A POSITIVE VOICE FOR ROCHESTER'S CHILDREN

 For decades, the Rochester City School District has failed Rochester’s children. We have one of the lowest 4-year, 5-year, and 6-year graduation rates of any district in New York State. Rochester also has one of the lowest combined English language arts (ELA) and mathematics performance at the elementary and middle school levels (grades 3-8). Only one district performs at a lower level than Rochester in ELA and Math. 

The Rochester City School District has had 12 Superintendents in the last 20 years. That kind of instability at the top will always result in poor results. We see the results of this failure on the streets of Rochester every day: Generational poverty, crime, and unemployment. Continued failure by the School District will only serve to perpetuate these problems. But it does not have to be this way.  We can do better. Here’s how:

EARLY LITERACY

By the 3rd grade, children should transition from learning to read to reading to learn. At that point, if children struggle with reading, they’ll struggle with learning. Children who read on grade level by the 3rd grade have a much higher chance of graduating and going to college. Children who do not are more likely to drop out, be undereducated, and their chances of being incarcerated grow exponentially. We must commit ourselves to ensuring that every child is reading on grade level 

by the 3rd grade.

EFFECTIVE PARENT ENGAGEMENT

Studies have proven that parent involvement in their children’s education results in higher grades and test scores. Children attend school regularly and have better social skills, school engagement, and motivation. We need a real, evidence-based and committed parent engagement initiative.

REAL NEIGHBORHOOD SCHOOLS

When students attend a school near their home, families can more easily connect with teachers and contribute as school volunteers and leaders. Children enjoy shorter commutes, leaving more time for essentials like sleep and homework. We must ensure that every school in every neighborhood is a quality school.