Education Roundtable: Catherine Nolan

Q: As you enter the final weeks of negotiations over the state budget, what education priorities will you be pushing for the most?

CN: The New York State Assembly has always pushed for fair and equitable funding for all of our schools, especially our neediest schools. I believe that the best way to do that is by fully funding the foundation formula, starting with a $2.2 billion increase in funding this year, an amount in line with the state Board of Regents’ budget request. Additionally, I am very supportive of two other Regents initiatives: an increase in English Language Learners funding and increase in and changes to funding for BOCES and Special Services Aid, which would help create and strengthen Career Technical Education programs across the state.

CS: As the state moves forward with the Common Core standards, what do you think is the best way to ensure New York students are college- and career-ready?

CN: Everyone agrees that high standards are important. The way we go about them is critical. New York’s approach so far has led to an over-reliance on invalidated testing that has proven to be an unfair burden on New York State students and their families. No one thinks over-testing our students prepares them to be successful college students or members of the workforce. It is a problem that needs to be addressed by collaboration between local school districts, parents and the New York State Education Department if we really want to do right by our students. In last year’s budget, I supported and pushed for a way to help students by, for example, prohibiting certain state standardized tests from being the sole or primary method of determining student placement and promotion and limiting the time students spend on test and test preparation. The Assembly Education Committee intends to listen to parents and advocates like Principal Carol Burris, who is an excellent resource for those with concerns regarding Common Core.

Q: You have continuously pushed for more equitable funding of the state’s public school system and a $2.2 billion increase in funding. Given that, what are your thoughts on Gov. Andrew Cuomo’s aggressive education reforms and his decision to tie them to school aid?

CN: The executive’s proposals would be best reviewed outside the context of the budget. Public hearings and a more transparent and objective review could allow us to come up with the best approaches for these issues. In 2013, the budget tied increases in education funding for districts to an agreement between unions and districts on a teacher evaluation plan. This proved an unworkable approach. I think any proposals that jeopardize aid for our students should be considered with extreme caution. Any approach toward changes on Annual Professional Performance Review and a state takeover of struggling schools should place an emphasis on multiple measures, not just test scores, and locally led appropriate supervision by principals and parents is critically important.

Q: What steps should the state take to help close the funding gap between rich and poor school districts?

CN: The Foundation Aid formula is specifically designed to drive aid towards districts that need it the most. Our committee plans to host Michael Rebell, the attorney who first brought the Campaign for Fiscal Equity lawsuit in 1993, to discuss new strategies for meeting the promise of CFE for a meaningful education for all students.

Q: Is there anything else education-related that is on your agenda this session?

CN: Every student in this state should receive adequate art, music and physical education. Last year, the Assembly majority supported and helped deliver a great investment into universal pre-kindergarten and afterschool programs in New York State. I am hopeful we can continue to make this same investment this year.