New York poised to strengthen oversight of nonpublic schools

By CAROLYN THOMPSON
Associated Press

New York is poised to strengthen its oversight of private and religious schools. Education officials are taking action following years of complaints that thousands of children are graduating from ultra-Orthodox Jewish schools lacking basic academic skills. A Board of Regents committee unanimously approved guidelines Monday to make sure instruction at nonpublic schools is equivalent to that of public schools, as required under New York law.  The guidance would apply to all of the state’s 1,800 nonpublic schools. They would have the greatest impact on ultra-Orthodox Jewish schools, called yeshivas.  A final vote is scheduled for Tuesday.