Gail Robinson, Author at City Limits

Art at the Limits

The Art Treasures Behind NYC’s School Doors

Gail Robinson | June 21, 2022

With pieces dating back to the early 20th century, the city’s public schools are home to almost 2,000 works encompassing realistic murals depicting the city’s history, giant pieces on exterior walls, playground installations that teach children about sound, fanciful fences and wall installations with nooks and crannies for students to explore. Faith Ringgold, Keith Haring, Romare Bearden and Carrie Mae Weems are among the many prominent artists represented.

Art at the Limits

After Tough Time for Art in City Schools, Advocates Seek More Funding

Gail Robinson | June 9, 2022

After two pandemic years that wrought havoc on all education but particularly on arts classes, advocates and educators have mounted a drive to win more—and more permanent—funding for visual art, music, dance and theater in the city’s public schools.

Health and Environment

What’s Driving the Shortage of Home Healthcare Workers in NY? Low Wages, Advocates Say

Gail Robinson | December 27, 2021

“People who do this work love it. You have to love working with people,” says State Assemblymember Karines Reyes, who is a nurse. But she adds, “If you can get a job doing work that’s not as heavy and not as demanding and make more money, why wouldn’t you?”

Age Justice

More New Yorkers are ‘Aging in Place’—But Growing Older at Home Isn’t Easy

Gail Robinson | July 22, 2021

City residents looking for alternatives to nursing home care, particularly those with limited incomes, confront an array of hurdles: lack of affordable housing, a shortage of safe and accessible apartments, not enough home health care aides and waiting lists at many programs.

Aging

Pandemic May Spur Retirements Among Not-So-Old New Yorkers

Gail Robinson | December 8, 2020

Some older workers are retiring earlier than they had planned, a trend that could accelerate if the city provides incentives to encourage them to leave their jobs. While some people leaving the workforce look forward to a life of leisure, others will be forced to scramble for health insurance, dip into savings and receive lower Social Security benefits than they otherwise would have.

2020 campaign

Septuagenarians Running for President Differ on Key Issues for Older New Yorkers

Gail Robinson | October 19, 2020

On Social Security, healthcare, housing and food support, Joe Biden and Donald Trump offer different visions to older New Yorkers.

Age Justice

Eight Months into Pandemic, Senior Center Doors Remain Shut

Gail Robinson | October 14, 2020

The de Blasio administration has no schedule for reopening the centers, and it seems likely the centers will not offer in-person services until 2021.

culturally relevant

Overdue Assignment: Making NYC Schools Culturally Responsive

Gail Robinson | November 14, 2018

It will take more than new language or better lessons. Who’s teaching, who’s learning and the very nature of how social studies are taught and tested are also in play.

betsy de vos

From Charters to Common Core, There’s a Ceasefire in NY’s School Wars

Gail Robinson | September 19, 2018

But with desegregation an increasingly urgent goal, how long will it last?

class

What Role do Middle Schools Play in Deciding Who Gets Into NYC’s Elite High Schools?

Gail Robinson | June 14, 2018

It is clear that most students get on – or off – the track to go to a specialized high school long before they sit down to take the SHSAT in September of 8th grade. See how the middle schools rank.