Statement of NYSSBA Executive Director Timothy G. Kremer on the Grades 3-8 Assessment Results

FOR RELEASE: August 12, 2015

Incremental progress is better than no progress, particularly during a period of tumultuous change in New York’s schools.

In the last five years alone, we have implemented rigorous learning standards, adopted controversial teacher and principal evaluation systems, and experienced increasing numbers of student test refusals.

While the changes have been rapid, real progress takes time. What our schools need most to succeed right now is stability.

We have seven years before we realize full phase-in of the Common Core standards. There is still time for new Commissioner Elia to achieve buy-in from stakeholders, and continue our schools on an upward trajectory.

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