Available online
Description
This programme examines the way in which Few York's fiscal crisis impinged on the school system of the city. The problems that the city had to face are set in a context of social change; the movem...ent of people and jobs and the consequences for both city income and the nature of the demand on the public services. The perceptions of different people who are concerned about the financial cuts in the school system and the effect on one school in the city are examined.
This programme examines the way in which Few York's fiscal crisis impinged on the school system of the city. The problems that the city had to face are set in a context of social change; the movem...ent of people and jobs and the consequences for both city income and the nature of the demand on the public services. The perceptions of different people who are concerned about the financial cuts in the school system and the effect on one school in the city are examined.
| Module code and title: | E361, Education and the urban environment |
|---|---|
| Item code: | E361; 04 |
| First transmission date: | 13-06-1978 |
| Published: | 1978 |
| Rights Statement: | |
| Restrictions on use: | |
| Duration: | 00:24:30 |
| + Show more... | |
| Producer: | David Seligman |
| Contributor: | Peter Raggett |
| Publisher: | BBC Open University |
| Keyword(s): | Albert Shanker; Bernard Gifford; Bronx; Economic cut; Education; Expenditure; Fiscal crisis; PS152; Stephen Berger; Tax; Tev Sumner |
| Footage description: | The programme opens with brief shots of a demonstration in New York City. In interview Bernard Gifford, Deputy Chancellor of the Board of Education of New York City, briefly states the seriousness of an ineffective education system. Film of New York's waterfront, the fire service, garbage service and police force in action. Shots of a welfare office. In voice over Raggatt describes the extent of these public services in New York. Shots of the city's department of education. In interview Gifford explains in some detail why New York City is in such desperate financial straits. Interview with Stephen Berger, Executive Director of New York's Emergency Finance Control Board, who blames the city's bankruptcy on mismanagement of resources. Raggatt uses an animated diagram to compare New York City's income with its expenditure. The extent of the city's debts are shown. In interview Gifford explains why education bore the brunt of the cuts. Berger denies that education suffered disproportionately. Shots of UFT offices. Interview with Albert Shanker, President of the United Federation of Teachers. He lists the education services that have been damaged by cuts. Shots of PS 152, an elementary school in the Bronx. In interview the school's Principal, Tev Sumner, describes the loss of teaching staff due to cuts. One of his teachers describes her own treatment by the education department. Futher shots of school PS152, over which Raggatt comments on the special problems of schools in poor districts. In interview Sumner describes his school catchment area. Shots of poor housing in the Bronx. Raggatt uses an animated diagram to show changes in New York's education system between 1960 and 1975. Gifford explains the effect on education of changing social problems. Berger then criticises the quality of teaching in New York's schools. Raggatt briefly refutes Berger's argument. Black parents at PS 152 explain the importance of maintaining resources for education. Sumner describes the effect of cuts on teachers' morale. Footage showing a teacher with a large class. In interview Gifford describes in detail the effect of severe cuts on New York City's education system. Shanker briefly comments on the balance between young and old teachers. Sumner describes at length how his school has tried to cope with the cuts. Shots of dance, art and music classes at his school. Over a variety of New York scenes Raggatt outlines the problems facing New York's schools. Interviews with Gifford, Sumner and Berger who offer differing opinions as to what steps schools can take amid the financial crisis. A parent gives her opinion of the effect of cuts in education. Final interview is with Albert Shanker, who emphasises the social consequences of poor education. Shots of New York skyline. |
| Master spool number: | 6HT/72739 |
| Production number: | 00525_6186 |
| Videofinder number: | 3988 |
| Available to public: | no |
