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.
176 Results Found
AFC testified before the New York City Council Committee on Education regarding the Fiscal Year 2019 Capital Budget, calling for increased funding for improving school accessibility.
AFC testified before the New York City Council Committee on Education regarding the Fiscal Year 2019 Preliminary Budget, calling for increased funding for support for students in temporary housing, busing for students in foster care, and school climate initiatives.
AFC testified before the City Council Committee on Education at a hearing on community schools, renewal schools, and a special education reporting bill.
This report analyzes data reported by the New York City Police Department (NYPD) showing that Black students are significantly over-represented in NYPD “child in crisis” interventions – incidents involving students in emotional distress sent to the hospital for psychological evaluation. The brief also examines the NYPD’s use of handcuffs on students as young as 5 years old during these incidents between July 2016 and June 2017.
Kim Sweet, Executive Director of Advocates for Children of New York (AFC), issued the following statement in response to the New York City Department of Education’s annual report of information regarding students receiving special education services pursuant to Local Law 27.
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.