The same old, same old has gripped Albany again.
Our leaders in the Assembly and Senate decided that our state should continue to be limited to only 200 charter schools.
The Race to the Top Fund provides funding for states that furnish charter schools. Recently, the state met the deadline for applying for these funds, but chose not to eliminate the cap, which was instituted to make sure that charter schools did not have a negative impact on public schools.
The facts do not lie – charter schools work. They send more students to college, yield higher test scores, and produce students that are more successful and parents who are happier with their children’s education. Charter schools create higher standards for our students. Moreover, most importantly, they work because they give kids real time with teachers. Students with special needs are tended to. Students and teachers build a relationship, a trust.
Teachers become mentors and role models – and can fully shape the lives of their students.
We have all had that one teacher that we connected with in a unique way. For me, that was Mr. Kaufman at Forest Hills High School.
I recall once getting a bad grade on a test in his class. He pulled me aside and said, “Lilianna, I know you’re smart. I know you are capable of anything. So why aren’t you living up to your potential?” I was shocked that he cared enough to ask – and that he was so eager to listen. He gave me a respect for myself, a passion for public service, and the tools I needed to succeed in life.
Our students today need more Mr. Kaufmans. If only more members of the Assembly and Senate realized that.
Lilianna Zulunova is a candidate for State Assembly in the 28th Assembly District, which includes all or parts of Forest Hills, Rego Park, Kew Gardens, Maspeth and Middle Village.
