Most New York City residents do not believe the quality of public schools has improved over the past two decades, according to a new poll by NY1
Almost half of the city’s residents, 49 percent, say public schools have gotten worse over the past 20 years, while only 23 percent say that the public schools have gotten better. Another 16 percent say things haven’t really changed, while 12 percent are unsure.
Responses did not differ much across boroughs, income levels, races, and ages, though men were a little more optimistic than women—28 percent of men surveyed said schools have gotten better, while only 19 percent of women agree. Residents living with children also had a slightly more positive outlook.
“There have been huge changes in the city school system over the past two decades, designed to improve the quality of schools,” said NY1 education reporter Lindsey Christ, in a statement. “But, despite Mayor Bloomberg’s reforms and rising enrollment numbers, our poll shows that most New Yorkers do not think schools have improved, citing a litany of issues—from overcrowding, to budget and program cuts, to testing, and the battle between charter and public parents.”
The poll was conducted in partnership with the Marist College Institute for Public Opinion.
Considering recent progress reports, the loss of pre-K programs and the introduction of a new charter school to the neighborhood this year, how do you feel?
