Parents and educators are growing increasingly concerned over the future of the Specialized High School Admissions Test (SHSAT), as the vote to renew the contract for the exam has been delayed indefinitely. The vote, originally scheduled for last month and again set for Wednesday, November 20, is now postponed with no clear timeline for resolution. This delay is leaving families, particularly those of accelerated learners, uncertain about the path forward for one of New York City’s most rigorous academic programs.
Mayor Eric Adams, speaking at a recent media briefing to New York Voice News, reaffirmed his support for the city’s Specialized High Schools and their role in providing a challenging academic environment for gifted students. “I believe in the Specialized High Schools,” Mayor Adams stated. “Instead of taking opportunities away from accelerated learners, we need to expand them.” The mayor also pointed to recent efforts by former Chancellor David Banks to open new schools as a step toward creating additional pathways for accelerated students.
However, Mayor Adams expressed uncertainty about the reason for the delay in the vote, adding, “I don’t know why it was delayed. Let me look into it and see why it was delayed.” He emphasized the importance of providing ample opportunities for accelerated learners, especially given the competitive nature of the exam. “What was frustrating [was] that there were a lot of accelerated learners who didn’t have enough seats. They were not able to get access because they may have missed the scores by a fraction of a point.”
Yiatin Chu, co-president of PLACE NYC, also weighed in on the situation, urging Mayor Adams to take swift action. “We are pleased to hear Mayor Adams affirming his support of NYC’s Specialized High Schools and his commitment to accelerated education, and urge him to exert mayoral control over NYC Public Schools to secure approval of the Pearson SHSAT contract as soon as possible,” Chu stated. “The Specialized High Schools remain a reliable admissions option for families seeking a rigorous academic education at these institutions with a renowned history of excellence.”
Chu also emphasized the challenges faced by public school families navigating New York City’s complex high school admissions process, which affects over 30,000 students annually. “We thank the mayor for considering the needs of all 30,000 public school students who apply to high schools every year and must navigate NYC’s complicated application process,” she said.
As discussions around the SHSAT vote continue, the city faces questions about the test’s role in the high school admissions process. Mayor Adams emphasized the importance of expanding opportunities for accelerated learners and diversifying Specialized High Schools while addressing delays in the decision-making process.
