In March of 2001, the NYCLU filed a class action lawsuit across New York State seeking to improve and produce education reform. This lawsuit is being filed on behalf of children consigned, by residential and economic circumstances, to "failing schools". These schools have failed to provide children with basic levels of educational services and appropriate learning environments. The students who are consigned to these failing schools are being denied the opportunity to receive a sound basic education in violation of the state constitution.

The NYCLU has contended 12 characteristics that explain school failure:

1. Highly transient teaching staff

2. Inadequately trained teachers

3. Inadequate textbooks and curricular materials

4. Inadequate computers

5. Over-crowded conditions

6. Failure to give adequate attention to the core curriculum

7. Class sizes that are too large for the student population

8. Schools that are too large to give parents and students a sense of community

9. Failure to involve parents in the mission of the schools

l0. A lack of administrative leadership

11. Unsafe and decrepit physical facilities

12. Inadequate programs for art, music, and athletics

Three schools in the Syracuse area were initially identified. They are Blodgett Elementary School, Deleware Elementary School, and Fowler High School. Shay Middle School will be added to the lawsuit as an additional failing school in the near future.

Cheryl L. Kates
NYCLU President & Interim Director of the CNY NYCLU

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Copyright © 2001 Syracuse University Central New York American Civil Liberties Union
Last modified: September 15, 2001