The Challenge Ahead
by Assemblyman Steven Sanders

While stonewalling by Governor Pataki and his delaying tactics and ploys have caused the State of New York to miss the Court of Appeals’ July 30th deadline in the CFE (Campaign for Fiscal Equity) case, within the near future the judicial branch will order a remedy for unconstitutionally inadequate school aid for New York City. Even as we still struggle to find the right solution, the long legal battle has diverted many people’s attention from where or how substantial new dollars for city schools when they do come forth should be spent, to produce the educational “outputs”—academic results—intended.

It is without question that there are literally dozens of educational issues that are important on some scale. Because of this, there is a tendency to become overwhelmed, if not paralyzed. Where to start? This does not simply involve choosing between “on the one hand and on the other,” because, well, there are just too many important needs to hold in even two hands.

Here then is an effort to simplify the matter to a manageable number of five; what follows are what I define to be the five key areas where an investment of new funding under an eventual CFE remedy must be targeted.

1. Early grade education. Pre-kindergarten should be available to every 4-year-old whose parents want it for their child. And age 3 is not too early either, but we’re hardly ready for that. At a minimum, however, the head start that pre-K programs give children from all economic or cultural backgrounds is indeed unquestioned and profound. It must be made truly and universally available.

2. Quality teachers and educational professionals. The time has come to practice what we preach. If we are really serious about attracting and retaining top quality, well-trained teachers at every level and in every discipline, then the profession of teaching needs to be respected, with teachers being accorded the respect and salaries that professionals deserve. They also need a working environment that reflects how much we value education itself.

3. Ample, adequate, modern, and environmentally sound schools. We need enough new schools in the pipeline, modernization of existing facilities, science labs that have more than a Bunsen burner, and interactive libraries, furnished with books published later than Up the Down Staircase. Schools must be free of toxic materials and cleansers. Every classroom and library must be hooked up to the Internet, and not be a vestige of the age of Sputnik.

4. Reduced class sizes. Modern school facilities, and enough of them, will also help us keep all classes smaller, in elementary school at or about 20 students per class and in junior or high school, under 30. Simply put: small classes allow teachers to teach and pupils to learn.

5. A successful school involves partnerships and dedication. The school system needs to walk the walk rather than merely talk the talk: parents as well as local communities and businesses must be welcomed—and heard—about matters affecting their local schools.

It’s not just about money. It’s about responsible prioritizing and making every dollar work for the betterment of every young mind. Standards should be high, but creativity should soar.

Assemblyman Sanders is chairman of the Education Committee. E-mail him at sanders@assembly.state.ny.us or phone 212.979.9696. His mailing address is 201 East 16th Street, New York, NY 10003.