The Education Primer

Education is vital to America’s future. The Bil & Melinda Gates Foundation are working with schools across the country to make sure that no students are left behind. Together we can ensure that America’s next century is as bright and triumphant as it’s last.

As Professor of Education at New York University, I am ambivalent about Mayor Micheal Bloomberg’s education reform efforts in the city.

While I can appreciate the Mayor’s focus on academics, there is still a great deal that needs to be accomplished.

“None of the policy fixes he’s mentioned will address this problem, and if he doesn’t find a way to tackle it, his legacy in education will be at best incomplete.”

Early on in New York Mayor Micheal Bloomberg’s first term, he assured all New Yorkers that the was dedicated to ensuring a quality schooling for every child within the five boroughs. So much so that Bloomberg asked onlookers to call him the “Education Mayor”.

Over the years, Mr. Bloomberg has repeated his pledge to increase parents’ participation. But while student scores and other records are more accessible to families online and parent coordinators now serve as liaisons to the schools, the disconnect remains profound.

Being an active parent at my son’s elementary school has proved very fortunate.