Dear Colleague:

Over the past few months, you have been hearing and reading about the adoption of the New Standards™ Performance Standards by the Board of Education of the City of New York. The rationale for this decision is clear: New Standards has developed the best available national standards because teachers can use them. The New Standards Performance Standards are based on common sense as well as academic excellence, and they are ready now.

Teachers, supervisors, and administrators representing all districts and superintendencies met regularly during the past school year and this summer to customize the collection of student work samples contained in this New York City edition of the New Standards. The work samples selected for inclusion in this edition show work that meets the standards. They demonstrate that all students can meet high expectations. Selections were made as the result of an in-depth examination of the standards and much discussion among the members of the customization group.

I expect the New Standards to be used by everyone involved in teaching and learning in our school system. At the school level, teachers and administrators should use these standards to set goals, plan for effective instruction, and monitor and assess student performance. Districts and superintendencies should use the standards in all curricular initiatives and as one way of planning professional development activities. Central staff will work closely with the districts and superintendencies on behalf of their local efforts. Central will also take action to integrate the New Standards throughout the school system.

We all agree that having the highest expectations for our students is a just goal. The English Language Arts standards are clear, direct, and attainable. Your discussions must now turn to “how good is good enough” and to making the goal a reality. Together, we can and will make a positive difference in the lives of our students.

Sincerely,

Rudolph F. Crew, Ed. D.
Chancellor