Education

Federal and city officials joined some early childhood advocates in showing their support for President Obama's "Early Learning Initiative" Friday.

The program calls for 75-billion dollars to expand high-quality preschool for every child. That’s through allowing low-income family’s access to high-quality preschool providers at a significantly lower cost and expanding voluntary home visiting programs that support parents with young children among others.

Hundreds of educators gathered at Monroe Community College Friday to share best practices to better prepare students for college.

Provost and vice president of academic services for MCC, Dr. Michael McDonough, says  there's a bit of a crisis in this country in getting students ready for college, and the event addressed that issue.
Dr. McDonough says the symposium brought together teachers and administrators from K through 12, and two and four-year colleges.

New York Education Commissioner John King met with Rochester-area business leaders and educators Thursday. The goal of King’s visit was to garner support for the implementation of the Common Core Standards. New York is one of 46 states implementing the Common Core which is a set guidelines to help ensure students are prepared for college and the work-force. King said the business community can play a key role in assisting this effort.

The City School District wants to change its transportation policy so it can provide busing for students who live within a half-mile of school.

The state provides financial assistance to transport students who live a mile and a half or more from school.
It's asking for permission from the State Education Department to change the guidelines.
Rochester City School Superintendent Dr. Bolgen Vargas says it will take a change in current law, but with an adjustment to the policy, parents would be encouraged to choose their neighborhood school for their children.

Here are the latest Monroe County School District budget voting results