LIU STATEMENT ON NEW STATE TEST SCORES
New York City Comptroller John C. Liu stated the following in response to early reports on City schools' results on the new state "Common Core" test scores:
"New York City public schools' reportedly dismal results on the new state tests send a clear message: Mayor Bloomberg and his Tweed cronies have been cooking the books on student test scores for 12 years. Pointing to rising high-school graduation rates, the Mayor claimed that high-stakes testing was leading to greater student achievement and teacher accountability. He excoriated teachers and others who pointed out the flaws in his analysis. In fact, the regime of teaching to the tests pushed kids out the schoolhouse door, even if their diplomas were worthless and their skills did not permit them to succeed in college or jobs. Mayor Bloomberg had 12 years to advance his so-called reforms and pad his educational legacy. He failed. He cannot spin these results to mean something they don't. New York City's children deserve better."
Background
Comptroller Liu's "Beyond High School NYC" initiative seeks to increase the proportion of New Yorkers with higher education to 60 percent by the year 2025 through strategic investments in public education. For more on "Beyond High School NYC," go to:
http://www.comptroller.nyc.gov/bureaus/opm/beyond-high-school.shtm
Reports from the Comptroller's education initiative:
"Beyond High School: Higher Education as a Growth and Fiscal Strategy for New York City:"
http://www.comptroller.nyc.gov/bureaus/opm/reports/2012/Higher-Education-Report-FINAL.pdf
"The Power of Guidance: Giving High School Students the College Counseling They Need:"
http://www.comptroller.nyc.gov/bureaus/opm/reports/2012/Power_of_Guidance_Oct_PDF.pdf
"No More Rubber Stamp: Reforming New York City's Panel for Educational Policy:"
http://www.comptroller.nyc.gov/bureaus/opm/reports/2013/NYC_NoMoreRubberStamp_v24_Jan2013.pdf
"Bridging the Digital Literacy Divide:"
http://www.comptroller.nyc.gov/bureaus/opm/reports/2013/Bridging-the-Digital-Literacy-Divide.pdf
"The $4 Billion Deficit: Ratcheting Up Investment in Early Childhood Education":
http://www.comptroller.nyc.gov/bureaus/opm/reports/2013/NYC-Early-Childhood-Education-Report.pdf
"The Suspension Spike: Changing the Discipline Culture in NYC's Middle Schools:"
http://www.comptroller.nyc.gov/bureaus/opm/reports/2013/NYC_MiddleSchools_Report.pdf