Governor Cuomo’s Education Reform Commission Hits The Right Marks for Real School Improvement

Today’s report, Putting Students First, by the New NY Education Reform Commission identifies the critical levers that profoundly affect education, and proposes investments and reforms that make great sense. It’s a holistic vision that, if followed, would benefit students enormously. 

We commend the Commission for its emphasis on reforms to strengthen teacher quality.  The report recommends a multi-pronged strategy to increase teacher caliber from the start and reform investments in professional development and capacity building. It specifically recommends 1) raising the bar to enter the teaching profession; 2) holding the educators of educators more accountable; and 3) reforming clinical practice in ways that would advance new career pathways for teachers. 

The commission recognizes that teachers cannot and should not bear the weight of school improvement alone.  Thus it smartly emphasizes key investments including Pre-K, extended learning time, and support services to students; all of which bolster effective teaching in high needs schools.  

Lynette GuastaferroExecutive Director, Teaching Matters

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