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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 More than 115 organizations are calling on Governor Hochul and the New York State Legislature to revamp New York’s outdated school funding formula to ensure schools have the resources necessary to provide a high-quality education to all students, with particular attention to those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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    Not Yet for All: How the Next Administration Can Make Preschool Truly Universal
    Midsection of a young girl playing with educational toys. (Photo by Yan Krukau from Pexels)
  • Policy Report
    • Not Yet for All: How the Next Administration Can Make Preschool Truly Universal

    This January 2022 data brief found that preschool students with disabilities are being underserved by 3-K and Pre-K for All and are being denied access to special education programs and services to which they have a legal right—with disparities based on race, school district, housing status, and language of instruction.

    Jan 20, 2022

    AFC Joins 100+ Organizations to Urge Governor Hochul to Sign A.8013 / S.6515-A
    New York State capitol building
  • Sign-On Letter
    • AFC Joins 100+ Organizations to Urge Governor Hochul to Sign A.8013 / S.6515-A

    AFC joined more than 100 organizations in sending a letter urging Governor Hochul to sign into law A.8013 (Benedetto) / S.6516-A (Mannion), a bill passed unanimously by the Senate and Assembly to ensure that preschool special education programs, as well as state-approved non-public schools for school-age students with significant disabilities, receive the same increase in payment rates as school districts.

    Nov 30, 2021

    100+ Organizations Urge Governor Cuomo to Increase Funding for Preschool Special Education Programs
    Two young girls drawing in a classroom. (Photo by Anastasia Shuraeva via Pexels)
  • Sign-On Letter
    • 100+ Organizations Urge Governor Cuomo to Increase Funding for Preschool Special Education Programs

    AFC joined more than 100 organizations in sending a letter urging the Governor to sign into law A. 8013 (Benedetto) / S. 6516-A (Mannion), a bill passed unanimously by the Senate and Assembly to ensure that preschool special education programs, as well as state-approved non-public schools for school-age students with significant disabilities, receive the same increase in payment rates as school districts.

    Aug 9, 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’s COVID-19 Education Recovery Plan
    Two teenage girls with backpacks, one wearing a face mask, walk up a flight of stairs in a subway station. (Photo by Charlotte May via Pexels)
  • Policy Agenda
    • AFC’s COVID-19 Education Recovery Plan

    With the federal government having approved the largest one-time investment in education in our nation’s history, NYC needs an ambitious education initiative to pave the way to hope and opportunity for this generation of students. Such a plan must invest resources in academic support, mental health support, and outreach and engagement. It must be targeted to assist students disproportionately impacted by the pandemic, including the provision of specialized instruction and support where needed. This plan outlines our recommendations for steps the City should take.

    Mar 12, 2021

    AFC Testifies on the 2021–2022 State Education & Health Budget Proposals
    New York State capitol building
  • Testimony & Public Comment
    • AFC Testifies on the 2021–2022 State Education & Health Budget Proposals

    On January 28, 2021, AFC testified at the New York State Joint Legislative Hearing on the 2021-2022 Elementary and Secondary Education Budget proposal, urging legislators to increase, and not cut, state education funding and ensure schools can use their full COVID-19 relief funding to reopen schools and help students catch up.

    Jan 28, 2021

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