Episode Details

Moderator Bob Liff and a panel of experts debate the merits of Mayor Michael Bloomberg’s continued control of New York City’s public schools.  While the New York State Legislature considers the Mayor’s request to retain decision-making over schools and educational policy in the City, a number of advocates have criticized top-down control of the NYC Department of Education and the Panel for Educational Policy.  The panel examines what has worked well, and what has not, since Mayor Bloomberg and Schools Chancellor Joel Klein implemented sweeping changes starting in 2002.  While the panel universally agrees that a return to decentralization and local school board governance is undesirable, there is disagreement about the best ways to move forward—ensuring greater input for stakeholders such as parents and educators.  Similarly, the panel debates the extent to which Mayoral control of the schools enhances transparency and accountability in the system, as well as what the “marks” of educational achievement among younger New Yorkers should be.

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