October 18, 2006
Queens, NY -
Newly appointed New York City Department
of Education Deputy Chancellor for Teaching and Learning, Dr.
Andres Alonso, appeared at St. John’s University on October 17 as
part of the School of
Education’s Carol Gresser Forum.
Photo
Gallery
Before a standing room only crowd, Dr. Alonso shared with
students and faculty from the School of Education what he believes
is the best way to improve the student experience in the New York
City public schools. He began by sharing his story – that of
a Cuban immigrant who, after a successful career in law, gave it
all up to become an educator.
With a focus on instruction, classroom management and
accountability of teachers, Dr. Alonso offered the six questions
that he believes, when answered, will help the city improve in both
of his focus areas, teaching and learning.
- What is it children should know?
- When should they know it?
- How should we measure what children are able to do and?
- How do we differentiate instruction?
- Where do we find the best practices?
- In terms of structures, what are the best models?
Carol Gresser, the former President of the New York City Board
of Education and current professor of education at St. John’s for
whom this forum was named, summed up Dr. Alonso’s discussion on
classroom management with another question, “Are you saying we need
to let our students teach us how to teach them?”
To that, Dr. Alonso responded, “Absolutely. We need to
trust the kids a little bit more. It’s about the kids
understanding that this person is in it for them.”
For more information, please contact Elizabeth Reilly, Assistant
Director of Media Relations at St. John’s University at (718)
990-5789 or e-mail inquiries to reillye@stjohns.edu.