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TESTIMONY
Johanna Garcia, Co-chair, Class Size Working Groups on Implementing the New State Class Size Law
3:52:18
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4 min
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.