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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.

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Educate! Include! Respect! A Call for School Reform to Improve the Educational Experiences of Students with Disabilities in New York City
  • Policy Report
    • Educate! Include! Respect! A Call for School Reform to Improve the Educational Experiences of Students with Disabilities in New York City

    The past seven years of education reform have not significantly improved outcomes, experiences or services for New York City’s 160,000 public school students with disabilities, according to Educate! Include! Respect!, a report issued April 2009 by the ARISE Coalition, a group of parents, educators, advocates, and other supporters of students with disabilities coordinated by AFC.

    Apr 23, 2009

    Our Children, Our Schools: A Blueprint for Creating Partnerships Between Immigrant Families and New York City Public Schools
    A young boy in an orange sweater stands between two adults, holding each of their hands.
  • Policy Report
    • Our Children, Our Schools: A Blueprint for Creating Partnerships Between Immigrant Families and New York City Public Schools

    Over 60% of children in New York City public schools are immigrants or the children of immigrants, but this 2009 report shows that immigrant families face significant obstacles to participating in their children’s education. The report, written in collaboration with immigrant advocates and community groups throughout the city, shows that many immigrant parents remain shut out of school activities and leadership opportunities. The report offers a number of concrete solutions for building stronger and more meaningful partnerships between schools, immigrant parents, and community leaders.

    Mar 18, 2009

    School Pushout: Where Are We Now?
    Two teenage boys wearing backpacks climb the stairs in the subway. (Photo by Armin Rimoldi from Pexels)
  • Issue Brief
    • School Pushout: Where Are We Now?

    This issue brief summarizes the findings of AFC’s survey of 145 New York City youth on the factors that cause students to leave school.  The brief provides insight into the educational experiences and aspirations of out-of-school youth in New York City.

    Feb 21, 2008

    Dead Ends: The Need for More Pathways to Graduation for Over-Age, Under-Credited Students in New York City
    Older male student writing on a table at the front of a classroom. (Photo by Jeswin Thomas from Pexels)
  • Policy Report
    • Dead Ends: The Need for More Pathways to Graduation for Over-Age, Under-Credited Students in New York City

    An estimated 138,000 New York City students are over-age and under-credited and are out of school or at-risk for dropping out. The New York City Department of Education began creating new programming specifically for these students, but some students are left with dead ends under the current system. This briefing paper examines the ability of the new schools to meet the instructional needs of English Language Learners (ELLs), students with special education needs, students who are older with few or no credits, and students who are pregnant and parenting.

    Dec 10, 2007

    Transitioning to Nowhere: An Analysis of the Planning and Provision of Transition Services to Students with Disabilities in New York City
    Principal talking with teenage boy while sitting in office. (Photo by Cavan for Adobe, Adobe Stock)
  • Policy Report
    • Transitioning to Nowhere: An Analysis of the Planning and Provision of Transition Services to Students with Disabilities in New York City

    Approximately 13,000 students with disabilities exit the New York City public school system each year. This report examines the efforts of the NYC Department of Education to prepare these youth for independent living, vocational training, employment, higher education, and other post-secondary opportunities.

    Sep 1, 2007

    School Year Filled with Missed Communications: Despite Chancellor’s Regulation, Immigrant Parents Still Face Language Barriers
    A parent drops a child off at school. (Photo by dusanpetkovic1, Adobe Stock)
  • Policy Report
    • School Year Filled with Missed Communications: Despite Chancellor’s Regulation, Immigrant Parents Still Face Language Barriers

    This report, prepared by AFC and the New York Immigration Coalition on behalf of The Equity Monitoring Project for Immigrant and Refugee Education (EMPIRE), finds that translation and interpretation services are still inadequate in City schools. The report highlights major gaps in language access during parent-teacher conferences and  important school events.

    Jun 27, 2007

    So Many Schools, So Few Options: How Mayor Bloomberg’s Small High School Reforms Deny Full Access to English Language Learners
    Sun shines on empty school hallway, numbered yellow lockers at the wall. (Photo by Lubo Ivanko, Adobe Stock)
  • Policy Report
    • So Many Schools, So Few Options: How Mayor Bloomberg’s Small High School Reforms Deny Full Access to English Language Learners

    This joint report by AFC and the New York Immigration Coalition uses enrollment data from the New York City Department of Education to examine the representation of English Language Learners (ELLs) and immigrant students in both small and large schools, as well as the extent to which small high schools have not been created in areas with large and growing immigrant student populations.

    Nov 28, 2006

    Up Against the Odds: New York City’s Homeless Children Lose Out in School
    Calculator on an open math textbook. (Photo by WOKANDAPIX from Pixabay)
  • Policy Report
    • Up Against the Odds: New York City’s Homeless Children Lose Out in School

    This 2006 report found that the New York City Department of Education (DOE) must increase its efforts to ensure the protection of homeless students’ legal rights to education. The report underscores the importance of providing education to children and youth experiencing homelessness and the need for increased coordination among city agencies and the DOE to provide services to these students.

    Sep 1, 2006

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