Assemblyman Edward C. Braunstein (D-Bayside) announced his opposition to legislation (A.10427-A) supported by Mayor de Blasio, which would eliminate the Specialized High School Admissions Test (SHSAT).

“I strongly disagree with the Mayor's proposal to change the admissions standards for specialized high schools, including eliminating the SHSAT,” said Assemblyman Braunstein. “A change of this magnitude to our education system should not be rushed through at the end of Session without a public hearing and input from the stakeholders who would be greatly affected by this proposal.”

“While more needs to be done to increase diversity in specialized high schools, that should begin with a more robust effort to provide students in underrepresented communities with the assistance they need to gain admission,” said Assemblyman Braunstein. “The Department of Education must increase efforts to educate families about the admissions process to specialized high schools, as well as expand the availability of free or low-cost test prep classes. Additionally, the Mayor's proposal to limit the number of seats available at specialized high schools for private school students is arbitrary and unfair to thousands of taxpaying families in New York City.”