Chalkbeat

Education news. In context.

Chalkbeat

New York

path to pre-K

By the numbers

New York
March 10, 2016

As city gears up for year three of its pre-K expansion, applications hold steady

The total number of applications — more than 68,000 — is in line with last year’s total. But the Bronx and Manhattan both saw drops.

pre-k report card

New York
December 18, 2015

City touts record 68,500 students in pre-K, releases data on program quality

The city released new data Friday about the its rapidly expanded pre-K program, which officials touted as evidence that the program has maintained high standards.

a five-borough tour

New York
September 9, 2015

On her 50th first day, New York City chancellor tours schools carrying out her vision

Chancellor Carmen Fariña stopped at “community schools,” dual-language programs, pre-kindergarten sites, and her old school on Wednesday.

Back to school

New York
September 9, 2015

De Blasio kicks off school year with pre-K praise; acknowledges school diversity concerns

“I believe we have a long history that we’re trying to overcome in this city and in this country of division,” Mayor Bill de Blasio said.

Looking ahead

New York
September 9, 2015

Five big questions facing New York City schools as a new year begins

Will the “Renewal” program make inroads? What will come of the push for more family engagement? And how will the de Blasio administration campaign for mayoral control?

germ theory

New York
September 8, 2015

As pre-K ranks grow again, city puts new focus on those who are absent

New York City is close to its goal of offering a pre-K seat to every four-year-old. Making sure that most of those seats are full every day is another challenge.

the road to 70000

New York
June 8, 2015

As city plans pre-K year two, most families get a top-choice offer

The event followed the city’s rollout of a unified enrollment system that let parents apply to both district schools and community organizations offering pre-K next year.

budget basics

New York
May 7, 2015

Pre-K expansion will be pricier than expected, budget shows

The budget also includes new funding to help struggling schools with academic programs and guidance counselors and hundreds of new school sports programs

final countdown

New York
April 23, 2015

With pre-K applications almost due, parents’ phones keep ringing

With names culled from birth records and child-care centers, workers have already dialed up more than 135,000 parents of four-year-olds.

path to pre-k

New York
March 17, 2015

Buery defends pre-K prayer breaks as city celebrates enrollment kickoff

The city says almost 22,000 pre-K applications are in on day two. Meanwhile, a top official said a "strict separation" of church and state will be maintained.

Real (Estate) Talk

New York
February 17, 2015

Pre-K push is up against citywide space crunch, deputy mayor says

Deputy Mayor Richard Buery said the city is searching for public and private space as it seeks to add some 17,000 new pre-K seats this year.

Pre-K Equality

New York
October 7, 2014

After study questions equity of pre-K expansion, city pushes back

A Tuesday report analyzed city data and concluded that wealthier neighborhoods benefited from pre-K expansion efforts more than poorer ones. The city sees it differently.

Fresh Start

New York
September 4, 2014

Thousands of four-year-olds help de Blasio fulfill pre-K goal

“This is a moment of fulfillment, a dream we’ve had for a long time finally coming to fruition,” de Blasio said at Inner Force Tots, a pre-K site in Brooklyn on Thursday morning.

Delayed Start

New York
September 2, 2014

Nine pre-K sites won't open because of safety concerns

More than 1,000 four-year-olds will have to wait to start their school careers after their pre-kindergarten sites were found to be unsafe or not yet ready to receive them.

change of pace

New York
August 28, 2014

Education leaders urge patience for de Blasio's pre-K plans

Top city and state education officials said they were optimistic about pre-K, but also worked to manage expectations about the rollout of thousands of new seats at a discussion on Thursday.
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