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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.

More than 115 Organizations Call for Changes to New York State’s School Funding Formula
  • Sign-On Letter

    • More than 115 Organizations Call for Changes to New York State’s School Funding Formula

    Every child in New York State has the right to a sound, basic education—and providing such an education requires adequate and equitable funding. More than 115 organizations are calling on Governor Hochul and the New York State Legislature to revamp New York’s outdated school funding formula to ensure schools have the resources necessary to provide a high-quality education to all students, with particular attention to those who have the greatest needs.
    Desks facing a chalkboard in an empty classroom. (Photo by maroke, Adobe Stock)

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    AFC Testifies in Support of the Proposed 2020-2024 Capital Plan
    Student in a wheelchair faces a flight of stairs. (Photo by mottto, Adobe Stock)
  • Testimony & Public Comment
    • AFC Testifies in Support of the Proposed 2020-2024 Capital Plan

    AFC testified before the Panel for Educational Policy in support of the City’s proposal to include $750 million to improve school accessibility in the 2020-2024 Capital Plan. That investment in accessibility, the City’s largest to date, will literally open doors to include and integrate individuals who are far too often excluded because of their accessibility needs.

    Mar 27, 2019

    AFC Testifies on the New York City Fiscal Year 2020 Preliminary Education Budget
    New York City City Hall Building
  • Testimony & Public Comment
    • AFC Testifies on the New York City Fiscal Year 2020 Preliminary Education Budget

    AFC testified before the City Council Committee on Education on the importance of increasing funding for several education priorities, including school social workers, direct mental health support for students, educational support for students who are homeless and students in foster care, and preschool special education programs.

    Mar 20, 2019

    AFC Testifies on ThriveNYC and Meeting the Needs of Students with Mental Health Challenges
    New York City City Hall Building
  • Testimony & Public Comment
    • AFC Testifies on ThriveNYC and Meeting the Needs of Students with Mental Health Challenges

    Advocates for Children testified before the New York City Council Committee on Mental Health, Disabilities and Addiction regarding the gap in access to direct mental health services and behavior supports for students with significant emotional, behavioral, and mental health needs.

    Feb 27, 2019

    AFC & the ARISE Coalition Testify on the Provision of Special Education Services
    New York City City Hall Building
  • Testimony & Public Comment
    • AFC & the ARISE Coalition Testify on the Provision of Special Education Services

    AFC and the ARISE Coalition (coordinated by AFC) both testified before the New York City Council Committee on Education regarding the provision of special education services. The City must do more to extend the vision of equity and excellence in education to students with disabilities and to ensure that the needs of students with disabilities are considered and addressed in every DOE policy decision.

    Feb 25, 2019

    AFC Comments on Graduation Participation for Students with Disabilities Receiving Non-Diploma Credentials
    Two teenagers walk up the steps of a school, arms around one another. (Image by Freepik)
  • Testimony & Public Comment
    • AFC Comments on Graduation Participation for Students with Disabilities Receiving Non-Diploma Credentials

    AFC submitted public comment to the New York State Education Department on a proposed amendment to the regulation about the right of students with disabilities receiving SACC and CDOS credentials to participate in graduation ceremonies and activities. We urged NYSED to require schools to inform families that these students have the right to stay in school through age 21 or until they earn a diploma, regardless of their participation in graduation activities.

    Dec 3, 2018

    AFC Testifies on Busing for Students with Disabilities
    New York City City Hall Building
  • Testimony & Public Comment
    • AFC Testifies on Busing for Students with Disabilities

    AFC testified before the New York City Council Committees on Education, Sanitation and Solid Waste Management, and Transportation about the City’s Preparation for and Response to Winter Storm Avery. Our testimony focused on the experiences of students with disabilities on school buses during the snowstorm and the importance of passing legislation to provide parents with access to real-time GPS data for their children’s school buses.

    Nov 29, 2018

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