Klein Asks Teachers, Parents to Find New Ways to Work With City

Outgoing schools chancellor Joel Klein made his final appearance before the Panel on Educational Policy Tuesday night. Klein said that the controversy surrounding his tenure was a necessary part of education. He acknowledged that change is hard, but asked parents and teachers to find new ways of working with the city to improve schools.

"Because if in the end we don't succeed in dramatically changing the outcomes for our children, I believe we will lose the most important thing that makes America America - and that is the education that provides the key to the American dream," said Klein.

Klein also said that he plans to leave office on January 3, even if legal challenges succeed in blocking the appointment of his successor, publishing executive Cathleen Black.