ALBANY, N.Y. Sept. 21, 2016 — New York State United Teachers said today the state’s “first pass” at draft standards represented a good start in the long process to set new, New York standards.
“Today’s ‘first draft’ represents the thoughtful work of dedicated New York educators, who had a meaningful role in beginning the process of setting New York standards,” said NYSUT President Karen E. Magee. “The next steps, however, are crucial to getting this right: Parents and educators from throughout the state will have the opportunity to review this draft of the new standards and help determine whether they fully meet the needs of educators, school districts and, most importantly, students. The state’s fidelity to that process is essential if the state is to win back the trust and confidence of parents and educators.”
NYSUT Vice President Catalina Fortino said New York teachers worked with the State Education Department over several months, reviewing standards in English language arts and math to ensure age-and-developmental appropriateness; that the standards addressed the needs of English Language Learners and students with disabilities; and that they are aligned with what students are expected to know and be able to do in each grade.
“New York parents and educators, who worked with these standards every day, had a more meaningful voice in developing these new draft standards, and that represents an encouraging start,” Fortino said. “There is still considerable work ahead — for educators and the State Education Department — to ensure the state develops New York standards by New York teachers for New York students.”
NYSUT said it would encourage parents and educators to carefully review the new, draft New York standards and to use the upcoming public comment period to weigh in.
“The important role that educators and parents will play in the months ahead cannot be overstated,” Fortino said
New York State United Teachers is a statewide union with more than 600,000 members in education, human services and health care. NYSUT is affiliated with the American Federation of Teachers, the National Education Association and the AFL-CIO.
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