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.
72 Results Found
Kim Sweet, Executive Director of Advocates for Children of New York (AFC), issued the following statement in response to the New York State Education Department (NYSED)’s release of high school graduation rates for the 2015 cohort.
AFC, on behalf of the Coalition for Multiple Pathways to a Diploma, testified before the City Council Committee on Education on high-stakes tests and the need for more ways to determine that students have mastered high school graduation standards.
In response to Chancellor Rosa’s announcement that New York State would form a Blue Ribbon Commission to re-examine high school graduation requirements, the Coalition for Multiple Pathways to a Diploma (coordinated by AFC) submitted a list of stakeholder groups and study questions that are critical to consider as the state works to identify graduation requirements that are comprehensible, rigorous, and that meet the needs of all learners.
AFC submitted public comment to the New York State Education Department on a proposed amendment to the regulation about the right of students with disabilities receiving SACC and CDOS credentials to participate in graduation ceremonies and activities. We urged NYSED to require schools to inform families that these students have the right to stay in school through age 21 or until they earn a diploma, regardless of their participation in graduation activities.
The Coalition for Multiple Pathways to a Diploma sent a letter to State Education Commissioner MaryEllen Elia, Chancellor Betty A. Rosa, and the Board of Regents, urging them to move forward with a 2017 proposal to convene a State Commission to examine high school diploma requirements and to propose meaningful, rigorous pathways to a diploma that do not rely on high-stakes tests.
The Coalition for Multiple Pathways to a Diploma submitted comments to the State Education Department regarding a proposal to establish a new Superintendent Determination pathway to a local diploma for certain students with disabilities who earn a CDOS Commencement Credential.
The Coalition for Multiple Pathways to a Diploma (coordinated by AFC) submitted comments in support of the New York State Education Department (NYSED) proposal to amend Section 100.7 of the Regulations of the Commissioner of Education to establish a new pathway to a high school equivalency diploma. The Coalition made several recommendations to avoid pushout of high school students.
The Coalition for Multiple Pathways to a Diploma wrote to Chancellor Rosa and Commissioner Elia supporting a proposal to establish a commission to re-examine New York State’s graduation requirements and making several recommendations for the commission to consider as alternatives to high-stakes exit exams.
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.
AFC submitted public comments to the New York State Education Department on the State’s draft Every Student Succeeds Act (ESSA) plan.