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 submitted written testimony to the New York State Assembly Committee on Education about the need to increase the number of accessible school options for students, teachers, and family members with mobility, hearing, and vision needs.
AFC submitted comments in response to the New York State Department of Health’s proposed changes to the state Early Intervention Program regulations.
AFC submitted public comments to the City Council Working Group on School Planning, Siting, and Overcrowding, urging the Council to consider the needs of students with disabilities, as well as students, families, and school staff members who need accessible school buildings.
AFC submitted public comments to the New York State Education Department on the State’s draft Every Student Succeeds Act (ESSA) plan.
AFC testified before the New York City Council about the Fiscal Year 2018 city budget proposal. We urge the Administration and City Council to increase funding for DOE social workers for students living in homeless shelters, Restorative Practices and other alternatives to school suspensions, and school accessibility.
AFC testified before the New York City Council Committee on Education on the fiscal year 2018 Preliminary Budget. We urge the Administration to include increased funding for DOE social workers for students living in homeless shelters. In addition, we request that the budget include additional resources to expand restorative practices and pilot a mental health support continuum in 20 high-needs schools.
AFC testified before the New York City Council Committees on Education and Finance regarding the need for the City to invest increased funding to make additional schools accessible for students, families, and teachers with accessibility needs.
AFC testified before the New York City Council Committees on Education and Finance in support of proposed legislation that would require the Department of Education to report information on school applications, offers of admission, enrollment, and school seats available. Our testimony urges the Council to ensure there are accessible school options across the City for students, teachers, and family members with mobility, hearing, and vision needs.
AFC testified at the New York State Joint Legislative Public Hearing on the 2017–2018 Elementary and Secondary Education Budget proposal, urging legislators to invest in education initiatives such as improved access to Career and Technical Education (CTE) programs for students with disabilities and English Language Learners, the development of performance-based assessments, positive approaches to discipline, and pre-kindergarten.
The following is a statement by Kim Sweet, Executive Director of Advocates for Children of New York, in response to the release of graduation rate data for the class of 2016.