New York State Education Department

In honor of National Parental Involvement Day, check out these ideas for engaging parents and developing year-round school-family partnerships: https://lnkd.in/eeJJ4gi #NationalParentalInvolvementDay

Statement from Commissioner Betty A. Rosa Recently, a New York City tabloid published an editorial calling for the abolishment of the New York State Education Department based on a report by the Empire Center that is so filled with misinformation and a blatant disregard for the facts that it’s laughable. As the saying goes, “You are known by the company you keep.” The media outlet that abandoned integrity the day it printed its first paper, relying on this “Think Tank” report as its source, is journalistic malpractice at its most basic level. Had the Editorial Board taken the time to fact-check the information they so gleefully lauded, here is what they would have learned about the release of the State’s most recent assessment data. Schools and districts received test data last spring, prior to the conclusion of the school year. Parents gained access to their students' results over the summer, ahead of the new school year. The statewide data, released last week, was published on schedule, following the timeline established by the Department to ensure the information is both accurate and meaningful. This release aligns with the standard practices of most states across the U.S., with New York ranking in the top third for the timeliness of its report card publication. The tabloid’s characterization that NYSED and the Board of Regents “hate” standardized tests is misguided. What we take issue with is the tired trope that standardized tests are the definitive measure of educational outcomes. It is an oversimplification of the education system and insulting to our state's students, families, and educators. At its core, education is so much more than test scores—it’s about a wide range of factors that tests can’t capture. These tests are intended to be one measure among multiple measures of student learning, and they are one tool of many used by educators to ensure students are getting the services and supports they need to prepare for career, college, and civic readiness. Finally, implying that the data says “little” about outcomes because of changes in the state’s definition of "proficient" is a convenient excuse for ignoring the reality of the data. Spreading misleading conclusions about test data only distracts from the real work of building a system that provides all students with an opportunity to receive a world-class education. The Editorial Board and the Empire Center not only fail to engage with facts but also willfully perpetuate a harmful narrative that undermines the efforts of educators, students, and families across the state. Rather than dismissing the complexities of the education system or misrepresenting its measures, we should embrace a more nuanced understanding of education—one that values the diverse experiences and needs of all students. It's time for a more thoughtful, fact-based conversation about how we can all work together to create an education system that serves every child.

Applications are now open for the 2025 New York State Summer School of the Arts (NYSSSA) In-Residency program. Students in grades 8-12 from across New York State are eligible to apply. All application information, including specific portfolio and audition requirements for each program, can be found on the NYSSSA website: https://bit.ly/4hVeBc9 This program will provide students with the opportunity to study alongside professional artists in a competitive yet nurturing environment. Each program will culminate in a public showcase or exhibition. The four-week program will be held on the SUNY Fredonia campus and will run from July 6 to August 2, 2025. More information is available in this week’s press release: https://bit.ly/3AIMufM

It’s #WorldChildrensDay, raising awareness of the rights of every child and emphasizing the importance of listening to children’s voices and priorities. Learn more: https://lnkd.in/gz8Gva2

Happy Education Support Professionals (ESP) Day! ESPs are paraeducators, secretaries, food service workers, bus drivers, custodians, technicians, security officers, nurses, & more. Today, thank an ESP for keeping our students safe, healthy, and engaged in learning! https://bit.ly/46goQRa #AEW2024 #WeLoveOurESPs

Celebrate #NativeAmericanHeritageMonth with these classroom resources from The Library of Congress, US National Archives, National Endowment for the Humanities, National Gallery of Art, National Park Service, and Smithsonian to help students learn about American Indian history and traditions. https://bit.ly/40Rajwj

It’s Family Day, part of American Education Week! We’d like to thank families for their commitment to their children’s educational success. Did you know that families can stay up to date on education news by subscribing to Commissioner Rosa’s family newsletter? Sign up here: https://bit.ly/3h7YWrj #AEW2024

Happy School-Related Professionals (SRP) Recognition Day! Thank you to all the hardworking individuals who support the success of our students every day. Find ideas to celebrate here: https://bit.ly/3dSDjxw NYSUT #SRPsRise

This NEW collection from ConsidertheSourceNY.org highlights state records relating to advancing #ELL civil rights & building pathways to #multilingualism. View primary sources and learning activities: https://lnkd.in/e6s7Bbvp

Happy #FamilyLiteracyMonth! Celebrate by taking a family trip to the library. Find your local library here: https://bit.ly/3dqoOR1 #ReadNY