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NYC Council meetings, chaptered and linked by time.

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Q&A

Zhuang questions DOE on gifted and talented program data

New York City Council · Jun 24, 2026 · starts 1:09:36 · 1 min 44 sec

Zhuang expresses disappointment that DOE was unprepared to answer questions about her bills on G&T and special education access. She asks about the effect of G&T participation on specialized high school admission and cites her own research showing 12% higher admission chances. DOE officials say they do not have the data readily available.

Susan Zhuang

Thank you, Chair.

Susan Zhuang

Actually, I'm very disappointed.

Susan Zhuang

The early childhood education did not show up.

Eric Dinowitz

No, they're here.

Susan Zhuang

They're here?

Eric Dinowitz

Yes, ma'am.

Susan Zhuang

Oh, okay.

Susan Zhuang

Very good.

Susan Zhuang

On the statement said early child division don't have any purview of gifted and talented program, right?

Susan Zhuang

But how come you guys have purview here about early child education program, which also run by DOE?

Susan Zhuang

You guys showed up all mayor's announcement about pre-K, 3K, which are also DOE programs.

Susan Zhuang

And now you are choosing, come to different talent program.

Susan Zhuang

You guys don't have any purview over?

Susan Zhuang

Is that Terry picking?

Susan Zhuang

Or I don't know how, who gonna answer my question.

Veronica Cuellar

Veronica Cuellar, I believe you're referring to the Mayor's Office of Early Childhood Education in the letter.

Veronica Cuellar

The Division of Early Childhood Education is involved with gifted and talented, however.

Susan Zhuang

So no one come from administration side to testify about my bill?

Danielle Junta

We have members from the Division of Early Childhood from New York City Public Schools with us today.

Susan Zhuang

Okay, they are here today?