Keyword: 'education' | Herald Community Newspapers

With AI, we’re through the looking glass

In “Through the Looking-Glass,” Lewis Carroll’s sequel to “Alice’s Adventures in Wonderland,” the author warns us to beware the Jabberwock. If he were writing today, he would probably warn us to be leery of artificial intelligence, with “jaws that bite” and “claws that catch.” The big difference is that AI has escaped the realm of fantasy. more

By Alan Singer | 3/22/24

The governor’s decision is a threat to education equity

As the superintendent of schools for our community, I am deeply troubled by a recent decision by Gov. Kathy Hochul that threatens to destabilize our education system. The removal of “save harmless” from the foundation aid formula is not just a bureaucratic adjustment; it is a direct attack on our children’s future and the viability of our schools. more

By Kishore Kuncham | 3/15/24

Let’s reconsider electrifying school buses statewide

New York state’s recent mandate to electrify all school buses is a fantasyland, progressive step toward a not-so-green future. Beneath the surface, there are glaring issues that threaten the feasibility of this ambitious initiative. While the intentions seem commendable, the lack of infrastructure, exorbitant costs, and practical challenges in certain regions cast a shadow over the state’s commitment to a cleaner environment. more

By Ari Brown | 3/8/24

School officials, community members and five state legislators, including Sen. Patricia Canzoneri-Fitzpatrick, front, fourth from left, gathered outside the Long Beach schools’ administration building on Feb. 1 to voice their opposition to a cut in state aid.

Funding formula review pending as Long Beach Schools face budget uncertainty

Since Jan. 16, when Gov. Kathy Hochul unveiled her proposed fiscal year 2025 budget, educators have been focused on state aid for local schools. The governor’s spending plan includes about … more

By Angelina Zingariello | 3/1/24

At our schools, they’re cutting to the bone

My wife and I know a successful young couple who live in a spacious Manhattan apartment. They have lots of dining and entertainment options, a doorman and great views of a park. Best of all, they roll out of bed, hop on a subway and they’re at the office in a matter of minutes. They’ve got it made, yet everyone’s debating how long it will be before they move to Long Island. more

By Jack Martins | 3/1/24

Writing climate change into the K-12 curriculum

We are living in the midst of a climate emergency, with the expectation that conditions will significantly worsen in the near future. In January, NASA and the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration confirmed that 2023 was the hottest year ever recorded. In New York state, climate change is impacting the environment, society and the economy as extreme weather events increase in frequency and intensity. Floods are more frequent, and the growing season for crops is changing. Climate disasters have cost the northeastern United States over $80 billion since 1980. more

By Alan Singer | 3/1/24

Danielle Williams was initially hesitant to take on the role of district director of alternative programs if it meant giving up working hands-on with students.

This alternative education pioneer is named a Nassau top educator

Acute learning challenges, ranging from a difficult home life to homelessness, are among the reasons why, in any given year, a minority of students in the Valley Stream Central High School District … more

By Juan Lasso | 2/23/24

Before Nassau throws a party, let’s serve most vulnerable

The practitioners who deliver physical, speech and occupational therapy services to babies and toddlers under age 3 with disabilities and developmental delays have not gotten a raise from Nassau County in nearly three decades. As homelessness continues to grow, Nassau has slashed its funding for the Department of Social Services, and its Homeless Intervention Team has been disbanded. Yet before dealing with these issues, the county sank $10 million of federal pandemic recovery aid into its 125th-anniversary plans. more

By Siela Bynoe | 2/23/24

Locust Valley Central School District discusses special education programs

In a recent Board of Education meeting held on January 31, the Locust Valley Central School District unveiled the findings of its comprehensive Special Education Policy Review. Led by Superintendent … more

By Will Sheeline | 2/16/24

School Board Vice President Sam Pinto voiced his disappointment in Gov. Kathy Hochul’s proposed budget.

Long Beach speaks out against Hochul’s plan to cut school aid

Elected officials gathered at the Long Beach school district administration building last week to speak out against Gov. Kathy Hochul’s proposed budget cuts to schools. Parents, educators, … more

By Angelina Zingariello | 2/9/24