Latest news with #NewYorkCityDepartmentofEducation
New York Post
6 days ago
- Politics
- New York Post
Soft ‘restorative justice' discipline policy a bust in NYC public schools — as violent incidents balloon to 4,200 this year: study
The New York City Department of Education's $100 million push to implement 'restorative justice' instead of stricter school discipline has been a bust — with violent incidents doubling to 4,200 reports this year and 'chronic absenteeism' spiking to a whopping 35%, a new study claims. The major shift in policy at city public schools started in 2015 under then-Mayor Bill de Blasio, when the DOE began requiring principals to obtain approval from the central office before suspending students in grades K–2. But 'what began as an alternative became a mandate, forcing administrators to abandon exclusionary options regardless of school context,' Jennifer Weber, an education behavioral researcher with the Manhattan Institute think tank, wrote in the report, released Thursday. Advertisement 8 Violent incidents have doubled to 4,200 reports this year in NYC public schools. Courtesy of Sidney Southerland 'NYC's implementation of RJ has failed to achieve its promises,' Weber said. 'The changes undermined teacher authority and weakened classroom order rather than improving school climate and advancing equity.' Restorative justice is the education establishment's equivalent of alternatives to jail programs for juveniles and criminals — focusing on mediation, conflict resolution, relationship building and harm reduction 'circles' of students and teachers, aimed at defusing and preventing misbehavior, fights and violence. Advertisement The goal is to improve school climate and curb more punitive punishment such as student suspensions, and advocates have pushed the changes in the name of racial and economic equity. Groups including the New York Civil Liberties Union have long complained that suspensions disproportionately punish minorities, particularly black students. But the new system ultimately did not lead to 'a shift from punishment to compassion,' Weber wrote, 'but the dismantling of the systems that had maintained basic classroom stability.' Weber's MI-funded study cited shocking examples — some highlighted in The Post — of students not being punished or held accountable for reprehensible and violent acts. Advertisement The Manhattan Institute's study on the city DOE's $100 million 'restorative justice' initiative highlights several shocking incidents, including: Students who subjected a Jewish teacher to Nazi salutes and threats at Brooklyn's Origins High School last year were sent to a 'meditation room' and their parents were called. But it did not stop the harassment. In May, an 8-year-old allegedly stabbed a staff member with a pencil and threatened classmates at PS 8. The school's response — a 'meditation room' and phone calls — was inadequate, families fumed. 'He has rights, and so does my child. If he's threatening my child, what am I supposed to do?' one parent said bluntly. The report also cites a 2022 study by the Center for Court Innovation in Brooklyn's District 18 conducted in five borough high schools with high suspension rates. It found that, despite implementing 'restorative justice' practices, there was no statistically significant difference, compared with other schools that stuck with the previous discipline system. Early last year, a Jewish teacher at Brooklyn's Origins High School was subjected to Nazi salutes and threats from students. But the school's response — making calls to parents and sending the students to spend time in a 'meditation room' — did not stop the harassment, the study noted. 8 Dara Kammerman was the interim principal of Origins High School. Advertisement The teacher, Danielle Kaminsky, and campus manager Michael Beaudry, who allege they were booted from the school in retaliation for blowing the whistle on anti-Jewish and anti-gay hate, eventually filed a pending lawsuit against the city. The case shows 'how RJ without consequences can leave staff vulnerable,' Weber wrote. In another stunning incident, the report notes how parents at P.S. 8 on Staten Island picketed their own school in May after an eight-year-old allegedly stabbed a staff member with a pencil and threatened classmates. 8 Parents at P.S. 8 on Staten Island picketed their own school in May. Obtained by the New York Post The families were outraged over the school's response, sending the student to a 'meditation room' and making phone calls to parents, fuming it was inadequate. 'He has rights, and so does my child. If he's threatening my child, what am I supposed to do?' one parent quoted in the report said bluntly. Weber noted: 'The incident reflects a broader concern when schools avoid consequences in the name of compassion, safety, and accountability.' The report also cites a 2022 study by the Center for Court Innovation conducted in five Brooklyn high schools with steep suspension rates. Advertisement 8 Pictured: Letter written by third graders at a Staten Island elementary school at PS 8 in Great Kills about a problematic student from their classroom. Obtained by the new York Post It found that, despite implementing restorative justice practices, there was no statistically significant difference in climate and suspensions compared with other schools that did not make changes in discipline. The new system may even be harmful, the study found, contributing to disorder, lack of accountability and possibly an increase in chronic absenteeism. Over the last decade since restorative justice began being rolled out, incidents that the NYPD's school safety division nearly doubled, from 1,200 in the first quarter of 2016 to 4,120 in the first quarter of 2025, records show. Advertisement Chronic student absenteeism — missing 10% of school days or 18 days in a given year — skyrocketed from 26.5% in the 2018–19 school year to 34.8% in 2023-24. 8 An eight-year-old allegedly stabbed a staff member with a pencil and threatened classmates. Obtained by the new York Post That percentage is equal to roughly one-third of kids in the nation's largest public school district, or some 300,000 students, regularly missing class. 'When classrooms feel chaotic or unpredictable,' the study said, 'students simply and regretfully opt out.' Advertisement At the same time, test scores have been less than stellar — with 53% of students in grades 3-8 meeting standards on the state's 2024 standardized math exam and 49% passing the English test. On the more rigorous National Assessment of Educational Progress tests, only 33% of city 4th graders and 23% of 8th graders were deemed proficient in math. 8 Ahmed Elmaliki replaced Dara Kammerman at Origins High School. Linkedin Ahmed E. Similarly, just 28% of 4th graders and 29% of 8th graders were found to be proficient in English. Advertisement The bombshell MI report comes after President Trump in April issued an executive order instructing schools to ban race as a factor when dealing with student discipline. The study said the DOE has spent a total of $99 million on restorative justice initiatives from 2015–2024 under both de Blasio and current Mayor Eric Adams. By the numbers: Cost of 'restorative justice' initiatives: $99 million between 2015-2024 Percentage of kids deemed 'chronically absent' from school (missing 10% of days) in 2023-24: 34.9%. That same percentage in 2018-19: 26.5% Number of incidents NYPD responded to in city schools so far this year: 4,120 That same number in 2016: 1,200 The report attributed the failure to produce improvements in student behavior and school safety to a lack of infrastructure and of consistent application to support the program. 'These outcomes highlight a basic problem: schools were never given the necessary tools to make lasting changes in student behavior,' Weber said. Weber said restorative justice programs can work to supplement — but not supplant — stricter disciplinary action. 8 The DOE has spent a total of $99 million on restorative justice initiatives from 2015–2024. Obtained by the new York Post For instance, 72% of charter schools report using restorative justice approaches without taking classroom removals and suspensions off the table. The study recommends that the mayor scrap the policy that forces principals to obtain central office approval before suspending K–2 students. It also urges the DOE to revise the discipline code to state that 'exclusionary consequences' such as suspensions are legitimate responses to serious or repeated misbehavior. 8 Pictured: Parents of third graders at a Staten Island elementary school at PS 8 in Great Kills rallying for the city Department of Education to boot one problematic student from their kids classroom. Obtained by the new York Post 'The result has not been better outcomes or more equity, but more disruption, frustration, and fewer tools for the people doing the work,' Weber said. A rep for Schools Chancellor Melissa Aviles-Ramos defended the policy as a success. Suspensions have plummeted by 48%, the DOE said, keeping more children in class and engaged. The DOE emphasized that suspensions are still imposed under the discipline code, coupled by robust restorative supports. 'While our young people are mandated to follow school rules – including the Discipline Code – we are working towards addressing any issues in a positive, supportive, and less punitive manner,' the spokesperson said. 'This strategy is working – suspensions and chronic absenteeism are down, and our students are safe, supported, and engaged.'
Yahoo
03-06-2025
- General
- Yahoo
Off-duty NYC DOE employee accused of rape: NYPD
QUEENS, N.Y. (PIX11) — An off-duty New York City employee was arrested in Queens Tuesday morning, according to the NYPD. David Ospino, 36, was taken into custody around 11 a.m. More Local News Police say Ospino is an employee of the New York City Department of Education. Ospino is facing rape and endangering the welfare of a child charges. Submit tips to police by calling Crime Stoppers at 1-800-577-TIPS (8477), visiting downloading the NYPD Crime Stoppers mobile app, or texting 274637 (CRIMES) then entering TIP577. Spanish-speaking callers are asked to dial 1-888-57-PISTA (74782). Ben Mitchell is a digital content producer from Vermont who has covered both local and international news since 2021. He joined PIX11 in 2024. See more of his work here. Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed.
New York Post
03-06-2025
- General
- New York Post
NYC Dept. of Ed picks wrong day to celebrate Muslim holiday
The city Department of Education is getting a failing grade for mishandling observance of a major Muslim holiday. New York City Schools are off on Thursday to observe Eid al-Adha — but the religious holiday doesn't actually begin until sundown Thursday night into Friday, angering Muslims and confusing other educators. 'They jumped the gun. They picked the wrong day. It's a snafu,' said former Queens Councilman Daneek Miller, a practicing Muslim. 3 The New York City Department of Education has come under fire for giving students the wrong day off to celebrate the Muslim holiday Eid al-Adha. Helayne Seidman Staten Island Assemblyman Charles Fall, a Muslim, fumed, 'The department didn't get this observance right. There is no excuse for getting it wrong.' 'We would not do this to any other major religious group. Why are we doing this to Muslims?' Eid al-Adha is the festival which commemorates Abraham's willingness to sacrifice his son. The city Department of Education sent a notice to administrators and schools admitting it's observing the holiday on the wrong day. 'Pursuant to the 2024–2025 school year calendar, all schools are closed on June 5, in recognition of Eid al-Adha and Anniversary Day,' the DOE's Division of Human Resources said in a June 2 notice. 3 Former Queens Councilman Daneek Miller, a practicing Muslim, blasted the DOE for 'jumping the gun' with the holiday calendar. Stefan Jeremiah 'However, all Central Offices remain open and follow a regular work schedule. Please note that the actual date of Eid al-Adha is determined by moon sightings and may vary from year to year. As such, while our calendar observes the holiday on June 5, the religious observance is expected to fall on June 6 this year. Staffers may request time off for the actual religious observance on Friday June 6, the notice said.. 'All requests should be considered in a manner consistent with Chancellor's Regulation C-606, which allows for time off for holy day observance,' the memo said. 3 Staten Island Assemblyman Charles Fall said there is no excuse for the DOE getting the date wrong. Hans Pennink Realizing its error, the DOE made Friday, which was supposed to be a 'Clerical Day,' for teachers and supervisors in pre-K to 8 to do administrative work with students off, a 'remote' day, sources said. A Brooklyn principal fumed that the mixup makes his job harder to keep on top of staff, and that 'a fraction of what needs to be done will be done.' The DOE, in a subsequent June 3 'guidance' memo, said that Friday will be a 'remote' Clerical Day for most schools — with the exception of high schools and , whose students are preparing for Regents exams. So, students in most schools get both days off. 'The purpose of this day is to allow these staff time to complete the various administrative tasks and may include, but are not limited to: preparing report cards and finalizing gradebooks; documenting student areas for improvement for summer; organizing promotion portfolios electronically to share with summer school teachers; data-sharing for articulation purposes from one grade to another; and/or planning for Summer Rising,' the DOE guidance said.
Yahoo
23-04-2025
- Business
- Yahoo
6 lessons from a student loan counselor: Follow a plan to tackle your debt
Managing your student loans and making a repayment plan starts with understanding the basics of personal finance. There is no quick fix for student loan debt, but there are strategies: especially aggressive or strategically slow. There is a lot of confusing guidance and policy surrounding student loans. Stay focused on your goals and don't be afraid to tune out the noise and ask for help. If there's anything I've learned after six-plus years as a certified student loan counselor, it's that higher education debt hits close to home: my landlord's daughter, and a neighbor down the street; a volleyball teammate, and a colleague from work; my wife's client, and the parents of our daughter's friends. Obviously, student loan debt also stretches far and wide. I've counseled a minuscule fraction of the 43 million borrowers who are a collective $1.6 trillion in the red. But my half-dozen years as a pro bono counselor has taught me many things that might be useful as you handle your own student loans. So, here goes. Repaying your student loans, as you might have found out, requires some know-how that our high school and college classes left uncovered. Take budgeting, for example. Creating and maintaining a budget is critical for zeroing debt of any kind, whether you're making minimum or extra payments. Relate reading: [Survey] You're more likely to get a raise if you learned about money as a kid That's why budgeting is often a first step for borrowers I counsel. I'm reminded of a couple in their 30s who were going back to school for nursing degrees. They had taken out student loans as well as a personal loan and an auto loan, all simply by eye-balling their bank accounts and estimating their side-hustle earnings. So, we created a budget together to begin allocating payments toward their highest-interest debts (trimming a few unnecessary expenses along the way). They also needed to understand how interest works, another basic topic we often learn after leaving school. Fortunately, you don't have to remember algebra to calculate interest — use student loan payment calculators for that. Get up to speed How to make a budget in 5 steps How to replenish your emergency fund Simple ways to build good money habits Resources to boost your financial knowledge When I interviewed the last student loan ombudsman of the Consumer Financial Protection Bureau (CFPB), she described the system for repaying federal education debt as a 'labyrinthine.' It certainly has maze-like features: there are so many passages to consider, so many obstacles in the way. Here's the example of Yasmine Kasi, whose family I've counseled over the years: 'When I heard about the Public Service Loan Forgiveness (PSLF) program, I did look into that as a strategy to help alleviate my loans,' says Kasi, an Illinois-based speech language pathologist. 'I applied based on my experience working for a [New York City Department of Education] public school for four years. However, I was denied.' Especially after a roadblock like that, the job of a counselor is to help you figure out where you are and which routes lead to your destination. With student loans, however, possible routes can appear (or disappear) before your very eyes. For instance, the Biden Administration presented the SAVE repayment plan in 2023, only for the courts to strike it down. Then the Trump Administration temporarily removed access to all income-driven repayment (IDR) plans in 2025. On the bright side — trust me, there is one — everyone has at least one pathway to either a successful payoff or much-deserved relief. The job of you, the borrower, is to participate in finding it. Navigate your loans Find your federal loan servicer Check out your student loan balance How to start paying your loans The first and most frequent question I typically get from clients: 'How do I get rid of these loans?' If only it was so simple. I typically tell borrowers that there are two main ways to 'get rid' of education debt: the especially aggressive approach or the strategically slow one. Especially aggressive: A borrower with excellent credit and strong cash-flow who doesn't rely on federal loan protections is more likely to benefit from refinancing with a private lender, perhaps multiple times, to keep lowering their overall interest rate. Even better if they can make extra, even biweekly payments, especially after windfalls like tax refunds or a pay raise, to trim their principal faster. Strategically slow: A borrower who works for the government, a nonprofit or simply in a low-paying career is more likely to benefit from keeping their monthly payment low on an IDR plan while working toward a forgiveness or loan repayment assistance program. It can and often does take years for relief to arrive. Whether you more closely identify with the excellent-credit borrower or the low-wage worker — or more likely, are somewhere in between — the harder truth for everyone is that there are no fast and easy solutions. (If someone promises you one, that's a red flag of a potential student loan scam.) With that said, you can identify the right strategy, and by sticking with it, reach your goal of a zero balance. Set a strategy Consider tips for paying off loans See if an early repayment would be wise Is income-driven repayment a better fit? Review available forgiveness programs Prioritize education debt repayment or investing? Understand the consequences of non-payment I hear from borrowers all the time who ride the roller coaster highs and lows of what certain politicians say in public. This isn't specific to any one political party either. Leading up to and during the Biden Administration, for example, mass student loan forgiveness proposals became a lightning-rod topic around the country. And more recently, the Trump Administration's recent targeting of PSLF and its dismantling of the Department of Education writ large has undoubtedly left many of us uncertain, even confused about what the future holds. It's hard to blame borrowers for getting their hopes up or for hanging their heads. Too often in our media coverage of student loan policy proposals, we don't contextualize enough. For every grand promise from someone in the District of Columbia, there are caveats: This is an idea for change, not change by itself. And even if it comes to fruition, it may not affect every borrower, and it may not come into effect anytime soon. So, my advice to clients and to you: action over words. And if the words stress you out, avoid the headlines altogether. Instead, stay on top of the news morsels that matter to you by getting some assistance. The Education Department's contractors are notorious for providing spotty (or worse) service to federal loan borrowers. And I haven't seen enough evidence that private loan borrowers are significantly happier with their lenders. 'People overwhelmingly know what to do with their loans, but then they get bad information from their servicers that cause[s] them to second-guess themselves or make bad decisions or not do anything at all,' says education debt lawyer Stanley Tate, who has been counseling for 11 years. 'We're talking about the most complex consumer loan product in the world full stop, and you're asking people who are call center employees to… advise someone on what to do when there are so many tripwires built into the system.' Don't misunderstand. Your federal loan servicer or private lender (be it a bank, credit union, online company or state agency) is a good place to get information about your loan and a one-size-fits-all menu of repayment options. It's not a good place for nuanced guidance. Instead, seek out a certified professional who can tailor a plan to your situation. And while you're at it, yes, be skeptical. Clients have asked me for my company name (there is none) and how long I've been doing this. It's also wise to ask counselors, lawyers and others whether they've successfully helped borrowers who were experiencing what you're experiencing now. Find qualified experts Organizations that offer student loan help How to get trustworthy advice online Ways to get free financial assistance There are a handful of borrowers I've spoken with who will reach out randomly, maybe once a year. Sometimes they'll ask the same question they posed in the past, only hoping for a different answer. I usually remind them that… The so-called quick fix doesn't exist (for most borrowers). The news is sometimes misleading (because it lacks context). The best way to end your debt is to set a strategic plan (and stick to it). It's not the most uplifting message. That explains why it's sometimes met with a shrug, and a similar phone call a year or so later. Again, that's not to blame borrowers. But 'not having the time' is a common refrain. And I get it. Life happens. Loans can wait, or at least it seems they can. Consider Kasi, the pathologist who has a six-figure student loan balance. 'Beyond [PSLF], I have not looked into other strategies,' she says. 'My family and I moved around between states the last couple of years, and I'm still settling down before I try to reassess my situation… I am hoping in a year from now, I will be in a better position.' My advice for Kasi and for every student loan borrower: If you don't have time to dedicate to your student loan repayment, you're probably right. But go ahead and schedule it anyway. Write on your calendar, set an alarm or simply pick a day and time each week or month to check in on your debt, where your strategy stands and whether your options have changed. Yes, like the rest of it, this is easier said than done, particularly when you have family, work, other bills and all the usual obligations of adulthood. But I still say, dedicate time to your student loans on a recurring basis. At least it'll give you a break from all that other stuff. Take it step-by-step, beginning where it makes the most sense for you. You might start by learning to budget, connecting with a professional or logging back into or your private lender's portal. The key is to start and be consistent. Have a specific question about your loans? See step five (above) about how to find help. The National Foundation for Credit Counseling or your state's student loan ombudsperson are potential starting points. You're also welcome to email the writer at apentis@ Sign in to access your portfolio
Yahoo
27-03-2025
- Business
- Yahoo
AI-Driven Education Poised for Breakthrough as StudyPal Launches Next-Generation Learning Platform
Miami, Florida--(Newsfile Corp. - March 27, 2025) - StudyPal, an innovative AI-powered education platform, today announced the launch of its latest suite of AI-driven learning tools, designed to revolutionize student engagement and personalized learning. As the debate over AI in education continues, StudyPal aims to demonstrate how artificial intelligence can enhance comprehension, retention, and accessibility for learners worldwide. Image1To view an enhanced version of this graphic, please visit: Addressing Educational Challenges with AI AI has rapidly integrated into nearly every sector, and education is no exception. However, its adoption has sparked controversy. In January 2023, the New York City Department of Education restricted AI use due to concerns over academic integrity and misinformation. Despite these reservations, StudyPal is taking a proactive approach, proving that AI, when applied responsibly, can support individualized learning experiences rather than hinder them. "Our mission is to provide students with a tool that enhances their understanding, not replaces their learning," said Jorge Arana, co-founder of StudyPal. "With our AI-powered solutions, students can improve their retention, receive real-time feedback, and access high-quality academic support at any time." The Role of AI in Personalized Learning StudyPal's latest release introduces an array of groundbreaking features designed to assist students in optimizing their learning experiences: AI-Generated Notes & Summaries: Helping students focus on comprehension instead of hurried note-taking. Automated Spaced Repetition: AI-driven flashcards and quizzes to improve retention efficiently. 24/7 AI Tutoring: An on-demand, chat-based tutor providing step-by-step explanations and personalized guidance. These innovations align with industry trends, as the EdTech market is projected to reach $404 billion by 2025, growing at 22.2% annually. Additionally, a recent EDUCAUSE survey found that over 71% of higher education institutions have adopted or plan to implement AI-driven solutions to enhance student success. Shaping the Future of AI in Education As AI adoption in education accelerates, policymakers, educators, and students alike are recognizing the need for ethical AI guidelines rather than outright bans. StudyPal advocates for responsible AI use, ensuring that technology complements rather than replaces critical thinking. "With the right approach, AI can bridge educational gaps and foster a new generation of learners equipped with the tools to succeed," said Arana. "StudyPal is proud to lead this transformation." For more information about StudyPal's AI-driven learning solutions, visit or contact Jorge Arana at jorge@ About StudyPalStudyPal is a student-founded AI-driven learning platform that leverages machine learning and natural language processing to enhance comprehension, retention, and accessibility. Founded by Jorge Arana, Gabriel Arana, and Andres Martynek, StudyPal is committed to making high-quality academic support available to students worldwide. To view the source version of this press release, please visit Sign in to access your portfolio
