9350033 Sobol New York's Statewide Systemic Initiative will develop an Urban Networks project to implement the state's comprehensive, systemic reform effort, the New Compact for Learning, by beginning implementation in the state's six largest urban school districts (New York, Buffalo, Albany, Syracuse, Rochester, and Yonkers). The Compact was adopted by the Board of Regents in March 1991 and specifies high expectations, standards, and outcomes for grades K-12. The Compact is an open-ended plan for continuing school district reassessment and innovation. A common RFP will be developed and schools in each of the six districts will be selected as Research and Development (R and D) schools to provide high-level content and assessment for all students, and long-term teacher development programs. Districts will establish local partnerships with the mathematics/science communities, parents, and business and industry in support of the initiative. The State will provide additional resources to support the effort through State field-based assistance teams, staff development, a new school accreditation program that focuses on teaching and learning, and coordination with existing programs aimed at at-risk students. Results and strategies from the R and D schools will inform future State policy action. ***
