‘Education Reimagined’ not a hit with schools
Union officials and school district administrators are pushing back against Gov. Andrew Cuomo’s announcement of a partnership between the state and the Bill and Melinda Gates Foundation to restructure New York’s education system in the wake of COVID-19.
NYSUT President Andy Pallotta stated that remote learning “will never replace the important personal connection” built in the classroom between teachers and students. He said federal funding and state revenues from “taxes on the ultrawealthy” could address the needs of the state’s education system, along with adding teachers to the conversation.
“The Governors ‘Education Reimagined’ causes some concern,” says Penn Yan School Superintendent Howard Dennis. “Any time that changes to education are coming from people who do not work in education on a regular basis it is concerning. I hope that there will be plenty of opportunity for input from educators who have been living this experience for the last few weeks. I also hope that it will not be mandated because not all systems are ready or at the same point for change. The districts in this area, including Penn Yan, have been working on the appropriate implementation of technology as a learning resource in a very purposeful way for the last four or five years. Technology is not a substitute for the interaction of the classroom and the guidance of a highly qualified teacher. We have learned many lessons from the last few weeks of at home learning and those prove that this works for some and not for others. You also know the challenges of reliable high speed internet connection in our area. The Governor’s comment that kids just sit in rows and the teacher sits in the front of the room and teaches proves to me that he is not in touch with present day classrooms, at least in Penn Yan and all of Yates County for that matter. I have great concerns and I hope that decisions are made in an appropriate and purposeful way.”
Maura Benincasa Wolverton, Co-President of the Dundee Teacher’s Association replied, “When all of the COVID-19 crisis began, educators were thrust overnight into all or mostly online or remote teaching/learning for their students. They rose to the occasion and jumped in with both feet.
“Technology has become a larger part of education these last years and is a great tool,” she adds. “However, CONTINUE READING: ‘Education Reimagined’ not a hit with schools - News - The Evening Tribune - Hornell, NY