Stack of books against a blurred background. (Photo by Kimberly Farmer on Unsplash)

Policy Resources

AFC works to change education policy so that the public school system serves all children effectively. We publish policy reports and data analyses, testify at the City and State levels, speak out in the press to bring attention to the challenges facing the students and families we serve, and join with other advocates, parents, youth, and educators to call for change.

Call to Action to Sustain Education Programs Funded with Expiring Federal COVID-19 Relief
  • Sign-On Letter

    • Call to Action to Sustain Education Programs Funded with Expiring Federal COVID-19 Relief

    More than 170 organizations are calling on New York leaders to save critical education programs currently supported by temporary federal stimulus funding set to run dry in 2024.
    Young students sitting in a circle, several raising their hands. (Photo by RDNE Stock project via Pexels)

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    AFC Submits Comments Regarding Amendments to Rules Related to Students in Behavioral Crises
    Tweed Courthouse, the headquarters of the Department of Education.
  • Testimony & Public Comment
    • AFC Submits Comments Regarding Amendments to Rules Related to Students in Behavioral Crises

    Today, AFC is submitting comments regarding the proposed amendments to Chancellor’s Regulation A-411, and ways to further strengthen A-411 to emphasize that schools must support students, de-escalate behavior, and not use punitive measures – such as calling 911 – to respond to students in emotional crisis.

    Jul 1, 2024

    AFC Testifies on Intro. 266, Intro. 399, Intro. 733, and Intro. 771
    New York City City Hall Building
  • Testimony & Public Comment
    • AFC Testifies on Intro. 266, Intro. 399, Intro. 733, and Intro. 771

    Today, AFC is testifying before the New York City Council Committee on Education regarding Intro. 266, establishing a bullying prevention task force; Intro. 399, requiring reporting on compliance with the Americans with Disabilities Act; Intro. 733, requiring reporting on Career and Technical Education; and Intro. 771, requiring distribution of information on interpretation services.

    Jun 18, 2024

    Response to State Education Department Announcement on Graduation Requirements
    Line of students in blue caps and gowns, viewed from behind. (Photo by Mel Stoutsenberger, Adobe Stock)
  • Press Statement
    • Response to State Education Department Announcement on Graduation Requirements

    Kim Sweet, Executive Director of Advocates for Children of New York (AFC), issued the following statement in response to the New York State Education Department (SED)’s proposal for implementing the recommendations of the Blue Ribbon Commission on Graduation Measures, as presented at today’s Board of Regents meeting.

    Jun 10, 2024

    Improving the Educational Outcomes of Students in Foster Care: Recommendations Based on an Analysis of Data from New York City
    Close-up of an open book. (Photo by Bilakis via Pexels)
  • Law Review Article
    • Improving the Educational Outcomes of Students in Foster Care: Recommendations Based on an Analysis of Data from New York City

    This article, published in Volume 57 of Family Law Quarterly, adapts AFC’s 2023 report Building on Potential for a national audience. It provides a broad overview of the state of education for students in the foster system in New York City as of the 2020–21 school year, makes recommendations for how municipalities can better support students in foster care, and highlights recent promising practices from New York City and elsewhere.

    Jun 7, 2024

    AFC & the ARISE Coalition Testify on the New York City FY 2025 Executive Budget
    New York City City Hall Building
  • Testimony & Public Comment
    • AFC & the ARISE Coalition Testify on the New York City FY 2025 Executive Budget

    Today, AFC and the ARISE Coalition (coordinated by AFC) are testifying before the New York City Council Committee on Education and Committee on Finance regarding the FY 2025 Executive Budget and the FY 2025–2029 Capital Plan. Our testimony calls on the City to sustain funding for several critical programs that are still on the chopping block and to invest $1.25B to make more schools accessible.

    May 15, 2024

    AFC Testifies on Promise NYC and Access to Child Care for Immigrant Children
    New York City City Hall Building
  • Testimony & Public Comment
    • AFC Testifies on Promise NYC and Access to Child Care for Immigrant Children

    Today, AFC is testifying before the New York City Council Committee on Children and Youth and Committee on Finance, regarding the need for continued funding for Promise NYC. Promise NYC increased access to early childhood programs for children who are undocumented, but the Mayor’s Executive Budget does not include funding to continue this vital initiative.

    May 10, 2024

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