New Haven Independent

Posted by: Soon to New Haven | March 20, 2007 6:15 PM

The creation of a science and engineering school in New Haven is pretty exciting news to me for a few reasons. One, my fiance and I went to a similar school in New York. Two, we're both trained as math teachers (although he works as an engineer, now). Three, we'll be beginning our lives together in New Haven later this year. It's nice to learn about the effort the city is making to improve its educational system. Please keep us up to date on the development of this school on this site. Thanks.

Posted by: Jeff Klaus | March 21, 2007 3:20 PM

This school represents a great opportunity for the New Haven Board of Aldermen to step up to the plate for their constituents by asking for accountability in education.

Before issuing any approvals, the Aldermen should require that the Board of Education provide a detailed analysis of how New Haven's current magnet schools are doing for low-income African-american and hispanic children.

Ask the Board of Ed how the educational outcomes at the current interdistrict and intradistrict magnet programs in New Haven compare to the traditional schools. It will not be enough to see that overall CMT and CAPT test data is marginally better at Magnet schools than at traditional schools. BUT those scores include the test scores of the suburban kids which effectively pulls up the overall school's scores. The alders should INSIST on knowing how NEW HAVEN'S children are faring in the magnet schools today. This is critical. There is a lack of data regarding Magnet schools' effectiveness in closing the achievement gap.

And most important, what will be done differently in this school when compared to other New Haven public schools which will dramatically improve the academic achievement of the low income African-American and Latino children? Alders, please ask the tough questions before issuing an approval.