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Message from Johanna Duncan-Poitier Senior Deputy Commissioner of Education- P-16 Colleagues: The New York State Board of Regents and Commissioner Mills have recently announced a new P-16 structure within the State Education Department to improve achievement and close performance gaps across the Pre-Kindergarten through higher education (P-16) continuum. To help carryout these goals, the Regents have asked me to take on the role of Senior Deputy Commissioner of Education - P-16, providing leadership for the combined offices of Elementary, Middle, Secondary, and Continuing Education (EMSC) and Higher Education. When I was first asked to provide leadership for the new P-16 structure, countless opportunities came immediately to mind... opportunities to maximize linkages between the State's Pre-K - 12 system and our colleges and universities…opportunities to support student performance and success by ensuring that all students are taught by qualified teachers and provided a quality education… opportunities to work together to raise graduation rates in high schools and colleges…opportunities to infuse new standards of accountability across the State… as well as countless others. Today, I am even more optimistic about the opportunities ahead. In the 20 years I have spent in the State Education Department, I have seen the passion, energy, dedication, and intellect teachers and educational leaders bring to the classroom and the students you serve each and every day. I have been touched by the relentless commitment of so many parents and communities to the future of our children. I can share so many examples of ground-breaking programs and initiatives spearheaded by our State’s tremendously talented higher education community to meet growing demands for knowledge and skill in an increasingly competitive global economy. I have experienced the value-added to our students’ education by our vast library resources and rich cultural institutions. I am consistently impressed with the staff in the State Education Department’s concern for students and enthusiasm for education, and I know what can happen when union leaders, members of the business community, professional associations, government leaders, and other partners work together to drive change. I have seen firsthand the power of cooperation and collaboration and am confident that by working together, we can ensure a strong future for our students and for our State’s coordinated system of education. Next Steps It is an exciting time for education in New York State. For the first time in recent history, we have a solid P-16 action plan for statewide education reform and the resources necessary to fully support our schools and to help all students reach high standards of performance. The Board of Regents have set forth a P-16 agenda to improve graduation rates, strengthen instruction, raise learning standards, and increase accountability. At the same time, the new 2007-08 State budget includes an unprecedented increase of $1.7 billion in aid to school districts across the State. With the action plan and resources as the foundation for the future of education in this State, we are well-positioned to marshal the talent and energy across the Pre-Kindergarten through higher education continuum to achieve greater success for all students. As I transition into my new role, I look forward to meeting many of you, becoming re-acquainted with others, and to learning more about your important responsibilities. To successfully carryout an agenda for our students and schools statewide that is centered on performance, excellence, and the future, I am committed to supporting your critical work. A number of opportunities for doing so have already been identified in preliminary discussions I have had with the field including, for example, providing more timely communications to the field; streamlining and expediting processes where possible; and seeking your input before taking final actions on regulations and policies. I look forward to hearing more of your thoughts and ideas in the coming months.Thank you again for your continued hard work and dedication. I look forward to working with you and to maximizing the new opportunities ahead. Sincerely, Johanna Duncan-Poitier P-16 PLAN OF ACTION http://usny.nysed.gov/summit/p-16ed.htm |