New DOE Kindergarten Registration Policy Successful...At Driving Parents Mad

We wrote earlier about the NYC DOE's decision to change some of the basic principles of Kindergarten admissions. The main one that they seem to be toying with is the promise that every child who lives within a school zone is entitled to a spot at that school. The fact that families would have to apply for their neighborhood schools was dropped on parents just weeks before the kindergarten application process began and gave parents no time to seriously reconsider their options.

Yesterday the NYTimes reported on the outcome of this system, which is that many families that expected seats in their local schools are being turned away. Parents are understandably frustrated, angry and worried and DOE spokesman, Andrew Jacob's, advice that families should "wait until September" is perhaps one of the most idiotic official responses I've ever heard—as if parents are going to sit on their heels until school starts in the Fall to figure out where their 5 year olds will attend school.

The only statement that might be worse than that one is his next one, which was, “The bottom line is schools have to accommodate all of their zoned students unless they work out a capping plan with us." If the implication is that schools will find a place for all the students that are zoned for them and that parents should not be concerned, then a) he should say that directly (but I assume he is not able to promise that) and b) that would make this entire registration process a farce because then why wouldn't they just admit all the parents in the zone in the first place.

So, what's going on DOE? Should we not trust you and assume that we will all get spots in our neighborhood schools? Or should we not trust you and assume that we did not get a spot in our neighborhood school and we should start frantically looking for other options for next Fall? Hmm...hard to decide which DOE not to trust.

As usual, I think there are many layers to this issue. I do believe that the DOE is trying to do something positive by equalizing opportunities for all NYC children to get a good public school education. And in reality, having more parents looking past the few coveted spots in a handful of schools would help bring up the level of all schools by getting those involved parents helping out at other good and improving schools. That said, to spring his on parents without any warning that they are changing the rules and to put parents through this much grief is unwarranted.

Of course, there are always other little issues that don't get reported as widely. And one such item is the other major change that was made to this year's registration process: that existing pre-k students would not receive priority when applying to their school's kindergarten program.

This policy is just completely mad. What this creates is a situation where pre-ks are now basically separate entities within the school, since pre-k families no longer are officially part of the ongoing school community. This means there's no incentive for them to get involved and contribute to the school or even commit emotionally to the school. It means families, after going through all the nonsense to get into Pre-K can not settle in to their school and focus on their child's education, but have to spend another year, not committed to the school, but hedging their bets, and seeking out school options. And, let's not forget about the children either, who may have to transition to a new school from one they presumably have come to love and trust and from all their new friends after only one year. How do you explain that to a kid?

Once a child is admitted into a school, even at the pre-K level, they should be guaranteed a spot. I understand that the DOE wants a level playing field for all K students, but there was a level playing field for pre-K admissions and the ones who got lucky shouldn't have to start all over again. This is just causing unnecessary turmoil, not to mention work and expense for the DOE and school staff.

Our public elementary schools are the foundation of our communities. To dismantle the neighborhood schools and to make the Pre-Ks independent entities within the schools, weakens our communities. But the biggest mistake being made by the DOE is that they are making these changes without thoughtful consideration and consultation with schools and parents, implementing them as if they are part of a shock and awe campaign where the element of surprise is their greatest weapon and they will figure out the exit strategy later.