School Librarians: Hidden Heroes of Online Learning
When COVID-19 suddenly closed all New York City schools, school librarians mobilized to provide access to critical online learning resources. Following decades of drastic cuts to the numbers of trained librarians, their role became vital to all schools’ survival.
Where Are the City’s Public School Children During the Pandemic?
Keeping track of attendance now that all instruction is online, is still a work in progress. Each school is left to redefine not only what attendance means, but why it’s central to ensuring their students are learning.
Access Delayed, Access Denied
New York City has long struggled to comply with laws protecting students with disabilities. The city recently set its sights on reaching school physical accessibility targets for 2024. But the pandemic has disrupted these plans and raised new challenges to accessibility.
High School Admissions Maze
For New York City public school students, choosing a high school from over 400 programs, each with its own admissions criteria and acceptance odds, can be as daunting as choosing a college. Who does this system of choice serve?
The Segregation Project
Despite its progressive reputation, New York City remains one of the most segregated school districts in America. A team of reporters at Columbia Journalism explore what that looks like on the ground.
The Teacher Project
New York City’s teacher corps represents the largest group of public workers in the city. But what does their work really entail, and what drives them to keep working in an often thankless job? Reporters in Columbia Journalism School’s education seminar profiled teachers from across the city, looking for insights into a largely misunderstood profession.
Fit Kids
As gym classes fall by the wayside, Columbia Journalism reporters explore the state of children’s fitness in New York City public schools, both in physical education classes and out.
Transitions
Through the perspectives of principals, teachers, parents and students, a team of reporters at Columbia Journalism explore the human toll of school closures and the phase-out process.