New York City
New York City
With more than a million students in over 1,700 schools, the size of New York City’s school system alone makes it an interesting case study, and is notable because its reform efforts occurred relatively early.
Former mayor Michael Bloomberg took control of the troubled district in 2003 and proceeded to launch dramatic transformation efforts. Then-chancellor Joel Klein introduced data-driven accountability measures, closed underperforming schools, and introduced many charter schools. The district started issuing report cards for schools.
Though controversial, the practices resulted in higher test scores and lower dropout rates. And although charter schools are now a controversial topic nationwide, New York City today has long waiting lists for its charter schools.
New York’s early reform efforts set the stage for other reform initiatives – and battles – in urban school districts across the country.
LEARN MORE
Analysis of the Children First education reforms in New York City is collected in Education Reform in New York City: Ambitious Change in the Nation’s Most Complex School System.
New York public radio station WNYC reflects on Bloomberg’s education legacy after 12 years.
This New York Post editorial addresses eight years of education reform efforts.
