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.
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AFC submitted public comments to the New York State Education Department on the State’s draft Every Student Succeeds Act (ESSA) plan.
AFC testified before the New York City Council about the Fiscal Year 2018 city budget proposal. We urge the Administration and City Council to increase funding for DOE social workers for students living in homeless shelters, Restorative Practices and other alternatives to school suspensions, and school accessibility.
This May 2017 report, released by the Education Trust–New York, Advocates for Children of New York, the New York Immigration Coalition, and the Committee for Hispanic Children and Families, urges New York school districts to better protect and support immigrant students and families.
AFC testified before the New York City Council Committees on Immigration, Public Safety, and Education, urging the DOE to issue guidance to address the collection of sensitive immigration information and to address the very likely situation of immigrant parents being picked up by ICE during the day, while their children are at school.
AFC testified before the New York City Council Committee on Education on the fiscal year 2018 Preliminary Budget. We urge the Administration to include increased funding for DOE social workers for students living in homeless shelters. In addition, we request that the budget include additional resources to expand restorative practices and pilot a mental health support continuum in 20 high-needs schools.
AFC submitted testimony to the New York Advisory Committee to the U.S. Commission on Civil Rights on the policies and practices of the New York City Police Department (NYPD). Our testimony focuses on how arrests, summonses, and handcuffing of students in New York City disproportionately impacts students who are Black or who have disabilities and makes recommendations to address these significant issues.
AFC testified before the New York City Council Committee on Immigration regarding the city’s plans for addressing federal immigration authorities’ requests for access to school buildings and student records.
AFC testified before the New York City Council Committees on Education and Finance regarding the need for the City to invest increased funding to make additional schools accessible for students, families, and teachers with accessibility needs.
AFC testified before the New York City Council Committees on Education and Finance in support of proposed legislation that would require the Department of Education to report information on school applications, offers of admission, enrollment, and school seats available. Our testimony urges the Council to ensure there are accessible school options across the City for students, teachers, and family members with mobility, hearing, and vision needs.
AFC testified at the New York State Joint Legislative Public Hearing on the 2017–2018 Elementary and Secondary Education Budget proposal, urging legislators to invest in education initiatives such as improved access to Career and Technical Education (CTE) programs for students with disabilities and English Language Learners, the development of performance-based assessments, positive approaches to discipline, and pre-kindergarten.
A new school year begins!