Anyone that has followed educational trends in major cities knows that New York City is continually changing. Ever since Mayor Bloomberg was elected Mayor, the school system has been in continual flux. Although if you look deeper at the situation, NYC has had 12 Chancellors of the School System since 1978. At that rate, change is continually happening, but are we waiting long enough to see the results of the change?
When one implements new policies, whether as a classroom teacher or otherwise, one must “stay the course.” George Bush articulated this principle in dealing with the War in Iraq. Yet this begs the question: when do you stay the course, and when is it time to change course?
“I’ve always said that this would take seven years, minimum,” Mr. Klein said, and for the first time he expressed a desire to stay on, even after Mr. Bloomberg, in the hope of finishing the job. “It might be more like 10 or 12 years — a generation of students. If I can continue to do the work that’s necessary, I would like to stay.” (NYT , 9/3/07)
Hopefully with the new accountability measures and increased autonomy, all NYC students will finally receive the high quality of education that they deserve, regardless of socioeconomic level.
