Education

New York City has the largest and most diverse public school system in the country, serving approximately one million students from scores of countries and speaking over 140 languages.  New York can be proud of having some of the nation’s best public schools and the most dedicated, qualified professional staff. 

Nevertheless, student performance in far too many schools continues to lag.  In some elementary schools, less than one quarter of the students read at grade level.   Fewer than 60 percent of high school students graduate within four years.  High student-to-teacher ratios and severely overcrowded school buildings are among the significant hindrances to student achievement.  Although mayoral control of the city’s schools is important to effectively address these and other issues, legitimate concerns exist over a lack of fiscal accountability and transparency at the Department of Education, and many parents feel shut out of the decision-making process.

The Office of Policy Management researches, investigates and develops policy recommendations on key public education concerns in New York City.  One recent study documented how construction of new school buildings is not keeping up with population growth in a number of neighborhoods across the city.  Another study looked at the insufficient support given the city’s 21 Career & Technical Education high schools; these schools have had considerable success motivating students to stay in school and graduate, and with sufficient funding they could play an even greater role in providing the skilled workers employers increasingly need.

OPM also monitors implementation of the court ruling in the Campaign for Fiscal Equity lawsuit, which requires New York City to receive sufficient State education aid to ensure that each student receives a “sound basic education.”