State hopes cash can rescue Clinton

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DeWitt Clinton High School’s efforts to rebound from years of troubles are receiving a boost from the state’s Department of Education (DOE).

Earlier this month, Mayor Bill de Blasio announced that a new School Renewal Program will provide $150 million to nearly 100 struggling schools in New York City.

An allocation to Clinton will allow the school to partner with Good Shepherd Services, a community-based organization (CBO) focused on youth development, to launch after-school and Saturday tutoring programs for students as well as create a program to prepare for the Regents Examinations.

“The renewal program is great and we can’t wait to get started,” Clinton Principal Santiago Taveras said in an email.

He added that Clinton plans to start a sibling program at the school with some of the funds. The idea is for younger brothers and sisters of Clinton students to visit the 100 W. Mosholu Parkway South site after school hours for homework help. 

That will allow older siblings to benefit from tutoring and activities once the dismissal bell rings, without having to worry about picking up and caring for siblings.

In addition, Mr. Taveras said the funds will provide ESL and computer classes for Clinton parents and increase social services for students who are not on track for graduation.

“We’ll be creative, within the guidelines of the DOE, as to how we help students accumulate credits toward graduation,” the principal said. 

He said he is not yet sure what portion of the total funding will be allocated to the school. 

New approach

The program’s launch is part of current Schools Chancellor Carmen Fariña’s new approach to dealing with struggling schools.

While former Mayor Michael Bloomberg emphasized test scores and a data-driven philosophy, Ms. Fariña has said she prefers a more qualitative analysis of school problems. 

In early October, she announced the city’s Department of Education would drop its letter grade system for evaluating schools, opting for a report that incorporates feedback from students and parents and looks at multiple factors.

DeWitt Clinton High School, Santiago Taveras, School Renewal Program, Department of Education, Good Shepherd Services, Maya Rajamani
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