Dear Commons Community,

The New York Times and the Daily News are reporting that scores on the eight-grade national science test rose modestly across the country but not in New York State where the scores were essentially flat from previous years.  The Daily News reports:

“Only 29% of the state’s eighth-graders were deemed proficient on the National Assessment of Educational Progress science exam. And New York students’ average score was worse than those in 29 other states.

Nationally, scores on the 2011 exam were up slightly. But the state’s scores remained about the same as in 2009, the last testing date for the exam, which assesses students’ knowledge of physical, life, earth and space sciences.

Sixteen states saw higher scores than in 2009, while no states saw declines. The percentage of students deemed “advanced” in science remained flat nationally and in New York.”

 
Tony

Dear Commons Community,

The Huffington Post is reporting that Catholic bishops are openly expressing concerns about the Girl Scouts because of positions associated with sex education, abortion and Planned Parenthood.  The Post reports:

“Long a lightning rod for conservative criticism, the Girl Scouts of the USA are now facing their highest-level challenge yet: An official inquiry by the U.S. Conference of Catholic Bishops.

At issue are concerns about program materials that some Catholics find offensive, as well as assertions that the Scouts associate with other groups espousing stances that conflict with church teaching. The Scouts, who have numerous parish-sponsored troops, deny many of the claims and defend their alliances.”

I side with the Girl Scouts!

Tony

Dear Commons Community,

Tomas Morales, the President of the College Staten Island, in a letter (see below) to the college community announced that he will be leaving to take the position of president of California State University, San Bernardino.  His five-year tenure has not been without controversy and in March of this year, the CSI Faculty Senate passed a no-confidence resolution aimed at Dr. Morales and Provost William Fritz .  However a procedural snafu meant that the measure had to be voted on again.  While it was on the agenda for the April meeting, the resolution was tabled and never came to a vote.

Tony

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Dear Members of the Campus Community:

Throughout our lives, we remember reaching crossroads — those times when it was necessary to make a decision that could change everything. I faced that decision in the past 24 hours and have chosen to be guided by family. Today, I will be introduced as the next President of California State University, San Bernardino.

For nearly five years, Evy and I have been blessed with the opportunity to work with each of you.  After working at numerous universities across the country and visiting countless campuses, I can honestly tell you that we have been privileged to serve the College of Staten Island community and work with an exceptional faculty, a dedicated staff and committed student body.

I remain deeply grateful for the generous support of Chancellor Goldstein and the Board of Trustees. I especially appreciate the extraordinary people of Staten Island who never failed to impress me with their individual and collective dedication to the enhancement of this great borough.

But more than anything else, Evy and I want to say thank you. It’s been an honor. Please know that this campus community will always hold a special place in our hearts.

Sincerely,

Tomás D. Morales, PhD

President