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| Test scores demonstrate progress; need to fully fund CFE May 18, 2005 ALBANY, N.Y. May 18, 2005 - Today's 4th and 8th grade test scores show teachers in New York public schools are continuing to make inroads towards the achievement gap. "Overall, there's a real pattern of improved student achievement, particularly in the elementary grades," said NYSUT President Richard Iannuzzi. "We see real excellence. It's a testament to strong partnerships between parents and teachers. Imagine the results we could achieve if our schools had all the appropriate resources our students need. "Middle school continues to be a source of concern, but there are some hopeful signs there as well. The bottom line is that New York's schools continue to show improvement." NYSUT Vice President Maria Neira said that, while fewer students are scoring at Level 1, educators are looking forward to a statewide, grade-by-grade curriculum that will assist teachers and students in achieving academic performance goals. "We know more needs to be done," Neira said. "Teachers used a variety of methods and strategies to get students to these solid gains. Those methods and strategies - along with adequate resources and the right kind of academic intervention services - are the 'difference makers' in public education. And full funding of the Campaign for Fiscal Equity decision is also a critical step toward closing the achievement gap. Neira added, "There is real progress here, and it's the result of hard work by teachers, other school employees and parents who understand that a 'team approach' is what's best for children." NYSUT, the largest union in New York State, represents more than 525,000 classroom teachers and other school employees and retirees; 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. -30- |
CONTACT: NYSUT Media Relations and Communications. (518) 213-6000, Ext. 6313. E-Mail: mediarel@nysutmail.org. |
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