Gov. Kathy Hochul recently visited the Albany School of Humanities to promote her new Back to Basics legislation in education. This initiative, which was included in the budget, focuses on improving reading instruction to ensure that students are receiving effective teaching methods. Hochul met with a first-grade class during her visit to discuss the plan, which mandates that schools use evidence-based reading instruction to enhance proficiency rates. The State Education Department will supply educational best practices to aid students in their learning.
During her visit, Hochul emphasized the importance of providing students with the necessary tools to succeed in reading. She highlighted the significance of phonics instruction, stating that it should not be a mystery to students as it involves decoding and building vocabulary. The governor expressed her gratitude to the teachers at the Albany School of Humanities for their dedication and hard work, noting that their efforts have made a positive impact on student achievement.
The Albany School of Humanities is among only 65 schools in the country and two in New York to be recognized for outstanding student performance. This recognition underscores the school’s commitment to providing high-quality education and supporting students in their learning journey. With the implementation of the Back to Basics legislation, Governor Hochul aims to further enhance reading instruction across the state and ensure that all students have access to effective teaching methods.