Rockland state lawmakers voiced their opinions on the controversial New York Times article published Sunday detailing their findings on the state of education in Hasidic communities, including here in Rockland and Orange Counties. Assemblyman Mike Lawler told “The Morning Show” yesterday that he’s always believed in school choice and says there isn’t a one-size-fits-all solution to education…
State senator Elijah Reichlin-Melnick said he was most disturbed about the allegations that some Yeshivas utilized corporal punishment against misbehaving students…
Assemblyman Ken Zebrowski said it is unacceptable for any school to provide a substandard education. Zebrowski was also concerned how the oversight role of local school districts would play out, as the State Education Department’s Board of Regents voted yesterday to implement so-called “substantial equivalency” regulations to govern secular education in non-public schools…
Callers to “The Morning Show” also had differing opinions…
The new rules attempt to offer a balance between religious beliefs and secular education requirements. They will require instruction in math, English, science and social studies, but they won’t regulate religious instruction. School districts need to identify private schools in their areas by September first next year, and they must complete initial reviews of their academic offerings by June 2025.