Standards are important measures we use to compare and evaluate. Because there were myriad issues with the Common Core Learning Standards, the New York State Education Department scrapped them and, with the help of more than 130 educators and parents, developed the Next Generation Standards.

How can we ensure that the middle school experience benefits and uplifts every New York City public school student, regardless of race and income level? The District 15 Diversity Plan, which the city approved on Sept. 20, is an important step toward that goal.

As in all the Septembers before, thousands of new educators have accepted the challenge to make a difference in the lives of New York City’s public school children.

Typically, at this time of year the recipe for my final column would contain the usual ingredients: a large measure of looking back on the school year seasoned with a few tablespoons on how to keep one’s pedagogical skills from wilting during the summer months. But the items on the menu for the end of this school year are so varied and full of promise (and challenge) that I am reluctant to even declare this school year will close.