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.
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AFC’s testimony urged the State to reject proposed amendments to Sections 200.1 and 200.5 of Title 8 NYCRR that would allow non-attorneys to serve as hearing officers in special education cases.
AFC testified before the City Council Committee on Education about remote learning and the impact of COVID-19 on the City’s schools, focusing on the challenges our clients have experienced and the need for the DOE to address the barriers students are facing so they can participate in remote summer school.
AFC and the ARISE Coalition (coordinated by AFC) testified before the New York City Council Committee on Finance about the importance of rejecting proposed cuts to schools and investing in education initiatives that will help students get needed support when they return to school, including funding for preschool special education classes, direct mental health support for students, guaranteed transportation for students in foster care, support for English Language Learners, and more.
AFC submitted comments to NYSED on proposed changes to the state special education regulations, urging the State to reject proposed amendments that would allow non-attorneys to serve as hearing officers in special education cases.
AFC wrote to U.S. Secretary of Education Betsy DeVos, expressing our strong opposition to any waivers of federal laws protecting students with disabilities pursuant to the pandemic.
AFC submitted comments to the Administration for Children’s Services on their draft policy regarding school continuity and stability for children in child welfare foster care placements.
AFC testified before the City Council Committee on Education about the importance of class size reduction.
AFC submitted comments on the Department of Education’s proposed changes to Chancellor’s Regulation A-101 regarding school transfers, admissions, and enrollment.
AFC testified at the New York State Joint Legislative Hearing on the 2020–2021 Elementary and Secondary Education Budget proposal, urging legislators to fully fund Foundation Aid; increase investments in targeted areas such as preschool special education programs, support for Multilingual Learners, and positive approaches to discipline; and reject the harmful special education waiver proposal.
AFC testified before the City Council Committee on Youth Services about access to after-school programming for students with disabilities, students in temporary housing and students in foster care and legislation related to universal after-school programming.
A successful school year starts with the right supports.