JANAE HUNTER
Eight Queens public schools have been named to participate in an innovative redesign that bends the traditional protocols, officials announced on Monday.
School Chancellor Carmen Fariña and Michael Mulgrew, president of the United Federation of Teachers (UFT), announced that 62 schools citywide were selected to participate in the Progressive Redesign Opportunity Schools for Excellence (PROSE) program for the 2014-2015 school year.
The PROSE program was created as part of a new contract between the UFT and the Department of Education (DOE). The program allows participating schools to deviate from the rules and regulations of the UFT and DOE, and allows them to implement their innovative plans, such as staggering the school days to meet student needs, changing the contractually required student-to-teacher ratio, and using a new teacher rating system.
“Real change happens when educators are empowered to develop the best, tailored strategies to help their students succeed,” Fariña said. “At dozens of schools across the city, these educators have come forward with new, innovative practices that can serve as a guide for all of our school communities and brighten the classroom experience for every child.”
Fariña and Mulgrew, along with First Deputy Mayor Anthony Shorris, launched PROSE by inviting all public schools to apply. By May 1, 107 schools had applied and after being reviewed by a panel of representatives, 62 schools were chosen. Support teams at the DOE will closely monitor the selected schools to make sure that proposed plans will be implemented successfully, and that any proposed plans benefit the teachers and students and comply with relevant state regulations.
“I’m proud of the New York City public school system and all the schools that took part in the PROSE program,” said Mulgrew. “Innovations like this will move education forward not just in New York, but around the country. Teachers, principals, parents and the entire school community working together will truly advance education.”
The Queens schools selected are:
- Academy for Careers in Television and Film
- International High School
- Middle College High School at LaGuardia Community College
- North Queens Community High School
- PS71 Forest Elementary
- The Flushing International High School
- The International High School for Health Sciences
- Voyages Preparatory South Queens
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