Persistently struggling New York schools show gains

ALBANY, N.Y. (AP) — New York’s education commissioner says some of the state’s poorest performing schools are showing improvement.

Commissioner MaryEllen Elia says Wednesday that nine out of 10 schools labeled “persistently struggling” because of 10 years of low achievement showed progress last school year in areas like student performance, attendance and suspensions.

The schools in Buffalo, New York City, Rochester and Hempstead had to show demonstrable improvement or risk takeover by an outside receiver. They’re currently under the control of their superintendents, who have receivership powers.

The New York State United Teachers praised the schools’ progress, saying it shows the need for sustained investments in program and staff.

But the union says it remains opposed to the state’s receivership law because schools are labeled failing based on standardized tests which they consider flawed.