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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 & 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

    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

    AFC Testifies on the DOE’s Policies Related to Interactions with Federal Immigration Authorities
    New York City City Hall Building
  • Testimony & Public Comment
  • AFC Testifies on the DOE’s Policies Related to Interactions with Federal Immigration Authorities

    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.

    Apr 26, 2017