The Buffalo Public School's new chief academic officer will be digging into the many issues surrounding city schools. In this Focus on Education report WBFO'S Eileen Buckley asks the new school administrator about poverty and learning.
"Poverty is not necessarily the end of the line. In fact -- it may not be at all," said Linda Cimusz, selected this week to serve as the Buffalo Public Schools new chief academic officer. CImusz worked in Syrcuase and Texas districts with plenty of high poverty students in those districts. But she noted it didn't always prevent learning.
"We had plenty of kids who all they really needed was the opportunities and the doors open and they were flying and their parents were there with them. You know we had valedictorians who were homeless," said Cimusz.
But Cimusz says there are complications for students living in poverty. She says you must deal with the obstacle and try to peel the layers of the onion. Cimusz also noted that she does not object to the Common Core.
"I don't think the Common Core is the enemy. I think that it's the way it's rolled out. Different states are rolling out different ways," said Cimusz. "As long as there is clear curriculum, clear expectations and support systems for students and teachers as they are implementing it -- I don't thin the Common Core is the enemy at all."
Cimusz says are certain baseline things that are crucial for learning such as a strong literacy program and early childhood education. The city is getting ready for mandatory kindergarten this fall. Interim Superintendent Don Ogilvie tells WBFO News preparations are underway.
"The chiefs of instruction for the Buffalo Public Schools are putting together those classrooms. Making sure we have an outreach to parents, so we will be ready day one," said Ogilvie
Buffalo Public School students return to the start of new school year in four weeks.