Cover Story: Special Investigator Edward Stancik
Investigating the School System with Commissioner Stancik by M.C. Cohen
As the Special Commissioner of Investigation (SCI) for the New York City School District, Edward F. Stancik stands alone. His is the only organization like it in the country, an independent agency, empowered to investigate crime and corruption in the city’s schools. (more)

Reputation at Stake: How a Teacher Fought Back Cheating Allegations by Anita Patil
On an early evening in June 1999, Rebecca Ballantine came home to a scene that she thought only happened in movies: two men in suits, one with a long raincoat and a badge, were waiting in front of her apartment.“ We’re here to talk about the reading tests,” they said. (more)

State Laureates Speak of the Writing, Reading and Revising of Poetry by Sarah Elzas
“I like to throw a net over a wild beast and bring it into my computer,” explains Walt McDonald, the poet laureate of Texas since November 2000. “But then I rewrite. Rewriting is over half the fun—it’s where I get to train that wild beast to jump through hoops.” (more)

A Principal Program—Bank on Its Continued Success by Joan Baum, Ph.D.
They sat around a table, surrounded by colorful artwork on the walls—arithmetic posters, drawings announcing spring. The room was sunny and upbeat, and the talk personal, direct and full of good humor. (more)

Kerry Kennedy Cuomo Speaks at Columbia University by Sybil Maimin
Kerry Kennedy Cuomo and her powerful book Speak Truth to Power were recently honored by Columbia University’s Center for the Study of Human Rights in a program that emphasizes that injustices in the world must be tackled, and committed people can make a difference. (more)

Harlem YMCA Marks 31 Years of Recognizing African-American Achievement by Dynishal P. Gross
The grand ballroom of the New York Hilton Hotel swayed with the music of a jazz ensemble, while men and women, giggly teens and dignified elders mingled and posed in gowns and tuxedos. (more)

High School Students Lead the Way By Pola Rosen, Ed.D.
The voices of scores of students and teachers were heard recently at Teen Leadership Day, under the aegis of Thirteen, WNET. A panel of students and adults engaged in lively debate as Harvard Law Professor Charles Ogletree posed provocative questions about racism, bias, and first amendment issues. (more)

City Schools Showcased to National Educational Leaders by Sybil Maimin
An extraordinary three-day education conference was recently convened in Brooklyn by the New York City Board of Education. Among the hundreds of education leaders attending were five-member school teams—principal, teacher, parent PTA head, union president and district superintendent—from the 15 largest urban areas in the nation. (more)

In Brief: West Side HS Renamed for Ed Reynolds, Online Teacher Applications, New Brooklyn HS Superintendent, Three NYC Schools Receive Blue Ribbon Awards, Levy on School Report Cards (more)

College Scholarships Compiled by Kathryn Newman

NYU Medical Students Open Their Envelopes
Students at NYU School of Medicine had their share of Oscar week drama at 12 Noon on March 22, when graduates learned where they would serve their residencies. Relief at Alumni Hall followed anxiety as 155 students simultaneously opened their envelopes to find out where they were matched. (more)

Preparing For the Summer by Warren M. Seigel, M.D., F.A.A.P.
Spring is here and summer is coming. After a long winter indoors, parents often start to ask that age-old question: “What am I going to do with the kids this summer?” A little advance planning can go a long way towards guaranteeing a fun and safe summer for all. (more)

Bills Offer Relief from Medical School Debt by Tanya Albert
Med school graduates drowning in student loan debt could see a bigger income tax return if legislation proposed in the House and Senate is successful. (more)

TV’s Becker Learns Bedside Manners at NYU Medical School by Sybil Maimin
Ted Danson, the star of “Becker,” the Monday night television sitcom about a brash, tough-talking doctor, went to school at Bellevue Hospital last week. Along with the “Becker” cast, Danson attended a class in bedside manners pioneered by Dr. Mack Lipkin, director of the Center for Communication and Healing at NYU School of Medicine. (more)

Making a Feltboard Story for Tots by Margaret Blachly
Whenever we get out the feltboard at circletime in our 3’s classroom, the children cheer, “A feltboard story! Yay!” (more)

Exciting Summer Options by Dr. Carole G. Hankin with Randi T. Sachs
The start of spring is a signal for parents that summer is right around the corner, and it’s time to finalize plans for how those summer vacation months will be spent. (more)

Jean-Paul Sartre, 1964 Nobel Laureate by Lillian L. Shapiro

Logos Bookstore’s Recommendations

Spring Fever with a Dose of Refreshing Reading by Selene S. Vasquez

Bank Street Awards for Children’s Books by Sarah Elza

Prison Prep by Dynishal P. Gross
In what educational institution in the city are the best teachers found? The question is impossible to answer without considering the needs of the students being taught. (more)

ELL Resolution Passed by the Board
Recently, the Board of Education passed a resolution revising the teaching of English Language Learners. The resolution implemented a new system of parental choice among ELL programs and emphasizes the need to clearly inform parents about their options. (more)

Youth and Education Committee: Community Board 8 by Sybil Maimin

New Star Player in Lunar Drama: The Dish

Math Play Adds Up To Fine Broadway: Proo

Harbor Science and Arts Charter School Honored For Environmentalism
Shamu Across America, a nationwide tour celebrating the world’s most famous killer whale, arrived at the Harbor Science and Arts Charter School to award the 135 students with “Whale of a Hero” awards in recognition of their environmental study of Central Park’s Harlem Meer. (more)

Funding for Arts Education
The Center for Arts Education (CAE) has received a $12 million grant from the Annenberg Foundation and a $2.5 million commitment from the New York City Board of Education to extend the restoration of the arts in the City’s public schools. (more)

Young Artists Speak Out
High School students from all over the city who had won an artwork competition asking them to address oppression and discrimination had their work displayed at an exhibit, “Young Artists Speak Out,” at the New York Historical Society in March. (more)

Students Perform on Historic Pianos
Twelve students from Interlochen Arts Academy, a fine arts boarding high school in Michigan, recently received a unique opportunity to perform on a collection of historical pianos that are part of a Smithsonian Institution exhibition celebrating the piano’s 300th anniversary. (more)

Assembly Passes Record State Aid Increase for City Schools by Assemblyman Steven Sanders
On March 21, the Assembly passed its budget resolution, which includes, for the first time, State school aid to New York City at a level that meets or exceeds the city’s proportion of enrolled students statewide. Public school enrollment in the City represents 37.4 percent of statewide public school enrollment, and under the Assembly’s proposed budget, New York City would get over 38 percent of the State’s overall school aid. (more)

Ask the Eye Care Specialist: What is Amblyopia? by Mitchell Strominger, MD (more)

Ruben Boumtje Boumtje: Big East Scholar-Athlete of the Year by M.C. Cohen
After a great regular season, Georgetown was not supposed to lose in the first round of the Big East Tournament. But a tough 58-40 loss to Seton Hall at Madison Square Garden abruptly ended their quest for the title. (more)

Online Book Clubs for Kids
Joining a literary discussion group online helps students pursue ideas giving them the time to frame their responses and thoughts carefully. (more)