The School is the Heart of the Community

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Questions and Answers

What was the reason for the decline of PS 298 school, as mentioned in the text?

Lack of qualified teachers

Decrease in the number of students attending the school

Lack of student interest in extracurricular activities

Disinvestment leading to lack of resources like library, computer lab, and after-school programs (correct)

What role did Mayor Michael Bloomberg play in the fate of low-performing schools in New York City?

He advocated for increased funding for low-performing schools

He appointed new teachers to low-performing schools

He supported and invested in low-performing schools to improve their facilities

He initiated annual closures of low-performing schools (correct)

What positive aspects of PS 298 does the author recall from their time as a student there?

Inadequate facilities and lack of opportunities

Limited extracurricular activities

Great programming with a glee club, athletics, and a newspaper (correct)

Lack of diversity and academic challenges

What was the author's role at PS 298 when it was slated for closure in 2011?

Parent association president Signup and view all the answers

What impact did disinvestment have on PS 298, according to the text?

Decline in resources like library, computer lab, and after-school programs Signup and view all the answers

How does the author feel about PS 298 despite its decline?

Nostalgic and optimistic Signup and view all the answers

What is the purpose of Parent-Teacher Team meetings?

To discuss ways to sustain learning during summer vacation Signup and view all the answers

How do community schools differ from traditional schools?

They offer an additional hour of instruction and after-school programs Signup and view all the answers

What is the primary goal of CEJ's campaign launched in 2013?

To make improving public education a key issue in New York City's mayoral race Signup and view all the answers

What is the focus of Parent-Teacher Home Visits?

To create new connections and deeper understanding of families and students Signup and view all the answers

What is the main challenge addressed by efforts to shift how teachers view families?

Lack of representation and disconnection between families and schools Signup and view all the answers

What additional support do community schools have compared to traditional schools?

More resources and support services Signup and view all the answers

What was the main motivation for the speaker to save PS 298?

The personal experiences at PS 298 Signup and view all the answers

What services are typically offered by community schools?

Dental clinics and food pantries Signup and view all the answers

What is considered crucial to the success of community schools?

Strong parent engagement Signup and view all the answers

What program introduced group parent-teacher conferences in NYC schools?

WestEd Signup and view all the answers

What is the main role of the Coalition for Educational Justice (CEJ)?

Advocating for educational equity at the citywide level Signup and view all the answers

Why is it mentioned that closing a school can be devastating and disruptive to the community?

To highlight the negative impact on the community Signup and view all the answers

What was the focus of NYGPS's campaign 'PS 2013'?

Improving education outcomes for students of color Signup and view all the answers

What did the citywide charrette involve?

75 community meetings to identify desired improvements for schools Signup and view all the answers

What did community members express desires for during the charrette?

Art, music, better physical education, community services, and improved school food Signup and view all the answers

What did Mayor Bill de Blasio pledge to do in his first term?

Open 100 community schools Signup and view all the answers

What is NYGPS currently advocating for in relation to education?

Culturally responsive education to better engage and represent the history and culture of students of color Signup and view all the answers

What are some lessons for activists based on the text?

The work doesn't stop after securing commitments; it becomes more challenging Signup and view all the answers

What was the purpose of the traveling blue bus installation created by NYGPS?

To engage folks through a democratic process and collect their desired school improvements Signup and view all the answers

Study Notes

NYGPS held continuous press conferences to keep the education reform issue in the news, focusing on uplifting positive policy solutions through their campaign "PS 2013"
The coalition operated an online policy hub featuring policy papers on improving education outcomes for students of color, special education, and community schools
A citywide charrette involved 75 community meetings with parents, students, teachers, principals, and superintendents to identify desired improvements for schools
Community members expressed desires for art, music, better physical education, community services, and improved school food – key components of community schools
NYGPS created a traveling blue bus installation to engage folks through a democratic process and collect their top 20 desired school improvements
The organization presented a roadmap for the next mayor at a mayoral forum, and all major candidates attended to discuss the community school platform
Parents from CEJ met with elected officials and candidates to raise community school issues, and despite being non-endorsing, having a significant impact on the mayoral race
Mayor Bill de Blasio pledged to open 100 community schools in his first term and transformed 130 schools in his first full school year
After de Blasio's victory, NYGPS began supporting the transition of traditional schools to community schools, improving parent-teacher relationships, and enhancing instruction quality
Focusing on community schools, NYGPS is currently advocating for culturally responsive education to better engage and represent the history and culture of students of color.
Lessons for activists:
- The work doesn't stop after securing commitments; it becomes more challenging
- Be thoughtful and mindful about the number and type of schools your organization can support
- A strong planning year with training and preparation is crucial for successful implementation
- Have a clear definition of success to prevent criticism from derailing progress.

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Test your knowledge on effective collaboration between teachers and parents to support students' learning at home and at school. This quiz covers topics such as identifying resources, activities, and sustaining learning through the summer break.