Anyone who’s ever lived in this city knows what the phrase “In a New York Minute” really means. New Yorkers move quickly, and they need city services to respond just as fast. That’s what makes the city’s 311 system such a perfect fit. Simply by dialing one number, New Yorkers can report a pothole, get their recycling schedule, or find out about health insurance.
Unfortunately for many parents, getting answers about their children’s education isn’t always that simple. 311 offers basic information about school locations and can refer callers to Department of Education (DOE) offices, schools, or parent coordinators. However, its operators are not trained to deal with many education inquiries, or to provide important details that might help parents make the best choices for their children.
That is why we are proposing a new initiative that would create a team of education specialists within the pool of 311 operators. Their training would cover topics ranging from school calendars and the application process, to special education and school transfers. With a quick call to 311, parents could find answers to all their education questions.
The DOE provides a wide array of options, including English Language Learner programs, special education classes, gifted and talented programs, cooperative work-based education, charter schools, and small schools. With so many programs available, parents have the opportunity to choose a path that is suited to the individual needs and strengths of their children.
Parents’ questions vary widely in subject and difficulty: How can students transfer if they are unhappy with their high school? Can a school hold back a 3rd grader who is enrolled in English as a Second Language (ESL)? Does a 5th grader receiving special education services need to pass citywide exams to go on to 6th grade? The answers can make a world of difference in the life of a student. They should be handled by experts who can provide information both accurately and efficiently.
Finding the right school for a child is one of the most important decisions a family can make. They deserve to have the proper guidance and necessary information to make the best choices possible. By adding this function to the City’s 311 system, we can help make the process a little bit easier, and take another step towards making New York work better for future generations.
— Christine Quinn is Council Speaker and Leroy G. Comrie is Council Member
