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FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
PR- 295-11
August 14, 2011

MAYOR BLOOMBERG DISCUSSES NEW STATE TEST RESULTS SHOWING DRAMATIC GAINS AMONG NEW YORK CITY STUDENTS IN WEEKLY RADIO ADDRESS

The following is the text of Mayor Michael R. Bloomberg's weekly radio address as prepared for delivery on 1010 WINS News Radio for Sunday, August 14, 2011

"Good Morning.  This is Mayor Mike Bloomberg.

"Since winning control of our school system, we've pursued ambitious reforms to establish accountability, raise standards and invest in our teachers. All of these efforts have been carried out with one goal in mind: to help all of our students learn the skills they need to thrive in tomorrow's economy. Last week, we received more indications that this work is paying off: State test scores were released, and New York City's students posted considerable gains - especially when compared to students in the rest of the state. 

"What makes that news even more encouraging is that the State implemented wholesale changes to this year's tests to make them more challenging. In some cases, the tests contained almost twice as many questions as the year before. They were more comprehensive, they covered more material, and they were more difficult. This was the case for all grades, three through eight. 

"Despite these changes, New York City's students outperformed students in the rest of the state - all of whom take the same test. Equally heartening, of the five biggest cities in the state, New York City was the only one to make gains on both the Math and English tests.

"So a round of congratulations are in order. This year's test results are a tribute to the cooperative hard work of so many. They include: our students - who continue to achieve at higher levels, no matter where the State sets the bar for proficiency, our teachers - who are working harder than ever to help students succeed, our principals - who are showing incredible leadership and dedication and our parents and families - who spent many hours reinforcing the lessons their children learned in the classroom. 

"Of course, we still have a long way to go. No doubt about it. But we're headed in the right direction and as committed as ever to building on our progress.  In today's increasing competitive global economy, employers are looking for more and more qualifications in their workforce. That's why the most important thing we can do for our children is making sure they're graduating from high school and ready to go to college - even those who might not be thinking about college right now.  And we're determined to give all our students the resources and support they need to reach the high standards necessary to thrive in today's world. 

"It's what our children need - and what they deserve.

"This is Mayor Mike Bloomberg.  Thanks for listening."







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