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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.

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.
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    100+ Organizations Call for Extended Eligibility for 12th Graders Aging Out in 2020
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  • Sign-On Letter
    • 100+ Organizations Call for Extended Eligibility for 12th Graders Aging Out in 2020

    More than 100 education and advocacy organizations and over five dozen parents and educators from across New York State sent a letter to the New York State Board of Regents and the State Education Department, urging them to give students who are aging out of school this year the opportunity to return to high school for the 2020-21 school year, rather than lose their chance to earn a high school diploma because of COVID-19.

    May 11, 2020

    AFC Commends the Decision to Modify Graduation Exam Requirements in Light of COVID-19
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  • Press Statement
    • AFC Commends the Decision to Modify Graduation Exam Requirements in Light of COVID-19

    Kim Sweet, Executive Director of Advocates for Children of New York (AFC), issued the following statement in response to the cancellation of the June Regents exams and the release of guidance from the New York State Education Department (NYSED) modifying graduation requirements for impacted students.

    Apr 7, 2020

    AFC Comments on Graduation Participation for Students with Disabilities Receiving Non-Diploma Credentials
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  • Testimony & Public Comment
    • AFC Comments on Graduation Participation for Students with Disabilities Receiving Non-Diploma Credentials

    AFC submitted public comment to the New York State Education Department on a proposed amendment to the regulation about the right of students with disabilities receiving SACC and CDOS credentials to participate in graduation ceremonies and activities. We urged NYSED to require schools to inform families that these students have the right to stay in school through age 21 or until they earn a diploma, regardless of their participation in graduation activities.

    Dec 3, 2018

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