Cuomo Proposes Expansion Of Gifted Programs In New York City Schools | 710 WOR

"Cuomo argues that expanding these programs will provide more opportunities for academically advanced students, particularly those from historically marginalized backgrounds. He believes that eliminating such programs would hinder the chances of students receiving a first-class education in public schools. According to ABC7NY, Cuomo stated, "The Democratic ideal has always been about providing more opportunities for historically marginalized students to access these programs-not eliminating academic excellence altogether.""

"Mamdani's proposal to end gifted programs for young children has sparked debate, with critics arguing that it could hold back gifted students in the name of equity. Mamdani's plan would retain gifted classes starting in the third grade and maintain selective high schools, which he believes offer more advanced programming than typical American school districts."

"The issue of gifted programs has been contentious in New York City, where racial disparities are evident. As Chalkbeat notes, 75% of students in gifted programs are white or Asian, despite the city's public school population being predominantly Black and Latino. Recent changes to the admissions process, such as shifting from a test-based system to one based on teacher recommendations, have increased diversity in these programs."

Andrew Cuomo centers his independent New York City mayoral campaign on education, calling for expansion of gifted and talented programs and creation of more specialized high schools. Cuomo argues expanding these programs will increase opportunities for academically advanced students, especially those from historically marginalized backgrounds, and warns that eliminating kindergarten gifted programs would reduce access to first-class public education. Zohran Mamdani proposes ending kindergarten gifted programs while keeping them from third grade and maintaining selective high schools. Critics contend removing early gifted programs could hinder gifted students under an equity rationale. Racial disparities persist in gifted enrollment, and admissions changes have increased diversity.

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