Why the State Education Department Struggles to Hold Non-Compliant Schools Accountable

Yeshivas in New York City are back in court facing claims of discrimination from the State Department of Education. Many parents and community members are losing faith in the department’s ability to effectively oversee these schools.

Critics argue that the State Education Department (SED) has become ineffective at monitoring the few yeshivas that struggle to meet state education standards. There are concerns that the SED, along with the state Board of Regents, is actually undermining these standards. In the past, attempts to regulate yeshivas turned into an overreach that affected all private schools across New York.

Recently, the department proposed allowing all public high school students to graduate, even if they’re not fully prepared for life after school. This raises alarms about yeshivas, which are often criticized for not offering a well-rounded education that includes core subjects like math and science.

While the focus on Jewish law and traditions in some yeshivas is important, it shouldn’t come at the cost of essential academic skills. This is becoming even more pressing as the SED seems to be diluting educational standards for all students, potentially handing out diplomas to those who aren’t ready for higher education or the job market.

It appears that political interests, particularly from powerful teachers’ unions and leaders like Assembly Speaker Carl Heastie, influence decisions at the state level. The Regents and SED seem to have neglected their responsibility to ensure that public schools provide a quality education.

This situation raises concerns about fairness. If yeshivas are held to stricter standards while the public system lowers its expectations, it could lead to claims of religious discrimination. Parents, regardless of their background, are left to navigate their children’s education on their own, as the officials tasked with this responsibility fail to ensure a quality learning experience.