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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.

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AFC Testifies on the DOE’s Use of Foundation Aid and Federal COVID-19 Relief Funding
New York State capitol building
  • Testimony & Public Comment
    • AFC Testifies on the DOE’s Use of Foundation Aid and Federal COVID-19 Relief Funding

    AFC testified before the New York State Senate Education Committee on the DOE’s use of increased state and federal education funding; specifically, how the funding is being used to meet the needs of students with disabilities, English Language Learners, and students experiencing homelessness—students who were hit particularly hard by the closure of schools.

    Oct 5, 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 School Reopening
    New York City City Hall Building
  • Testimony & Public Comment
    • AFC Testifies on School Reopening

    AFC testified before the New York City Council Committee on Education and Committee on Health regarding the reopening of City schools. As the City continues working on the health and safety measures needed to protect school communities from COVID-19 this year, the City must also redouble its outreach efforts and provide individualized support to families of students who are not regularly engaging in remote learning.

    Oct 16, 2020

    Protect Graduation Opportunities for Students Aging Out During COVID-19
    Rows of high school graduates in caps and gowns, viewed from behind. (Photo by Mat Hayward, Adobe Stock)
  • Issue Brief
    • Protect Graduation Opportunities for Students Aging Out During COVID-19

    This June 2020 policy brief shows that there are approximately 3,700 students in New York State who will age out of school this year and lose their chance to earn a diploma. They are disproportionately students of color, students with disabilities, and English Language Learners. The brief calls on the State Education Department to issue guidance directing districts to allow all students aging out of school without a diploma to return to high school next year.

    Jun 15, 2020

    AFC Testifies Before the City Council Committee on Education about Remote Learning
    New York City City Hall Building
  • Testimony & Public Comment
    • AFC Testifies Before the City Council Committee on Education about Remote Learning

    AFC testified before the City Council Committee on Education about remote learning and the impact of COVID-19 on the City’s schools, focusing on the challenges our clients have experienced and the need for the DOE to address the barriers students are facing so they can participate in remote summer school.

    May 27, 2020

    AFC & the ARISE Coalition Testify on the New York City FY 2021 Executive Budget
    New York City City Hall Building
  • Testimony & Public Comment
    • AFC & the ARISE Coalition Testify on the New York City FY 2021 Executive Budget

    AFC and the ARISE Coalition (coordinated by AFC) testified before the New York City Council Committee on Finance about the importance of rejecting proposed cuts to schools and investing in education initiatives that will help students get needed support when they return to school, including funding for preschool special education classes, direct mental health support for students, guaranteed transportation for students in foster care, support for English Language Learners, and more.

    May 21, 2020

    AFC & the NYIC Education Collaborative Respond to Proposed DOE Grading & Promotion Policy
    Close up of a red pencil making a large
  • Sign-On Letter
    • AFC & the NYIC Education Collaborative Respond to Proposed DOE Grading & Promotion Policy

    Advocates for Children joined more than 30 other signatories in providing feedback and recommendations on the DOE’s proposed grading policy for the 2019-20 school year. In light of the unprecedented challenges of COVID-19-related school closures, the letter urges the DOE to give course credit to all students this semester in lieu of a grading system, and to design a separate system to provide needed support to students who have fallen behind.

    Apr 24, 2020

    AFC Testifies on the 2020–2021 State Education Budget Proposal
    New York State capitol building
  • Testimony & Public Comment
    • AFC Testifies on the 2020–2021 State Education Budget Proposal

    AFC testified at the New York State Joint Legislative Hearing on the 2020–2021 Elementary and Secondary Education Budget proposal, urging legislators to fully fund Foundation Aid; increase investments in targeted areas such as preschool special education programs, support for Multilingual Learners, and positive approaches to discipline; and reject the harmful special education waiver proposal.

    Feb 11, 2020

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