Policy Resources

Testimony & Public Comment

AFC Testifies on New Phonics Based Curriculum and Dyslexia Screening in NYC Public Schools

AFC testified before the New York City Council Committee on Education & Committee on State and Federal Legislation regarding the new phonics based curriculum and dyslexia screening in NYC Public Schools. We are urging the Council to remain steadfast in the commitment to ensuring that all schools are using reading curricula with proven effectiveness and to push the school system to provide all students—including those who have disabilities like dyslexia—with the intervention and support they need.

Dec 14, 2023

Selective focus of two children playing with scores with teacher and child at background. (Photo by Lightfield Studios, Adobe Stock.)

Press Statement

NYC Preschoolers with Disabilities Left Waiting as Mayor’s Promise Falls Short

On the one-year anniversary of Mayor Adams’ press conference announcing he would guarantee that every child who needed a preschool special education class would have one by the spring of 2023, Kim Sweet, Executive Director of Advocates for Children of New York (AFC), issued the following statement.

Dec 12, 2023

Testimony & Public Comment

AFC Testifies at City Council Hearing on November Financial Plan

AFC testified before the New York City Council Committee on Finance to express our concerns about the impact of the $547 million cut to NYC public schools this year – and the more than $600 million cut planned for next year.

Dec 11, 2023

Testimony & Public Comment

AFC Testifies at City Council Hearing on Immigrant Students

AFC testified before the New York City Council Committee on Education and Committee on Immigration to discuss newcomer immigrant students in New York City public schools. Our testimony highlights concerns and makes recommendations based on our work on the ground providing assistance to many newcomer immigrant families in shelter on education-related issues.

Nov 29, 2023

Five yellow pencils of varying lengths against a white background.

Press Statement

Response to the November Financial Plan

Kim Sweet, Executive Director of Advocates for Children of New York (AFC), issued the following statement in response to the release of the City’s November Financial Plan.

Nov 16, 2023

Silhouettes of students throwing mortarboards in the air. (Photo by Mnirat, Adobe Stock)

Press Statement

Response to the Recommendations of the Blue Ribbon Commission on Graduation Measures

Kim Sweet, Executive Director of Advocates for Children of New York (AFC), issued the following statement in response to the release of the recommendations of the New York State Blue Ribbon Commission on Graduation Measures.

Nov 13, 2023

Legs of a child using crutches. (Image by falco from Pixabay)

Press Statement

Response to the Release of NYC Public Schools’ Proposed 2025–2029 Capital Plan

Today, Kim Sweet, Executive Director of Advocates for Children of New York (AFC), issued the following statement in response to the release of the New York City Public Schools’ (NYCPS) proposed FY 2025–2029 Five-Year Capital Plan.

Nov 1, 2023

View into a classroom from a school hallway. (Photo by Cavan for Adobe, Adobe Stock)

Issue Brief

Educational Indicators for Students Experiencing Homelessness, 2021–22

This fact sheet summarizes data obtained from the DOE by Advocates for Children on more than 88,000 DOE students identified as homeless during the 2021–22 school year. Of these students, 30% (more than 26,200 children) were living in City shelters.

Nov 1, 2023

Close up of students writing on exam answer sheets in a classroom. (Photo by arrowsmith2, Adobe Stock)

Issue Brief

Student Homelessness in New York City, 2022–23

More than 119,000 NYC students—roughly one in nine—experienced homelessness during the 2022–23 school year, the eighth consecutive year in which more than 100,000 public school students were identified as homeless.

Nov 1, 2023

Testimony & Public Comment

AFC Testifies on Intro. 0003-2022 Regarding the NYPD’s Response to Students in Emotional Crisis

AFC testified before the New York City Council Committees on Education and Public Safety in support of Int. No. 0003-2022, which would regulate the NYPD’s response to students in emotional crisis within public schools.

Oct 25, 2023

Call to Action to Sustain Education Programs Funded with Expiring Federal COVID-19 Relief

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