Sunday, May 19, 2013

NYC Public School Parents: Another controversial co-location proposal: hearing Monday on charter school taking space from Harlem adult learning center

NYC Public School Parents: Another controversial co-location proposal: hearing Monday on charter school taking space from Harlem adult learning center:


Another controversial co-location proposal: hearing Monday on charter school taking space from Harlem adult learning center

Charter Schools - Dividing Communities since 1991

Most of the reports of damage from charter co-locations in NYC relates to how they take valuable space from existing K12 public schools.  Here is an account of how the city's determination to allow a charter school to expand within public space will affect MMALC, an important adult learning center in Harlem.  Here is an article about this proposal from the Amsterdam News.  The following was written by Karen Wald, a teacher at MMALC.
The Mid-Manhattan Adult Learning Center, located at 212 W. 120th Street, has served the Harlem and surrounding communities for decades, providing opportunities for adults  (over 21) who are trying to rebuild their lives, enhance employment, and  strengthen parenting skills.  This school building has been a beacon of hope since the early 1960's.  It is one of the only free comprehensive programs  in the United States that meets the diverse needs of adult learners.
The tuition free classes offered by MMALC include, but are not limited to: English for Speakers of Other Language, Adult Basic Education and High School Equivalency, Medical Billing  (for State and National Certification), Licensed Practical Nurse  (State/National Certification), Air Conditioning/Refrigeration Repair (State/National Certification), etc.
This year we had a huge waiting list. Why? Because unlike K-12, adult education is funded by funds from the