Stack of books against a blurred background. (Photo by Kimberly Farmer on Unsplash)

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.

Leading the Way for NYC Schools: Recommendations for the Next Administration
  • Policy Agenda

    • Leading the Way for NYC Schools: Recommendations for the Next Administration

    Based on our experience helping thousands of NYC families each year, we urge the next Mayor to take on big challenges with bold ideas and stand firm in the face of threats to students’ civil rights.
    Closeup of student holding a pencil in class

    463 Results Found

    Filter By
    • Topic
    • Resource Type
    Building a Network of Support: The Case for a DOE Office for Students in Foster Care
    Students line up on socially distanced dots painted on the sidewalk to wait their turn to have their temperatures checked before entering Middletown High School.
  • Policy Report
    • Building a Network of Support: The Case for a DOE Office for Students in Foster Care

    This May 2021 AFC and Legal Aid Society report highlights the urgent need for the Department of Education to launch a small office focused solely on the needs of students in foster care. Currently, the DOE does not have an office, team, or even a single staff member dedicated to supporting the 6,000 New York City youth in foster care, a group of students particularly in need of specialized support.

    May 4, 2021

    AFC Urges DOE to Follow NYSED Guidance and Extend Eligibility to Students at Risk of Aging Out
    Teenage girl talking with teacher while sitting in classroom (Photo by Cavan for Adobe, Adobe Stock)
  • Press Statement
    • AFC Urges DOE to Follow NYSED Guidance and Extend Eligibility to Students at Risk of Aging Out

    Kim Sweet, Executive Director of Advocates for Children of New York (AFC), issued the following statement in response to new State guidance strongly encouraging school districts to provide over-age high school students the opportunity to return to school next year to finish meeting requirements for a high school diploma, diploma endorsement or exit credential.

    Apr 15, 2021

    110 Organizations Urge Mayor de Blasio to Meet the Need for Preschool Special Education Classes
    A girl in the classroom reads from a textbook.
  • Sign-On Letter
    • 110 Organizations Urge Mayor de Blasio to Meet the Need for Preschool Special Education Classes

    More than 100 organizations sent a letter to Mayor de Blasio making the point that 3-K and Pre-K will never be “for all” until the City addresses the continuing shortage of seats in preschool special education classes—a shortage that has left young children with disabilities who have a legal right to such a class sitting at home or in settings that cannot provide the support they need.

    Apr 12, 2021

    AFC & the ARISE Coalition Testify on the New York City FY 2022 Preliminary Education Budget
    New York City City Hall Building
  • Testimony & Public Comment
    • AFC & the ARISE Coalition Testify on the New York City FY 2022 Preliminary Education Budget

    AFC and the ARISE Coalition (coordinated by AFC) testified before the City Council Committee on Education on the preliminary budget for Fiscal Year 2022, outlining our priorities for an ambitious education initiative to direct the largest one-time federal investment in education in our nation’s history.

    Mar 23, 2021

    Load More
    Send us a message
    Description

    A successful school year starts with the right supports.

    Your gift to AFC helps ensure that every child, regardless of their circumstances, has a real chance to learn.

    Donate today