We often hear that the chief problem with the current DoE is that parents, teachers, and the community have virtually no voice in the policies that govern our schools. That’s true. Another – and perhaps even worse – problem is exactly what you point out: this public institution rarely shares public information in anything other than the condensed form of a powerpoint. Even when the background data is available, the DoE spins it in the presentation; I always feels as if I’m watching an advertising during a DoE meeting, never a presentation of the facts.

And the press releases are even worse.

Just as democracy relies upon a free and powerful press, so public institutions rely upon the transparency of information. We haven’t go that here in New York’s schools

We often hear that the chief problem with the current DoE is that parents, teachers, and the community have virtually no voice in the policies that govern our schools. That’s true. Another – and perhaps even worse – problem is exactly what you point out: this public institution rarely shares public information in anything other than the condensed form of a powerpoint. Even when the background data is available, the DoE spins it in the presentation; I always feels as if I’m watching an advertising during a DoE meeting, never a presentation of the facts.

And the press releases are even worse.

Just as democracy relies upon a free and powerful press, so public institutions rely upon the transparency of information. We haven’t go that here in New York’s schools.