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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 More than 115 organizations are calling on Governor Hochul and the New York State Legislature to revamp New York’s outdated school funding formula to ensure schools have the resources necessary to provide a high-quality education to all students, with particular attention to those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 Submits Testimony on the 2014–2015 State Education Budget Proposal
    New York State capitol building
  • Testimony & Public Comment
    • AFC Submits Testimony on the 2014–2015 State Education Budget Proposal

    AFC submitted testimony for the New York State Education Budget Hearing, applauding the Governor’s call to make pre-k truly universal, but pointing out that the funding in the budget proposal is insufficient to reach this goal. AFC calls on the Legislature to support Mayor de Blasio’s plan to expand pre-k rapidly in NYC and also makes recommendations regarding the Governor’s preschool special education reform, special education waiver, after-school, and anti-discrimination proposals.

    Jan 28, 2014

    AFC Testifies on Special Education Reform
    New York City City Hall Building
  • Testimony & Public Comment
    • AFC Testifies on Special Education Reform

    AFC testified before the Education Committee of the New York City Council regarding the Department of Education’s special education reform. Our school system needs to change how it educates students with disabilities; however, change will not yield positive results unless it is well executed and adequately financed.

    Oct 25, 2013

    AFC Testifies on the Draft School Discipline Code for 2013-14
    Tweed Courthouse, the headquarters of the Department of Education.
  • Testimony & Public Comment
    • AFC Testifies on the Draft School Discipline Code for 2013-14

    AFC testified at the Discipline Code hearing, which offers the opportunity for students, parents, teachers, and advocates to offer input into the draft of the discipline code which will go into effect during the 2013-2014 school year. AFC called for the discipline code to include meaningful information regarding behavioral supports for students with disabilities. Though students with disabilities make up 12% of the NYC public school population, they receive almost 1/3 of all suspensions.

    Jun 6, 2013

    Out of School and Unprepared: The Need to Improve Support for Students with Disabilities Transitioning to Adulthood
    Hand of a teenage boy manipulating a joystick. (Photo by Cultura Creative, Adobe Stock)
  • Policy Report
    • Out of School and Unprepared: The Need to Improve Support for Students with Disabilities Transitioning to Adulthood

    In March 2011, the ARISE Coalition, a group of parents, educators, advocates and other supporters of students with disabilities coordinated by Advocates for Children of New York (AFC), released this policy paper calling on New York City and New York State to follow the law with respect to transition planning and to give post-secondary transition for students with special education needs the same high priority they are beginning to give college and career readiness for other students.

    Mar 2, 2011

    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

    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

    Leaving School Empty Handed: A Report on Graduation and Dropout Rates for Students who Receive Special Education Services In New York City
    Teenage boy leans against a wall, arms crossed.
  • Policy Report
    • Leaving School Empty Handed: A Report on Graduation and Dropout Rates for Students who Receive Special Education Services In New York City

    This report examines the graduation outcomes of the more than 170,000 children currently classified as having disabilities and in need of special education services in New York City, based on federal, state, and city data from the school years between 1996-97 and 2003-04.

    Jun 1, 2005

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