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.
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    Gaps in Social Workers for Students Living in Shelters
    Midsection of a girl sitting on the ground doing schoolwork.
  • Policy Report
    • Gaps in Social Workers for Students Living in Shelters

    This May 2018 report documents the number of New York City schools with high concentrations of students living in shelters that do not have a social worker focused on this population. AFC’s analysis shows that the Mayor’s proposed modest increase in funding falls far short of meeting the need, and calls on the City to double the number of school social workers focused on serving students living in shelters.

    May 24, 2018

    AFC, Members of the ARISE Coalition, and PIE Call for Increased Funding for School Accessibility in the 2019 City budget
    Young girl wearing glasses and a brown dress and using a walker.
  • Testimony & Public Comment
    • AFC, Members of the ARISE Coalition, and PIE Call for Increased Funding for School Accessibility in the 2019 City budget

    Members of the ARISE Coalition, which is coordinated by AFC, and Parents for Inclusive Education (PIE) wrote to Mayor de Blasio and the New York City Council, urging them to ensure that the final FY 2019 budget includes the City Council’s recommendation for an additional $125 million for school accessibility projects.

    May 15, 2018

    AFC Testifies on Intro. No. 376-A, Establishing an Anti-Bullying Hotline and Mobile App
    Girl sitting at classroom desk and leaning towards another girl, whispering
  • Testimony & Public Comment
    • AFC Testifies on Intro. No. 376-A, Establishing an Anti-Bullying Hotline and Mobile App

    AFC testified before the New York City Council Committee on Youth Services regarding a proposal to establish an anti-bullying hotline and an anti-bullying mobile device application. AFC urges the City to invest in building positive, inclusive school climates by implementing anti-bullying training and funding whole-school evidence-based approaches.

    Apr 26, 2018

    Recommendations for Improving School Access and Success for Rising Numbers of Students in Temporary Housing
    Three young children wearing brightly colored backpacks, viewed from behind.
  • Policy Agenda
  • Sign-On Letter
    • Recommendations for Improving School Access and Success for Rising Numbers of Students in Temporary Housing

    In March 2018, Advocates for Children and Citizens’ Committee for Children of New York jointly issued recommendations for expanding support for students experiencing homelessness, and sixteen leading child advocacy, education, and housing organizations sent a letter to Mayor de Blasio urging him to include a significant infusion of resources in the budget to support these students.

    Mar 15, 2018

    Advocacy Strategies to Stop the School-to-Prison Pipeline: From Working with Localities to Litigation
    Close-up of an open book. (Photo by Bilakis via Pexels)
  • White Paper
    • Advocacy Strategies to Stop the School-to-Prison Pipeline: From Working with Localities to Litigation

    AFC presented this white paper at the 2018 national conference of the Council of Parent Attorneys and Advocates (COPAA). It discusses approaches that work to positively support students, improve school climate, and reduce suspensions, referrals to law enforcement, and inappropriate removals to the psychiatric emergency room. The paper also discusses strategies to dismantle the school-to-prison pipeline and the disparate impact on students with disabilities and students of color, including working collaboratively with school districts and localities, advocating to change laws, and litigation.

    Mar 10, 2018

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