Senator Gipson Announces Efforts to Get for-Profit Corporations Out of NYS Education System

For Immediate Release: June 5, 2014
Media Contact: Jonathan Heppner | 845.463.0840 | heppner@nysenate.gov

SENATOR GIPSON ANNOUNCES EFFORTS TO GET FOR-PROFIT CORPORATIONS OUT OF NYS EDUCATION SYSTEM

POUGHKEEPSIE, NY – New York State Senator Terry Gipson (D-Dutchess, Putnam), joined by educators from Dutchess and Putnam counties, announced a legislative initiative that would end the State Education Department’s reliance on Pearson, a for-profit foreign-based corporation, for student testing and teacher certification. The legislation was inspired by Senator Gipson meeting with educators and parents who continually cited their serious concerns with Pearson’s service as part of the many issues facing New York State’s public education system. The announcement was held at the Arlington Teachers' Association office.

“I believe New York State must take control of our public education system rather than continuing along the path of corporatization and standardization,” said Senator Gipson. “Our taxpayer dollars that fund our public education system should not be going towards a flawed product and a failed system. If the product and system were working, we wouldn't need to be standing here.”

Senator Gipson has introduced two pieces of legislation in the New York State Senate.  The first bill, S.7451, would cease the use of exams developed by Pearson and prohibit the State Education Department from entering any future contracts with Pearson. The second bill, S.7445, prevents any applicant for teacher certification to be required to take an examination administered by Pearson and/or affiliates. Pearson is contracted by the New York State Department of Education, and was awarded the contract through a RFP.

Senator Gipson concluded, “This is just one of the many needed steps to reform our public education system so that educators, parents and our community have a voice in our children’s education. I believe that the New York State Department of Education must take greater responsibility in providing a top education to New York’s children, and not shopping that responsibility out to for-profit corporations. This lack of control and oversight has become far too prevalent with the failed implementation of the Common Core, and has further proven the need for action and reform.”

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