Up to court to end sellout of N.Y.C. schools

This article captures the typical view that all our schools need is more money to be successful.  If only it were true...

It is to the enduring shame of this nation that millions of schoolchildren still struggle to learn in overcrowded classrooms with uncertified teachers, using outdated textbooks, and emerge bereft of a chance in life. These are conditions that demoralize, insult and crush young spirits, that breed despair, ignorance and civic alienation. The enduring social cost is enormous.

Too many of the public schools in New York City are indeed the enduring shame of our nation, but let's be clear: when we're spending something on the order of $12,000/child, roughly 50% (!) above the national average, it takes a very creative (and conflicted) imagination to think that lack of money explains this.  As I've said many times before, I welcome the new CFE money, but only if it's accompanied by major systemic reform; otherwise, we might as well use it to make a bonfire and at least have a good weenie roast because it sure won't move the needle on student achievement.

 

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Up to court to end sellout of N.Y.C. schools

 

BY ROBERT JACKSON

http://www.nydailynews.com/10-08-2006/news/ideas_opinions/story/459449p-386585c.html

 

On Tuesday, final arguments will be made in Campaign for Fiscal Equity vs. State of New York, the landmark education case we've been litigating for 13 years. We're hoping the court will finally make the $4.7-$5.6 billion judgment against the state stick and pave the way for the next governor to enforce it.  

 

City schools desperately need the money.