wnyc.org / 93.9fm / am 820

The recent outcry over the arrests of several New York City teachers accused of sexual misconduct has left many parents wondering how teachers are disciplined and whether too many were allowed to keep their jobs even after complaints are lodged.

New York City education officials and the teachers union say they will not be able to reach an agreement on a new teacher evaluation system by a December 31 deadline. Without an agreement, the city Department of Education will have to forfeit $60 million in federal grant money meant to help 33 struggling schools.

New York City's public school students showed no significant gains on national exams in math and reading this year, despite showing gains in previous years.

Four of the city's five borough presidents are calling on state lawmakers to force the city Department of Education to reform its Education Council elections, following widespread confusion during this year's vote.

Some New York City parent activists are calling on the Department of Education to provide more information about the location of PCB leaks in hundreds of public schools.

Far fewer city teachers got tenure this year after the Bloomberg administration urged principals to follow new guidelines.

In the nearly two months since former deputy mayor Dennis Walcott took over as Schools Chancellor, the city's highest-ranking African American has relied on his political prowess and knowledge of the schools system to redefine the role and set a new tone.

After being harshly criticized for bungling this year's community education council elections, the city has announced a do-over.