To the editor:
New York state lawmakers are busy in Albany debating a budget proposal that would improve the way New York state funds local school districts. But parents in our community know that these discussions have little impact on children's learning.
The Syracuse City School District currently spends approximately $21,707 per student and only 3% of eighth graders will be proficient at grade level in math in 2022. More or less funding for local schools will not bring about the changes needed in the education of our children. education.
In 2021, 348 8th grade students took the New York State Mathematics Assessment. How many people scored a level 3 or 4? Does this mean they are proficient? Zero students. Most (80%) students tested Level 1. This means the student is “below grade level proficiency standards” and “demonstrates limited knowledge, skills, and practice.”
What's even more frustrating is that when parents like me talk to New York state legislators and state senators, they immediately tell us how much more money they bring to our public schools. But they don't seem to realize that despite the funding arriving, nothing has changed when it comes to children's outcomes.
While New York state education funding has increased consistently over the past decade and public school enrollment has declined, we have yet to see any gains in learning outcomes. Why should we pay attention to the state budget debate when our local public schools continue to spend more per student without changing the way kids learn math?
We need fundamental changes in our public schools, but it can't just be more funding. We've been trying that strategy for the past decade and it's failed. What is the Syracuse City School District's plan to change the way kids learn basic math? Parents like me want to know. Our entire city should demand better solutions from our elected officials and school district officials.
holly grant
syracuse
