Your guide to NYC's public proceedings.
TESTIMONY
Johanna Garcia, Co-chair, Class Size Working Groups on Implementing the New State Class Size Law
3:52:18
·
4 min
Video Player is loading.
Current Time 0:00
/
Duration 0:00
Loaded: 0%
0:00
Stream Type LIVE
Remaining Time -0:00
Â
1x
- Chapters
- descriptions off, selected
- captions settings, opens captions settings dialog
- captions off, selected
This is a modal window.
Beginning of dialog window. Escape will cancel and close the window.
End of dialog window.
Johanna Garcia testifies on the challenges and recommendations for implementing New York's new state class size law.
- Garcia, serving as co-chair and a parent, emphasizes smaller class sizes for educational justice.
- She leads a 48-member working group, tasked by Chancellor Banks, to produce actionable recommendations over nine months.
- The group faces resistance from within and the Department of Education, particularly regarding community consultation.
- Their 55-page report offers a phased plan for reducing class sizes, highlighting the importance of local school community input.
- Garcia urges the council to acknowledge the comprehensive work done and to move forward with the recommendations for the benefit of New York City's students.
Johanna Garcia
3:52:18
Good afternoon, and thank you so much to chair Joseph for your leadership and for holding this important hearing.
3:52:26
My name is Joanna Garcia, and I had the privilege of serving as the cochair of the Class Lice working group, convened by Chancellor Banks.
3:52:34
I come before you not only in my capacity as cochair, but as a parent deeply invested in the educational justice.
3:52:41
And equity the smaller class sizes can provide to the students of New York City.
3:52:45
In April 2023, under the chancellor's directive, we embarked on a mission with the class size working group comprising 48 members.
3:52:54
This diverse group represented the multifaceted nature of our city's educational ecosystem.
3:53:00
Task with a monumental goal.
3:53:02
Deliver actionable, thoughtful recommendations for implementing the new state class size law.
3:53:09
This initiative was not merely administrative, but a continuation of the historic fight for educational equity.
3:53:16
A cost championed by the landmark efforts of the campaign for fiscal equity.
3:53:21
Their victory laid the groundwork for our current undertaking.
3:53:25
Highlighting the undeniable link between class size and the quality of education.
3:53:30
Our group's effort spans 9 months exceeding our initial timeline due to the depth of our commitment and the challenges encountered, concluding in December.
3:53:40
Working to balance the different perspectives within our within our group, we aim to create recommendations that can navigate the intricate realities of New York City's educational landscape.
3:53:49
We know it's incredibly complex.
3:53:52
Despite encountering resistance from a small minority within the group, we stayed committed to our central mission that every young person in our city deserves the chance to be seen and supported as an individual.
3:54:05
This belief was mirrored in our methodical approach, underscored by frequent meetings, more than the 1 month that was that was initially active us, worked through the summer, and in-depth discussions.
3:54:20
Our 55 page report encapsulates this journey based on a face plan.
3:54:25
It's phased in, not overnight.
3:54:28
Based plan for reducing class sizes.
3:54:30
The cause and I I really wanna underscore underscore this part.
3:54:35
The cause for x extensive consultation with local school communities and a realistic assessment of space, programming, and implementation options In fact, our pause here just to state that we asked for a survey about principles and teachers early in our journey of coming to recommendations because we wanted to have that feedback inform our final recommendations.
3:55:03
But we got resistance from the Department of Education to do that.
3:55:08
To this fight for smaller class sizes classes is at its core a fight for an educational system where every student has access to the front of the class, where their needs are not just recognized BUT ADDRESS WITH THE URGENCY THEY DESERVE.
3:55:23
IT IS WITH A VERY HEAVY HARVEY HARD.
UNKNOWN
3:55:25
Reporter: WHEN I THINK THAT EXpired, Then I continue to
Johanna Garcia
3:55:29
view his current stance suggesting that the implementation of smaller class sizes across New York City is unfeasible.
3:55:37
This perspective not only undermines the comprehensive work and dedication of the group, but also ignores the clear roadmap we've provided.
3:55:45
Our recommendations are not wishful thinking, but a testament to what is possible with commitment and collaboration.
3:55:51
So in closing, I urge this committee, city council chairperson to consider the weight of history, the evidence of our efforts, and the undeniable benefits.
3:56:02
That smaller class sizes can bring.
3:56:05
This is more than a policy debate.
3:56:07
It is about delivering on a promise of educational justice to the students of New York City who have waited too long.
3:56:13
Our recommendations provide a viable path forward informed by the collective wisdom of educators, parents, and advocates then not parachute in.
3:56:22
Let us honor the legacy of those who fought for a sound basic education for all students by taking the both steps necessary to make smaller class sizes or reality in New York City.
3:56:33
Thank you for your time and consideration.