QUEENS —
As public school resumed across the city, some Sunnyside parents said they were keeping an open mind about a transformative proposal to end gifted and talented programs citywide — despite vocal backlash from opponents of the plan. Others said the proposal would eliminate an educational track that challenges and uplifts students.
Mayor Bill de Blasio’s School Diversity Advisory Group released a 40-page report on Aug. 24 calling for the elimination of gifted and talented programs and school screening in the city. The result of the report, commissioned to address racial disparities in city schools, prompted strong opposition from many parents and local leaders.
