
Complete dissertation prospectus
 
Final day 4 social context of curriculum 2011 bridgewater
Final day 4 social context of curriculum 2011 bridgewaterFinal day 4 social context of curriculum 2011 bridgewater
Final day 4 social context of curriculum 2011 bridgewater
 
Dr. William Allan Kritsonis, Dissertation Chair for Sheri L. Miller-Williams,...
Dr. William Allan Kritsonis, Dissertation Chair for Sheri L. Miller-Williams,...Dr. William Allan Kritsonis, Dissertation Chair for Sheri L. Miller-Williams,...
Dr. William Allan Kritsonis, Dissertation Chair for Sheri L. Miller-Williams,...
 
AN INVESTIGATION OF THE IMPACT OF ATYPICAL PRINCIPALO PREPARATION PROGRAMS ON...
AN INVESTIGATION OF THE IMPACT OF ATYPICAL PRINCIPALO PREPARATION PROGRAMS ON...AN INVESTIGATION OF THE IMPACT OF ATYPICAL PRINCIPALO PREPARATION PROGRAMS ON...
AN INVESTIGATION OF THE IMPACT OF ATYPICAL PRINCIPALO PREPARATION PROGRAMS ON...
 
Singh a gender_gaps_9sept2016
Singh a gender_gaps_9sept2016Singh a gender_gaps_9sept2016
Singh a gender_gaps_9sept2016
 
Resisting Total Marginality: Understanding African-American College Students’...
Resisting Total Marginality: Understanding African-American College Students’...Resisting Total Marginality: Understanding African-American College Students’...
Resisting Total Marginality: Understanding African-American College Students’...
 
A Right Denied - The Critical Need For Genuine School Reform
A Right Denied - The Critical Need For Genuine School ReformA Right Denied - The Critical Need For Genuine School Reform
A Right Denied - The Critical Need For Genuine School Reform
 
Eanes Senior Thesis
Eanes Senior ThesisEanes Senior Thesis
Eanes Senior Thesis
 
2015-SVT-Postsecondary-Project-Report-full copy
2015-SVT-Postsecondary-Project-Report-full copy2015-SVT-Postsecondary-Project-Report-full copy
2015-SVT-Postsecondary-Project-Report-full copy
 
MC 401 Rough Draft
MC 401 Rough DraftMC 401 Rough Draft
MC 401 Rough Draft
 
Final Presentation - Workforce and College Preparation
Final Presentation - Workforce and College PreparationFinal Presentation - Workforce and College Preparation
Final Presentation - Workforce and College Preparation
 
Need for Change in the American Educational System
Need for Change in the American Educational SystemNeed for Change in the American Educational System
Need for Change in the American Educational System
 
State of Education
State of EducationState of Education
State of Education
 
Whatever it Takes: How Twelve Communities Are Reconnecting Out-of-School Yout...
Whatever it Takes: How Twelve Communities Are Reconnecting Out-of-School Yout...Whatever it Takes: How Twelve Communities Are Reconnecting Out-of-School Yout...
Whatever it Takes: How Twelve Communities Are Reconnecting Out-of-School Yout...
 
Education Week Top News August 20, 2014
Education Week Top News August 20, 2014Education Week Top News August 20, 2014
Education Week Top News August 20, 2014
 
Schooling and hispanics group project final
Schooling and hispanics group project finalSchooling and hispanics group project final
Schooling and hispanics group project final
 
Pathways to Student Success: Slideshow
Pathways to Student Success: SlideshowPathways to Student Success: Slideshow
Pathways to Student Success: Slideshow
 

En vedette

OSA -skráningarform- niðurstöður
OSA -skráningarform- niðurstöðurOSA -skráningarform- niðurstöður
OSA -skráningarform- niðurstöðurStefán Hafsteinsson
 
EM-Booklet-Industry-QA-CATEPILLAR2
EM-Booklet-Industry-QA-CATEPILLAR2EM-Booklet-Industry-QA-CATEPILLAR2
EM-Booklet-Industry-QA-CATEPILLAR2Akram ELHENAWY
 
I-Keser-CCNACertificate
I-Keser-CCNACertificateI-Keser-CCNACertificate
I-Keser-CCNACertificateIvana Keser
 
Infographic: Social Media Guide
Infographic: Social Media GuideInfographic: Social Media Guide
Infographic: Social Media GuideThe Unspoken Pitch
 
BAROMETRO MINIBOND: MARKET TRENDS Dati aggiornati al 31/12/2016
BAROMETRO MINIBOND: MARKET TRENDS   Dati aggiornati al 31/12/2016BAROMETRO MINIBOND: MARKET TRENDS   Dati aggiornati al 31/12/2016
BAROMETRO MINIBOND: MARKET TRENDS Dati aggiornati al 31/12/2016MiniBondItaly.it
 
Lesson 8 ppt
Lesson 8 pptLesson 8 ppt
Lesson 8 pptGc Howard
 
McDonald's Case Study
McDonald's Case StudyMcDonald's Case Study
McDonald's Case StudyArjun Mehra
 
The Past Perfect Tense
The Past Perfect TenseThe Past Perfect Tense
The Past Perfect TenseRomanychch
 

En vedette (14)

OSA -skráningarform- niðurstöður
OSA -skráningarform- niðurstöðurOSA -skráningarform- niðurstöður
OSA -skráningarform- niðurstöður
 
05 IHK RT - Instructor en
05 IHK RT - Instructor en05 IHK RT - Instructor en
05 IHK RT - Instructor en
 
J
JJ
J
 
Page0001
Page0001Page0001
Page0001
 
EM-Booklet-Industry-QA-CATEPILLAR2
EM-Booklet-Industry-QA-CATEPILLAR2EM-Booklet-Industry-QA-CATEPILLAR2
EM-Booklet-Industry-QA-CATEPILLAR2
 
1 1
1 11 1
1 1
 
I-Keser-CCNACertificate
I-Keser-CCNACertificateI-Keser-CCNACertificate
I-Keser-CCNACertificate
 
Infographic: Social Media Guide
Infographic: Social Media GuideInfographic: Social Media Guide
Infographic: Social Media Guide
 
BAROMETRO MINIBOND: MARKET TRENDS Dati aggiornati al 31/12/2016
BAROMETRO MINIBOND: MARKET TRENDS   Dati aggiornati al 31/12/2016BAROMETRO MINIBOND: MARKET TRENDS   Dati aggiornati al 31/12/2016
BAROMETRO MINIBOND: MARKET TRENDS Dati aggiornati al 31/12/2016
 
Lesson 8 ppt
Lesson 8 pptLesson 8 ppt
Lesson 8 ppt
 
McDonald's Case Study
McDonald's Case StudyMcDonald's Case Study
McDonald's Case Study
 
Penilaian portfolio
Penilaian portfolioPenilaian portfolio
Penilaian portfolio
 
Adjectives
Adjectives Adjectives
Adjectives
 
The Past Perfect Tense
The Past Perfect TenseThe Past Perfect Tense
The Past Perfect Tense
 

Similaire à 2014 Case - Factors Impacting Quality of HS Education in NYC

Dr. Karen Weddle-West & Dr. Rosie Phillips Bingham, University of Memphis
Dr. Karen Weddle-West & Dr. Rosie Phillips Bingham, University of MemphisDr. Karen Weddle-West & Dr. Rosie Phillips Bingham, University of Memphis
Dr. Karen Weddle-West & Dr. Rosie Phillips Bingham, University of MemphisWilliam Kritsonis
 
httpsdoi.org10.11770896920516649418Critical Sociology.docx
httpsdoi.org10.11770896920516649418Critical Sociology.docxhttpsdoi.org10.11770896920516649418Critical Sociology.docx
httpsdoi.org10.11770896920516649418Critical Sociology.docxpooleavelina
 
SO385 Executive SummaryKG (1)
SO385 Executive SummaryKG (1)SO385 Executive SummaryKG (1)
SO385 Executive SummaryKG (1)Katelyn Goodrich
 
CHAPTER 5 School Issues that Relate to At-Risk Children and Youth.docx
CHAPTER 5 School Issues that Relate to At-Risk Children and Youth.docxCHAPTER 5 School Issues that Relate to At-Risk Children and Youth.docx
CHAPTER 5 School Issues that Relate to At-Risk Children and Youth.docxchristinemaritza
 
Karim Anil: Need for Change
Karim Anil: Need for ChangeKarim Anil: Need for Change
Karim Anil: Need for ChangeAnilKarim
 
The Importance Of The Achievement Gap
The Importance Of The Achievement GapThe Importance Of The Achievement Gap
The Importance Of The Achievement GapCarmen Martin
 
PROPOSAL Students need a better Education to be ready for Co.docx
 PROPOSAL  Students need a better Education to be ready for Co.docx PROPOSAL  Students need a better Education to be ready for Co.docx
PROPOSAL Students need a better Education to be ready for Co.docxaryan532920
 
Defining Underachievement
Defining UnderachievementDefining Underachievement
Defining UnderachievementNavy Savchenko
 
Help Amplify The Number Of College Bound Students
Help Amplify The Number Of College Bound StudentsHelp Amplify The Number Of College Bound Students
Help Amplify The Number Of College Bound Studentsnoblex1
 
Public Education Trends
Public Education TrendsPublic Education Trends
Public Education TrendsErin Rivera
 
Public Education Trends
Public Education TrendsPublic Education Trends
Public Education TrendsKaty Allen
 

Similaire à 2014 Case - Factors Impacting Quality of HS Education in NYC (11)

Dr. Karen Weddle-West & Dr. Rosie Phillips Bingham, University of Memphis
Dr. Karen Weddle-West & Dr. Rosie Phillips Bingham, University of MemphisDr. Karen Weddle-West & Dr. Rosie Phillips Bingham, University of Memphis
Dr. Karen Weddle-West & Dr. Rosie Phillips Bingham, University of Memphis
 
httpsdoi.org10.11770896920516649418Critical Sociology.docx
httpsdoi.org10.11770896920516649418Critical Sociology.docxhttpsdoi.org10.11770896920516649418Critical Sociology.docx
httpsdoi.org10.11770896920516649418Critical Sociology.docx
 
SO385 Executive SummaryKG (1)
SO385 Executive SummaryKG (1)SO385 Executive SummaryKG (1)
SO385 Executive SummaryKG (1)
 
CHAPTER 5 School Issues that Relate to At-Risk Children and Youth.docx
CHAPTER 5 School Issues that Relate to At-Risk Children and Youth.docxCHAPTER 5 School Issues that Relate to At-Risk Children and Youth.docx
CHAPTER 5 School Issues that Relate to At-Risk Children and Youth.docx
 
Karim Anil: Need for Change
Karim Anil: Need for ChangeKarim Anil: Need for Change
Karim Anil: Need for Change
 
The Importance Of The Achievement Gap
The Importance Of The Achievement GapThe Importance Of The Achievement Gap
The Importance Of The Achievement Gap
 
PROPOSAL Students need a better Education to be ready for Co.docx
 PROPOSAL  Students need a better Education to be ready for Co.docx PROPOSAL  Students need a better Education to be ready for Co.docx
PROPOSAL Students need a better Education to be ready for Co.docx
 
Defining Underachievement
Defining UnderachievementDefining Underachievement
Defining Underachievement
 
Help Amplify The Number Of College Bound Students
Help Amplify The Number Of College Bound StudentsHelp Amplify The Number Of College Bound Students
Help Amplify The Number Of College Bound Students
 
Public Education Trends
Public Education TrendsPublic Education Trends
Public Education Trends
 
Public Education Trends
Public Education TrendsPublic Education Trends
Public Education Trends
 

2014 Case - Factors Impacting Quality of HS Education in NYC

  • 1. National Black MBA Association – Metro New York Chapter Presents 2014 C.A.S.H. Program Student Case Competition Factors Impacting the Quality of High School Education in New York City (The Students’ Point-of-View) Written by Program Director, Tyrone Scott
  • 2. 1 Research Assistants The following current college students (former C.A.S.H. students and graduates of the program) and current returning high school senior students (those who have been in the program multiple years and now serve in a capacity that assists with the mentoring of underclassmen peers) contributed tremendously to all of the research that went into this case. In addition to factual data and research findings, these students felt it was important to add their personal experience to the case for authenticity. Team Leaders & College Student Mentors/C.A.S.H. Graduates Latoya Bethune---Teacher Unions Monnero Guervil---The Charter School Debate Ronald Taylor---The Charter School Debate Returning Senior Students Louis Galindez---Education (Achievement) Gap Moriah Blackman---Standardized Testing Jabari Baker---Financials Marcus Richards---The Charter School Debate Jazmyn Fuller---Rankings, Rates and School Report Cards
  • 3. 2 Table of Contents Introduction------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------Pg. 3 Education (Achievement) Gap-------------------------------------------------------------------------Pg. 4 Standardized Testing-------------------------------------------------------------------------------------Pg. 8 Rankings, Rates and School Report Cards----------------------------------------------------------Pg. 11 Teacher Unions--------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------Pg. 15 The Charter School Debate----------------------------------------------------------------------------Pg. 18 Research Source List-------------------------------------------------------------------------------------Pg. 21 Case Questions--------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------Pg. 22 Case Competition Instructions-----------------------------------------------------------------------Pg. 23
  • 4. 3 Introduction A group of this year’s returning seniors felt strongly about having a case written about the quality of high school education in New York City. There has been much discussion about the state of education throughout all levels of public education in New York, but none has been under more scrutiny than the education of our high school students. From the raging debate about whether students in the largest school system in the nation are adequately prepared for college or the workforce to the ongoing and increasing debate on the impact of charter schools—there are many factors that our students discussed that they felt has impacted their lives over the course of the last four years and will continue to impact them through college. This case, written in five chapters, discusses some the primary factors (from the students’ point of view) that impact the quality of a high school education in New York City. Please note that this case primarily deals with the “public” school system and deals with the black and Hispanic students who are the primary attendees of this system.
  • 5. 4 Education (Achievement) Gap It doesn’t take a rocket scientist to realize that black and Hispanic children are faced with an education gap in this country and in particularly in New York City. This education/achievement gap is so pervasive that students are aware of it long before they even get to high school. Our students are no fools. They completely get it when it comes to understanding the disadvantages they are faced with. They understand the budget deficits that their schools are faced with compared to their white or Asian counterparts. They are keenly aware of the zoning issues that impact the choices of schools they go to. They are highly aware of the significant issue of segregation that they are subjected to. In fact, a recent report showed that the state of New York has the most segregated schools in the nation. But when one travels to schools in New York City, it is easy to see how true this can be. The fact is, white kids do NOT go to school with black kids for the most part in this city. Asian kids do NOT go to school with Hispanic kids for the most part. Now there are certain “specialized schools” and/or charter schools, or private schools where there is diversity. But due to “white flight”, the white kids no longer attend school with black and brown kids. Now add standardized and common core tests to the mix and the problem our children are faced with are even more exacerbated. And once again, these kids are not fools—they get it. Let’s break down some of the achievement gap factors hurting our students and present them for what they really are—limiting factors that do NOT benefit our children.
  • 6. 5 Competitiveness and Zoning In 2003, the New York Department of Education revamped its high school admissions policy. No longer (supposedly) would students with high test score and aggressive parents have the choice of the best schools. But here we are eleven years later and that still remains the case. So what went wrong? The changed policy had too many assumptions, like assuming that students had parents who had the ability to tour schools and complete applications to schools. Another issue was thousands of students were assigned to schools they did not even apply to. And about half were assigned to schools that simply had space left—the lowest performing schools. This presents an automatic competitive disadvantage to a kid who thought he or she was going to be attending a “good” school. Students with special needs are often zoned to schools that don’t even have the services that they need the most. And students whose parents speak another language other than English are at a significant disadvantage in the admissions process; giving these families a “culture shock” beyond the simple language barrier. Mid to average students were and are often screened out of the selection process. Often times getting a B or B- could be the death nail for excluded to a top school. And finally once assigned to a school, it is almost nearly impossible to switch schools unless under a specific set of criteria that is often hard to prove. Common Core Widening the Gap An article by the Washington Post suggested that the New York Common Core test results are the fruit of a poisonous tree1 . The article goes on to say “what should be useful data about students learning is, instead, data without value. And as we all know, data without value is by
  • 7. 6 definition—useless. Educators are not prepared for common core and a “living under a rock” it said. The following tables demonstrate the findings from the black/white achievement gap that continues to widen. NOTE: The achievement gap between Hispanic and white students overall grew from 3 points to 22 points from 2012 to 2013. So potentially, students who may already be demoralized knowing what they are up against are even more so after being faced with these kinds of deficits. GAP MEASURED AREA GAP Black/White Achievement Gap 3rd grade English Language Arts 12-point gap Black/White Achievement Gap 8th grade ELA 14-point gap Black/White Achievement Gap 3rd grade Math scores 8-point gap Black/White Achievement Gap 8th grade Math scores 13-point gap GAP MEASURED AREA GAP Black/White Achievement Gap 3rd grade English Language Arts 19-point gap Black/White Achievement Gap 8th grade ELA 25-point gap Black/White Achievement Gap 3rd grade Math scores 14-point gap Black/White Achievement Gap 8th grade Math scores 18-point gap 2012 2013
  • 8. 7 Segregation Segregation in this country was one of the greatest wrongs of the 19th and 20th century. It represented the epitome of racial discrimination and mistreatment of blacks through the Civil Rights Movement. Well now its 2014 and New York State and (City) for that matter has the most segregated system in the country. That is ahead of Mississippi, Alabama, Kentucky and South Carolina. That is a shock that is hard to stomach and it is something that is killing our kids and not preparing them remotely for the real world that they will face in college, much less in the real world upon completing their education. Even with all of its own problems, corporate America even has a specific focus on diversity these days, albeit for not the most altruistic reasons, but that is a different case for a different day. The point is, how on earth can we be preparing our students to compete in a global workforce when they attend schools in the 21st century with only people who look and think like themselves—yet expect them to be a success at the next education level or to compete with China and other emerging markets? The short answer is we can’t and we must change this in our city. It makes no logical sense whatsoever that New York City (State) can be known as the great “melting pot” of America and yet quietly an almost secretly have the most segregated school system in the country. TO DO: Teams are asked to present solutions to the growing education gap and for that matter the (technology gap, financial knowledge gap, access to college gap) and demonstrate examples across the city or otherwise where the achievement gap is being close. Teams are also asked to present their solutions to the epidemic of segregated education in New York City. How does this problem get solved for the next generation of students coming behind them?
  • 9. 8 Standardized Testing New York City high school students often complain that besides their regular curriculum of tests for their core classes, they are subjected to a battery of other standardized tests from PSATs, SATs to regents exams to even the Specialized High School Admissions Test (SHSAT) which is a test taken in order to get into one of a select few high schools that supposedly give a student an added advantage toward being accepted to some of the top colleges in the nation. The list of these specialized schools is as follows:  Bronx High School of Science  Brooklyn Latin  Brooklyn Technical High School  High School of Mathematics, Science and Engineering at City College  High School of American Studies at Lehman College  Queens High School for the Sciences at York  Staten Island Technical High School (newly designated)  Stuyvesant High School And for better or for worse, admission to this elite list of schools is solely based on the SHSAT. According to a little known New York State law known as the Hecht-Calandra Act, this is the only method these schools may use to determine admission. On average about 20,000 students take this test annually. The only remaining specialized high school in New York City that does not rely on this test but rather an audition is Fiorello H. LaGaurdia High School of Music & Art and Performing Arts. Many are now asking the question of the merits of this test and for that matter the other system-wide standardized tests being utilized to select, self-select, and often times weed out students of color. It is no secret that many of the standardized tests taken by black and brown
  • 10. 9 students are dubbed to be unfair. This has major ramifications on the quality of colleges that New York City students can attend and can have longer term quality of life impacts as well. If the deck is stacked against a young man or young woman as early as high school, how can they ever catch up with their majority counterparts? The argument presented by students and other opponents of standardized and specialized tests is not simply that they add to the education/achievement gap or the segregation gap, but they take valuable student time away from learning from regular science, math, reading and history that is not covered on these tests in similar fashions that it is taught by teachers throughout the year. The problem becomes we have become a society where a student’s lot in life is determined by his/her test score and not be how well they have truly grasped the material or been able to retain the material to help them in college. Not only that, teachers are “teaching to the test” these days where every subject is taught based on the theory of passing a regents test or getting ready for a PSAT. Colleges are to blame for this as well since the overwhelming majority of them put more emphasis on these test scores than any other component of a student’s application; so much so that it’s not even close compared to other factors like grades, class rank, resume, activities, volunteerism. It is as if we are raising a generation of test robots who quite often don’t understand basic Reading, Writing and Arithmetic because they have become drones to standardized testing. A national report2 just released showed that only 26% of the nation’s high school seniors are proficient in math while only 38% are proficient at reading. Both of these numbers are decreases from previous test results four years prior. When thinking about minority students in
  • 11. 10 New York City, for which this case is primarily written for, only 7% of black students met the math standards on this national test, while only 12% of Hispanic students met it. This is compared to 33% for their white counterparts and 47% for Asians. So the point is despite an increase in the amount of standardized testing, our children are falling further behind in the ability to compete globally on just the “basic” subjects, much less on more complicated subjects such as a science and technology. TO DO: Students should consider their individual and team experiences at their various schools. Do they agree that they are being over-tested and to what end do they feel these tests are helping their educational cause? Students should also present a list presentation of the different tests involved outside of regular subject matter testing and analyze how much of the information they honestly retain upon completion of the test. Also what from these tests do they think they will use in college or in the work force as compared to their subject knowledge.
  • 12. 11 Rankings, Rates and School Report Cards Rankings Rankings, rates and grades are what define the education system in this country. It doesn’t matter if its ranking early childhood development or post college graduate programs, Americans have a fascination with how things are ranked. The high school education system in New York City is no different. The city has 458 public high schools and the district has 115 schools that received either a gold, silver or bronze medal in a recent U.S. News & World Report rankings report3 . Listed below is are the best public high schools in New York City, along with their “scorecard” report based on overall college readiness. College readiness is defined as based on the percentage of 12th graders who were tested and passed AP exams. The maximum college readiness index value is 100.0. Top 10 Best Public High Schools in New York City 1. The High School of American Studies at Lehman College, 95.7 (#32 nationally ranked) 2. Bronx High School of the Science, 94.1 3. Brooklyn Latin School, 93.9 4. High School for Dual Language and Asian Studies, 91.4 5. Townsend Harris High School, 91.1 6. Staten Island Technical School, 89.9 7. Manhattan Bridges High School, 87.5 8. Queens High School for the Sciences at York, 86.3 9. Brooklyn Technical High School, 85.8 10. Stuyvesant High School, 83.0 *The report also showed the worst schools in the system but the writer chose to not show these names. Rates Despite not listing the “bad” schools, the impact of going to a “good” school versus one that is dubbed “bad” or worse, a “dropout factory”, cannot be discounted. In 20134 , New York City achieved an all-time high graduation rate of 66%, while at the same time, achieved an all-time
  • 13. 12 low dropout rate of 10.6%. In addition, another all-time high of 46.8% of graduates were deemed college ready. All of these numbers are significant improvement from the 2005 numbers shown in the chart below. However, and I’m not an expert but how bad are things in our education system when we celebrate the fact that not even 7 out of 10 of our kids don’t graduation; One out of 10 will drop out; and less than half are ready for college? What kind of future are we setting ourselves up for? As a society and as a community we must come to terms that these are dreadful numbers and we MUST do better for our children’s sake. Figure 1: New York City Graduation and Dropout Rates as of 2005 Although these figures show an improvement, it cannot be mistaken for progress in terms of black and Hispanic graduates, as the DOE’s own findings show the disparity that black and brown graduates face compared to the either Asian and white counterparts. In my humble opinion, we should NOT be celebrating “all-time highs”, when such a large achievement gap exists for children of color. Any rational person with common sense understands how this gap
  • 14. 13 will translate into a lifetime of difficulty, overcoming challenges and dreams and opportunities unfilled if we continue on this trend. School Report Cards Just about every New York City public high school receives a progress report grade. This is done on an A through F scale similar to what a student would get in a class. Of the 458 public high schools, for the 2012-2013 school year, 120 or almost 25%, received an A grade. However, 22 of the schools received a grade of D while 18 received an F grade. Combined, that makes up 40 of the 458 schools or nearly 10%. Isn’t it ironic that this 10% number mirrors the 10% number of students that dropped out as of 2013? Although not directly related, I just find it really interesting how those things align. Below is a sample of the Overall Progress Report Card from one of the top schools in the city, the High School of Fashion Industries. Take note of the 5
  • 15. 14 categories that make up the school’s “Overall Progress Report Grade”, as measured by the Department of Education. 1. Student Progress 2. Student Performance 3. Student Environment 4. College and Career Readiness 5. Closing the Achievement Gap TO DO: Teams are asked to present how they can individually and collectively overcome the statistics presented by these findings, the rankings, rates and school report cards. They are asked to complete an analysis of the “collective” report card of all the schools represented by the whole team and what they plan to do about it, whether the final outcome is a good grade or a bad grade.
  • 16. 15 Teacher Unions There primary teacher union in the New York City public school system is the American Federation of Teachers (AFT). Its New York City affiliate, representing public school teachers in the city is more commonly known as the United Federation of Teachers (UFT). This one union represents over 180,0005 teaching professionals in New York City. It has assets of over $120 million and is recognized as one of the most powerful labor unions in the nation. The average annual salary of one of its members is just over $56,000 per year. There is no secret the influence that this union has on city, state and federal officials as is the case with teacher unions across the country. In New York City, the UFT has been accused of obstructing educational reform to protect its own interests, from blocking a merit pay for performance model, from blocking increasing teacher evaluations, and for having conflicts of interest when it comes to teacher “benefits” among other things. With so much negative press surrounding the unions themselves, often times by default there can be a great amount of negative light put on the teachers. This fact is not lost on our students who are being educated in our city’s public system. It is also not lost on their parents, who continue to recognize that much progress is being prevented due to the perception of stubbornness within the UFT and its leadership. Parents and students alike want reform. Despite what the media demonstrates, both parents and their high school children understand that the path to a better life starts with education. And they also understand that there are a lot of good or great teachers within the public school system here but they realize too there are a litany of bad ones that continue to be
  • 17. 16 protected and sustained by a 20th century model that the UFT represents, with the pretense of educating 21st century students. Of course this case is being written with the view of the student in mind. And in all fairness, we must try to present a balanced view so that both sides of the coin can be taken into consideration when it comes to teacher unions. Kristin Rawls of AlterNet6 wrote an article in 2012. In this article she acknowledged the reputational hit that teacher unions as a whole have taken but presented reasons why they are in fact still good for our kids. 1. Teacher unions are the only major educational players still focusing on advancing school quality by leveling the playing field. 2. Teacher union fight to protect teachers First Amendment rights, allowing them to advocate for children and schools without facing retaliation. 3. Schools with unionized teachers often produce higher achieving students. 4. Teacher unions help teachers get better. 5. Teacher unions protect student and teacher safety in schools. 6. Teacher unions oppose school vouchers. Now to the writer of this case much of this list sounds like something from a horror movie and personally does not sound like anything that is of true value in terms of improving or advancing the state of the public high school education of black and brown students in New York City. Other chapters of this case by themselves have demonstrated that these supposedly positive facts supporting teacher unions just don’t hold weight. It is up to our students who have voiced their opinion in coming up with this chapter of the case to be written. They now want to hear from their underclassmen peers about their views on this topic.
  • 18. 17 Teacher Ratings This case study would be remiss if it addresses teach unions and not address teachers themselves. No matter what the UFT or any other teacher union says or no matter how much they try to fight reform, the numbers don’t lie—teacher performance (or lack thereof) impacts student performance. This is a proven fact across the country and through the decades. If a student has a teacher who does not care—that student will more than likely fail. It’s basic “arithmetic”. New York City has a good amount of U-rated (Unsatisfactory rated) teachers in its system based on a recent report7 . In fact, to prove the point of teacher performance directly impacting student performance, the report goes on to say those students in high schools with Low College Readiness Rates were more than twice as likely to be taught by a U-rated teacher as students with High College Readiness Rates. TO DO: The teams should think critically about the ways they feel that teacher unions, in particular the UFT are helping or hindering their education. Are there facts about the UFT, not presented in the case do the students feel play a major role on the quality of education that public high school teachers provide in New York City public?
  • 19. 18 The Charter School Debate Ever since New York mayor Bill De Blasio became the front runner in last year’s mayoral race, the debate has raged about the future of charter schools in the city. The new mayor-to-be made it clear while campaigning that he would put an end to charter school funding of public money. The then-candidate ran on this platform with the help of the powerful UFT who made no secret its opposition for just about everything that the charter school model represents— significant education reform, hiring of non-union teachers, firing teachers based on non- performance, merit-based pay, to name a few issues. Now that Mayor De Blasio is firmly entrenched to lead the city for the next four years at least, the charter school debate has come front and center. It has culminated in a very public battle between the mayor and fellow Democratic, governor Cuomo. The two men are on completely different sides of the coin with respect to charter schools with De Blasio and the UFT opposing them and the governor fully supporting them. A heated debate ensued shortly after De Blasio became mayor. Three of the newest charter schools were set to open their doors in the fall of 2014 but the mayor pulled the plug of their funding sparking a huge public outcry from parents of students slated to attend those schools and from advocates of charter school education. The central issue was that under the mayor’s plan, charter schools would have to “pay rent” for the space they use in public school buildings. Based on the number of students attending a given school, this could present several thousands of dollars to the budgets of charter schools across the city, causing them to eliminate much of the model they feel make them a success compared to regular public schools.
  • 20. 19 Advocates of charter school education point to the following pros of charter schools8 over regular public high schools as the very reason why they should be continued to grow and prosper. Pros 1. Charter schools present families with options. The neighborhood school is not necessarily a good option for a child and a charter school presents options. 2. Charter schools foster competition. It is this competition that some feel keep parents, students and educators on their toes. 3. Charter schools foster innovation. Some of the most exciting innovation in American education is occurring in charter schools. Examples of this include the KIPP network of schools or the Harlem Children’s Zone founded by Geoffrey Canada. 4. Charter schools carve out a niche. Whereas regular public schools try to be all things to all people, charter schools are able to focus on a specific vision. Cons 1. Charter schools are fiscally inefficient. The very existence of charter schools takes away funding from regular public schools which based on today’s numbers, the majority of high school students in the city still attend regular high schools. 2. Charter schools present an unfair playing field. Charters can target who exactly they want to attend their school, and opponents feel that this is an open door to filter out low income or special education families. 3. Charter schools are less transparent. Charter schools are not subject to the Freedom of Information Act since they are public schools run by “private” institutions. 4. Charter schools have less local control and accountability. Charters have appointed boards instead of elected ones. Opponents say when problems occur, this means parents have less avenues to protest. And this also leads to favoritism coming into play. 5. Charter schools are less diverse. Opponents say charters create more racial and economic segregation since they usually have a target market.
  • 21. 20 The charter school battle continues to rage in the city of New York. A bill presented earlier this year from the city council calls for more scrutiny to be put on charter schools9 . It addresses some of the cons presented below like calling for more reporting about demographics and academic performance at co-located schools. Co-location is the primary model being used currently by charter schools in the city. This occurs when charter schools co-late in the same building as a regular public school. Often times the regular school at some point was one very large building with thousands of students that has now been reduced in size and the building “zoned” out to various different schools, including charters. The following chart shows the growth of charter schools in New York City since 199510 . TO DO: Teams are asked to do further research on the charter school model, in particular as it relates to high school education in New York City. For example, how many and what percentage of high school students attended charter five years ago vs. how many do so today? Also, teams are expected to provide a point of view of charter schools since some of the team members attend regular public schools as well as charter schools.
  • 22. 21 Sources of Research: 1 Common Core tests widen achievement gap in New York, Valerie Strauss, August 25, 2013. Page 5 of case. 2 CBS News Report on National Assessment of Educational Progress. Page 9 of case. 3 U.S. News & World Report, Education Best High Schools: New York City Public Schools. Page 11 of case. 4 New York City Department of Education website. Page 11 of case. 5 Office of Labor Management Standards. Page 15 of case. 6 6 Reasons Teacher Unions Are Good for Kids, by Kristin Rawls, AlterNet. Page 16 of case. 7 StudentsFirstNY, “Unsatisfactory: The Distribution of Teacher Quality in New York City”, StudentsFirstNY.org, May 4, 2014. Page 17 of case. 8 Weighing the pros and cons of charter schools, Julie Mack. Page 19 of case. 9 New York City Council Seeks More Scrutiny of Charter Schools, Wall Street Journal, May 6, 2014. Page 20 of case. 10 Charter School Performance in New York City, by Credo at Stanford University (Center for Research on Education Outcomes). Page 20 of case.
  • 23. 22 Case Questions The following are a few questions your team needs to take into consideration when analyzing the case. During your presentation you will be judged on how well you grasp the material presented plus how creative you are in thinking outside the box without rehashing the details of the case. You have to present your own ideas in a thought-provoking manner. You don’t have to present answers to every single question, but you want to choose which questions help your team to come to the conclusion that allows you to present your interpretation of the case in the best way possible. Remember there is NO right or wrong answer unless you don’t try. Questions that your team should answer research, analysis and presentation include: 1. Each team must choose a minimum of two of the chapters of the case with which to present its opinion on the case. Of those two, EVERY team must address the “EDUCATION/ACHIEVEMENT GAP” chapter as part of their presentation. Teams are asked to look at the “To-Do” from that chapter and present what they would and plan to do to close this gap. THIS ONE QUESTION IS A MUST FOR EVERY TEAM! 2. Each team can choose to present a “research-based”, statistical facts and figures presentation no matter which topics of the case the team decides to present. These are not expected to be boring numbers presentations but creative representations of what all of the statistics and ratings and percentages are showing about New York City high school students prospects for the future. 3. Each team can present thought leadership on the chapters of the case in terms of the past, present and future and demonstrate its take on what all of this means for high school education in New York City public. 4. For the question, teams can choose to add their own chapter(s) to the case. A team tackling this would think critically about what the case does not discuss and what other factors are also important to address. This does NOT mean that every chapter of the case should be ignored, they should still be demonstrated in the presentation, in particularly the mandatory one from Q.1 above, but what else did the author or student researchers not consider that is just as important a factor in quality of high school education in New York City? NOTE: ALL 4 QUESTIONS DO NOT AND SHOULD NOT BE ANSWERED IN THE PRESENTATION.
  • 24. 23 Case Competition Instructions 1. Take a few minutes to read over the case individually then begin discussing as a team. Think “outside the box” and consider college considerations that are not presented in the case. This is your chance as young people to fully and completely understand how the economics of college and the impact these economics will have on your life. There is no right or wrong answer—it’s how your team interprets the case. 2. Be sure to consider the case questions at the end of the case to support your team’s theories on how different economic and financial scenarios play out. 3. This part is very important. Your team can choose which of the case questions to answer and you do not have to answer ALL of them, nor are you expected to. You must however submit a PowerPoint presentation with any number of pages, as you make your live presentation. 4. Choose a format to present your case. Your team can choose any format including video, debate, skit, surveys, on-stage props, sitcom, serious analysis, audience discussion, etc. Whatever you feel is appropriate to get your team’s point across as long as you adhere to the case competition protocols. 5. Be sure to cite your sources of research no matter what format your team chooses to present in. This will be very important in your score. 6. Also, you need to have a page on screen or verbal announcement or something introducing your team and the members of the team who are presenting to the audience. 7. Each of the four teams will present their case in a maximum of 20 minutes each. You can present in less than 20 minutes with no penalty but if you go over 20 minutes you will be penalized 5 points for each minute over. 8. This year, only the winning 1st place team will be awarded prizes as there are only four teams presenting. Winners will be announced during the graduation ceremony on June 20th. However, each team will receive feedback on their performance.