The state's new education commissioner says she wants to help parents better understand why taking the tests are important, but says ultimately, they have the right to opt out of the exams. (wamc.org)
Caught in the middle of the political debate over education policy is the new education commissioner, MaryEllen Elia. (nystateofpolitics.com)
New York's new education commissioner has been on the job just over a week, and she's been traveling the state on a listening tour to reach out to teachers, school boards and others who've been buffeted by an intense political climate during the most recent legislative session. (wamc.org)