A statement from Assemblyman Michael Montesano (R,C,I-Glen Head)
(Long Island, NY) “The governor’s recent call to remedy New York’s poorly-implemented education standards is both long-awaited and not surprising, especially given his latest decline in favorability across many areas of the state.
“My colleagues and I in the Assembly Republican Conference have worked with parents, teachers and students since the initial push-back and outcry over this curriculum began years ago. It is unconscionable that due to political and self-driven agendas, our state leaders are only now taking action to address the dire situation our schools have been forced into.
“I am undoubtedly pleased with the prospect of a fresh start for children, educators and parents. However, I am hesitant to fully trust another task force comprised of hand-picked, familiar faces, especially as the agenda presented by the governor does not even include measures to address important issues, such as the teacher evaluation process and other points of contention.”
“In order to become successful in providing our children with fair and flexible standards, this panel must consider the valuable input of local stakeholders, voices that have often been absent from these continued discussions and unproven reforms. We cannot overlook this opportunity to ask questions, find answers, and move forward with a new, well-developed curriculum that provides our children with the education they deserve – once and for all.”
