New York Voices; A Year of Change

Thirteen WNET · June 24, 2005

In this episode of Year of Change we listen to thethree principals reflect on their first year on the job. What do they know now that they didn't know while they were training in the Leadership Academy? Rafaela Espinal-Pachecco had an up-hill battle to climb when she became Principal of PS 147, an elementary school in Bushwick, Brooklyn. Her school was filled with veteran teachers who had been resistant to changes made by her predecessor. After one year on the job Rafaela has made some dramatic progress. Alexandra Anormaliza opened a brand new small school, the International School at Prospect Heights, for recent immigrants. She had the luxury of being able to hire her entire staff and has made a very nurturing environment for her teachers and students. But outside of the protective walls of Alexandra's school are the demands of the State. Is it realistic to expect that her entire freshman class of English Language Learners will graduate in four years? Larry Wilson took over Bread and Roses Integrated Arts High School in Harlem. After a year on the job Larry sees this as his"foundation" year; he had to focus more on discipline than he would have liked. The school graduation rate has not made significant progress but Larry does see a positive change in tone as a sign that transformation is possible, but it will take time. (Season 2, Episode 3) New York Voices is a news magazine made up of segments featuring profiles and interviews with New Yorkers talking about the issues affecting New York.