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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 More than 115 organizations are calling on Governor Hochul and the New York State Legislature to revamp New York’s outdated school funding formula to ensure schools have the resources necessary to provide a high-quality education to all students, with particular attention to those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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    Early Inequities: How Underfunding Early Intervention Leaves Low-Income Children of Color Behind
    Toddler playing with educational toys.
  • Policy Report
    • Early Inequities: How Underfunding Early Intervention Leaves Low-Income Children of Color Behind

    This December 2019 report, published in partnership with Citizens’ Committee for Children of New York (CCC), shows that State disinvestment in New York’s Early Intervention program has caused major racial and socio-economic disparities in access to services. The report shows that children under the age of three with developmental delays or disabilities are less likely to receive critical services that could help them reach their full potential if they live in low-income neighborhoods of color, and makes a number of recommendations to New York City and New York State in order to increase access to Early Intervention services.

    Dec 4, 2019

    Gaps in Social Workers for Students Living in Shelters
    Midsection of a girl sitting on the ground doing schoolwork. (Photo by Mary Taylor via Pexels)
  • 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

    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

    Children in Crisis: Police Response to Students in Emotional Distress
    Boy sits alone in a school hallway, his back against the lockers
  • Policy Report
    • Children in Crisis: Police Response to Students in Emotional Distress

    This report analyzes data reported by the New York City Police Department (NYPD) showing that Black students are significantly over-represented in NYPD “child in crisis” interventions – incidents involving students in emotional distress sent to the hospital for psychological evaluation. The brief also examines the NYPD’s use of handcuffs on students as young as 5 years old during these incidents between July 2016 and June 2017.

    Nov 2, 2017

    Empowering Parents So Children Succeed: A Toolkit to Support Parent Involvement in Education when their Children are in Foster Care
    A woman smiles at the camera while hugging a young boy.
  • Policy Report
    • Empowering Parents So Children Succeed: A Toolkit to Support Parent Involvement in Education when their Children are in Foster Care

    This report, released jointly by AFC and SCO Family of Services, provides recommendations for child welfare agencies as well as an easy-to-use toolkit to support parent involvement in education when their children are in foster care.

    Sep 29, 2017

    Missed Potential: English Language Learners Under-Represented in New York City Career and Technical Education Programs
    Three students in a classroom working on a technical project. (Photo by Vanessa Loring from Pexels)
  • Policy Report
    • Missed Potential: English Language Learners Under-Represented in New York City Career and Technical Education Programs

    This data brief analyzes city and state data showing that English Language Learners (ELLs) are under-represented in career and technical education (CTE) programs at New York City high schools. The report makes recommendations for steps the DOE can take to address barriers for ELLs.

    Jul 24, 2017

    Obstacles and Opportunities: Creating Career and Technical Education Pathways for Students with Disabilities
    A boy repairing a motherboard
  • Policy Report
    • Obstacles and Opportunities: Creating Career and Technical Education Pathways for Students with Disabilities

    This December 2016 report analyzes access to high school-level career and technical education (CTE) programs for students with disabilities in New York State. Based on data findings and interviews with professionals, special education advocates, and parents of students with disabilities, the paper makes recommendations for addressing barriers to CTE.

    Dec 8, 2016

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