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| New SURR list shows progress; state must do more January 5, 2005 ALBANY, N.Y. January 5, 2005 -- New York State United Teachers today called the removal of 19 schools from the state's list of Schools Under Registration Review (SURR) "another encouraging sign of progress." But the 500,000-member union also expressed frustration at the state's continued lack of progress in resolving the requirements in the Campaign for Fiscal Equity case, and urged the state to use this opportunity to provide the necessary resources for all schools. "Nobody said turning around SURR schools would be easy or happen overnight. It's a continuing job," said NYSUT President Thomas Y. Hobart Jr. "Nevertheless, everyone's hard work is leading to real, measurable and encouraging gains. The lowest number of SURR schools since 1989-90 is something to cheer about and there's more to come - but the state must do its part." NYSUT Second Vice President Maria Neira, who heads the union's Research and Educational Services Division, said decades of research has clearly set out the expectations for what makes a successful public school. "We know what works," Neira said. "Smaller classes; a safe and orderly learning environment; strong early childhood education programs; and extra help for those students who need it - all those things build better schools. But it isn't happening in all schools in the state. Along with well-equipped school buildings and more professional development for teachers, these are reforms we all know work - and little else can work until they are in place." Neira said many teachers, especially those in high-need urban districts, are frustrated at seeing their hands tied by a lack of resources. She said State Education Commissioner Mills is planning on raising SURR requirements next year, which will put many schools on the edge of being placed on the SURR list. "Teachers know how to help those students who are struggling," Neira said. "But when the state doesn't provide adequate support, the pace of reform slows and children are indeed left behind. The state must be a full partner in efforts to fix those schools which are not measuring up. It all starts with enough money to do the job the right way." "Teachers in those schools added to the SURR list today want the same educational opportunities for their students that other students have," Neira said. "We need the state's leaders to make 2005 the year of education and to properly fund public education for all students." NYSUT, the largest union in New York State, represents more than 500,000 classroom teachers and other school employees; academic and professional faculty at the state's community colleges, State University of New York and City University of New York; and other education and health professionals. NYSUT is affiliated with the American Federation of Teachers, AFL-CIO. |
CONTACT: NYSUT Media Relations and Communications. (518) 213-6000, Ext. 6313. E-Mail: mediarel@nysutmail.org. |
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