Talk Out of School

How Schools Should Reopen Safely & Well Next year with Randi Weingarten and Mark Treyger

Episode Summary

Leonie spoke with Randi Weingarten, President of the American Federation of Teachers, about how schools in NYC and throughout the country should plan for reopening next year, her thoughts on Mayor de Blasio's plan not to include a remote option for families, and what safety, health precautions, and academic and social supports should be provided. Then she interviewed Councilmember Mark Treyger, Chair of the NYC City Council Education Committee about his views on school reopening, and about the City Council's budget negotiations with Mayor de Blasio that will determine how to spend the billions in additional federal and state aid to our schools next year.

Episode Notes

Resources:

• Mayor de Blasio’s announcement on Morning Show that there would be no remote learning option next year
• NYC Chancellor Meisha Porter’s letter to families about DOE reopening plans
• Randi Weingarten’s May 13 speech, Return, Recover and Reimagine: Toward A Renaissance in America's Public Schools. Video here, transcript here.
• Gothamist, Social Distancing Requirements Will Be Pivotal In NYC Schools Reopening Next Fall
• How the Billions of Additional School Funds should be spent: Results from the May 22 Parent Action Conference, co-sponsored by Class Size Matters, NYC Kids PAC, and Teens Take Charge