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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.

Leading the Way for NYC Schools: Recommendations for the Next Administration
  • Policy Agenda

    • Leading the Way for NYC Schools: Recommendations for the Next Administration

    Based on our experience helping thousands of NYC families each year, we urge the next Mayor to take on big challenges with bold ideas and stand firm in the face of threats to students’ civil rights.
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    Student Homelessness in New York City, 2025–26
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  • Issue Brief
    • Student Homelessness in New York City, 2025–26

    Today Advocates for Children of New York released new data, obtained from the New York State Education Department (NYSED), showing that more than 138,000 New York City public school students — about one in every eight — experienced homelessness during the 2025–26 school year. Of these students, more than 50,700 (37%) spent time in shelter and 81,100 (58%) were “doubled up,” or temporarily sharing the housing of others because of a loss of housing or economic hardship.

    Nov 10, 2026

    AFC & the ARISE Coalition Testify in Support of PEP Resolution Calling for Improvements to Bus Service
  • Testimony & Public Comment
    • AFC & the ARISE Coalition Testify in Support of PEP Resolution Calling for Improvements to Bus Service

    Today, AFC and the ARISE Coalition are testifying before the Panel for Educational Policy (PEP) in strong support of the Resolution Calling for Major Improvements to School Bus Service. Students should be able to get to and from school safely, reliably, and on time, and we urge the PEP to prioritize working with city and state leaders to help make this a reality for all NYC students.

    Oct 28, 2026

    Response to the State Education Department’s Proposal to Sunset Diploma Assessment Requirements
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  • Press Statement
    • Response to the State Education Department’s Proposal to Sunset Diploma Assessment Requirements

    Maria Odom, Executive Director of Advocates for Children of New York (AFC), issued the following statement in response to the proposal approved this morning by the New York State Board of Regents for the State Education Department (SED) to take the necessary steps to move forward with sunsetting diploma assessment requirements starting in the 2027–28 school year.

    Sep 14, 2026

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