NYC School Faces Calls for Overhaul Amidst High Absenteeism and Failing Test Scores

A Coney Island elementary school, PS 188 Michael E. Berdy School, is facing significant challenges with student attendance and academic performance, prompting educators to advocate for a curriculum overhaul. Data reveals that 60% of the school's 233 students were chronically absent during the last school year, meaning they missed at least 18 days. This rate is nearly double the citywide average. Additionally, only 40% of students passed state standardized reading exams and 42% passed math exams, falling behind citywide averages of 50.2% and 58%, respectively.

In response to these struggles, community members are circulating a proposal to expand the school to K-8 and rebrand it as a center for "Innovative Thinking, Career and Technical Education and Project-Based Learning." Proponents believe this hands-on approach could better engage students, improve comprehension, and boost attendance.

Many students at PS 188 come from low-income households in the Gravesend and Surfside Garden public housing projects. Parents have expressed concerns about the school's performance, with some questioning the reasons behind the students' academic failures. Nicole Beatty, a mother of two, stated, "We need to know why they are failing." Another parent, Nysheika Gilchrist, emphasized parental responsibility, saying, "You are giving up on your child. There is no reason for your child to be absent."

PS 188's own Comprehensive Education Plan for 2025-2026 acknowledges the issues with chronic absenteeism and low test scores, citing systemic challenges such as inequitable access to transportation, healthcare, and housing stability. The plan outlines a three-tiered intervention system and family workshops aimed at improving attendance. For academics, the school plans to focus on small group and personalized instruction for reading and math, with a particular emphasis on supporting students with basic math struggles, those who are not fluent in English, or those with special needs.

The Department of Education has not commented on the situation. PS 188 Principal Leslie King and District 21 Superintendent Erin Lynch-Reyes declined to comment. The New York Post also reported that the city had previously considered using the school as a shelter for immigrants.

Jay Brown, chairman of Community Education Council 21, acknowledged the school's persistent academic challenges but noted that efforts have been made to address them, though he was unaware of the proposal for a K-8 expansion.