Education Is Fundamental
By Ernest Clayton

This year marks the anniversary of one of the most tragic events in NYC, as well as the country. The city experienced its darkest moments as all energies focused on the common good of a united nation. As fundamental as education is, it took a back seat to the securing and rebuilding of lower Manhattan’s community and NYC’s financial district. Leadership played a key role in the stabilizing of our city at that heightened time in our history. Our political leaders and citizens displayed a strength and courage that gave the city the confidence to move forward as a unified front.

While the city was trying to recuperate from the devastation, the NY Court of Appeals determined [4 to 5] that an 8th grade education is sufficient for students to become productive citizens. One year after that horrific ordeal, children are still suffering from that old, traditional form of post-slavery education.

We must start educating our children for academic achievement across the board. Steps have been taken during the aftermath of 9/11 that indicate we are moving in a direction that could make education fundamental.

On June 10, 2002 legislation was signed into law giving control of the New York City public school system to the Mayor. Included in the law was a “maintenance of effort” clause that should increase, not decrease, public school funding in our city. Parents feel that someone has to be held accountable if this criminal assault against our children is to continue another day. The Mayor selected his chancellor, Joel Klein, who has already reached out to
the United Parents Associations of NYC (UPA) before taking office. He has also made a difference after his first week on the job by reversing, with the stroke of his pen, what ex-chancellor Harold Levy had agreed upon with
the teacher’s union regarding the 20 minutes per day of additional classroom instruction time. The chancellor added two full days of classroom instruction by taking away two professional development days from teachers. UPA immediately posted a gold star on Chancellor Klein’s annual report card. That this happened so swiftly shows the cooperation of the teacher’s union in a light that parents have been pointing towards for sometime. Now that the smoke has cleared from 9/11, that light should illuminate brighter than ever before. UPA applauds the union and the Mayor for allowing children to come first. Now, we need to be vigilant and attentive towards the course of action being laid out for our children’s
academic achievement. Parents, our children must succeed–there is no alternative! Teachers will now earn a fair and competitive wage. 9/11 has become a symbol of strength to our nation and has attracted a record number of new teachers this year with certifications in hand.

The Federal government has re-authorized Title 1, the “No Child Left Behind” legislation that will bring resources to parents who have children attending non-achieving schools throughout our state.

While serving on State Assembly Speaker Sheldon Silver’s Task Force on School Governance this year, UPA fought hard for parental representation on any reconstituted board of Education. And, parents behold; a precedent was set appointing five parents to the New York City Board on Education Policy.

We have already proven, as a city, that we can accomplish the rebuilding process–especially when everyone is committed. Imagine what we could do if we set our sights on educational achievement! We can no longer wait for another generation of “victims” to arise. Parents, should we accept a merely “adequate education?” Should we expect more from the NYC Dept. of Education? I think you know the answers. It is time to take a stand on our children’s education and Leave No Parent Behind!#

Ernest Clayton is President of the United Parents Associations of New York City, Inc.