G&T update: Scores to last a year in program-less districts
The DOE has responded to the frustration voiced by parents who had their rising kindergarteners screened for G&T eligibility, only to find that their district programs start in 1st grade. This week, parents of kids who scored at the 90th percentile or higher received a letter saying, "After careful consideration, we are pleased to inform you that your child will not have to retest next year and will be eligible for a first grade seat in G&T program in your distict for the 2009-10 school year." It's time to give credit where credit's due -- the DOE listened to parents and responded fairly and appropriately. Queens parents, you were particularly vocal on this subject -- are you satisfied with the DOE's response?
6 comments:
No and No
Ithink you give the DOE to much credit. The only reason the DOE caved is due to the pressure of the media and phone calls. Channel 4 did a segment at my house with QUeens parents that aired last THursday at 7 PM. We would like a variance to go to a school that has a 1st grade G&T program. My child is in a private Pre-K, next year slated to a zoned K school, and then the year after to a first grade G&T school. Three schools in three years. Ridiculous. Is that so much to ask for. DOE gave an emphatic NO. So battle on our part continues. WOR hosts Mayor Bloomberg between 8-9 on Friday. We are planning on calling in. Also local Councilman Tony Avella is planning a day of protest on the steps of city Hall.
Frustrated
Now what about all those Queens, Staten Island etc folks who decide that traveling into the city to take their kindergartener to school every day is not worth it, but who have already submitted their application forms? It seems there may be a number of families who get spots who will later decide not to take them based on this. I presume the DOE has no backup plan for this contingency, and also keeps refusing to start a waiting list (the obvious answer)?
it's cold comfort, really. i have many questions...live in bronx. son scored 99, does his score stand if they use percentage to prioritize? and there's 1 classroom at his local zoned school and the amount of children who scored 97 or above is greater than 1 classroom...with more testing next year, where do they expect to put these students? it's a nice convenience that he won't have to test, but pales in comparison to the chances i know he's losing out on this year. sure citywide is a chance, but also doe not so accomodating on transportation...so, they really give you no chances.
I agree with what has already been stated and have much more to say. But, for now, has anyone noticed that the letter they received from the DOE does not IN ANYWAY identify the student that has been given this dispensation? What good is this as proof that your child does not have to test next year?
I think it's a fair thing to do for the city. I know the timing is not perfect considering that many parents already made school choices, but it's a fair response to an inequitable situation. I don't think that city and DOE deserves no credit for this. I think they do, they responded quickly, it was something they overlooked and they are reacting to it in an expedient and fair manner. My kids didn't make it to a sky-high percentile, so Anderson was out of reach for us, but it's great to know that they won't have to be tested again next year.
Again, I think everything should be looked at from a certain prospective. I think what the city is trying to do today is a great improvement over years past, and it's impossible to please everyone and do everything right at once. They are trying. Give them some credit.
So the DOE threw us a bone...big deal. Sure, I'm pleased my daughter won't have to retest but she'll still have to change schools and it's likely she'll still spend a formative year in a K class where overcrowding is known to be a problem and even the best school will face challenges when the teacher student ratio is lower than it ought to be. Why the unequal access in the first place? There doesn't seem to any dialogue with the DOE - they don't answer questions in thoughtful intelligent ways; there's very little transparency. I think that's a real problem for a department with such a huge responsibility to the public.
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