Guide for NYC Public School Families Available this Week

From the NYC Department of Education Media Relations:

Press Release Chancellor Klein Releases 2007-08 Guide for NYC Public School Families

Guide Available In Nine Languages Sent to Schools, Homes This Week

Chancellor Joel I. Klein released the “NYC Family Guide: 2007-2008” today. The guide contains useful information for families about the City’s Children First school reforms, what students are learning, and the kinds of services that are available to the City’s public school students. It also provides information about how families can get involved in their children’s education—and how they can find answers, help, and support. The guide is available in Arabic, Bengali, Chinese, Haitian Creole, Korean, Russian, Spanish, and Urdu, as well as English.

The guide contains:

Information on new tools like Progress Reports; Parent, Teacher, and Student Surveys; Quality Reviews; and Periodic Assessments. Information about what students are learning in math, English, science, social studies, world languages, and arts, as well as the programs available to special education students and English Language Learners. Information about the annual tests New York City students take in elementary school through high school. Information about types of schools, programs, and special services available to students—from early childhood education to transfer schools and young adult borough centers—and how families can learn more about enrollment options.
Information on parents’ rights and responsibilities.
Information about how families can get involved at the school level in parent associations and parent-teacher associations, or at the district or citywide level.
Suggested questions for parent-teacher conferences.
Information about school safety, health, and sports.
Directory of contact information so parents can get help or find answers to questions.

“This year, we invite you to renew your commitment to your children’s education,” Mayor Michael R. Bloomberg and Chancellor Klein wrote to parents in the guide’s introductory letter. “‘Commitment’ doesn’t mean you need to be an expert in what your kids are learning. It means you should be there for them. Support them. Guide them. Ask them to show you what they’re learning in school—and check in with their teachers regularly to find out how they’re doing and where they need extra help.”

“This guide provides families with important information that I hope they will use throughout the year,” Chief Family Engagement Officer Martine Guerrier said. “Working together with families, I’m confident this will be an exciting and productive year.”

Schools received shipments of guides starting yesterday. They will be sending guides home with students this week. The DOE will also send guides to community groups and public officials. The guides are available online at http://schools.nyc.gov/ParentsFamilies/NYCFamilyGuide.htm.