A Syracuse city school is helping teachers better address learning loss from the pandemic. The Institute of Technology at Syracuse Central received a visit from the head of the national teacher’s union to see how the school is closing some gaps caused by COVID-19.
A state report last month shows New York saw declines in fourth grade math and reading scores and also in eighth grade math. The drops were larger than the national average. But ITC features hands-on classes that can drive student engagement to help regain some of these losses.
American Federation of Teachers President Randi Weingarten toured the school to see the classrooms where students were doing work in the fields of electro-mechanical engineering, automotive technology and the culinary arts.
Weingarten said this gives students actual experience in various career fields which can boost their appetite for learning.
“To want to have joy and passion and happiness and want to be in school, and experiential learning, shown by these career tech ed programs is a pathway to do that," Weingarten said. "That’s why we’re here today.”
Syracuse City School District Superintendent Anthony Davis said the visit was a chance to show off the school’s success.
“What’s great about it is, the things that we know are going well, someone else is recognizing outside of our area," Davis said. "So, it’s extremely exciting for us to be recognized in this way, and it’s great to show the talents that exist in this district, our students as well as our staff”
Weingarten plans to push lawmakers to expand this approach to public schools across the country.
