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 testified before the New York City Council Committee on Finance to express our concerns about the impact of the $547 million cut to NYC public schools this year – and the more than $600 million cut planned for next year.
AFC testified before the New York City Council Committee on Education and Committee on Immigration to discuss newcomer immigrant students in New York City public schools. Our testimony highlights concerns and makes recommendations based on our work on the ground providing assistance to many newcomer immigrant families in shelter on education-related issues.
Kim Sweet, Executive Director of Advocates for Children of New York (AFC), issued the following statement in response to the release of the City’s November Financial Plan.
Kim Sweet, Executive Director of Advocates for Children of New York (AFC), issued the following statement in response to the release of the recommendations of the New York State Blue Ribbon Commission on Graduation Measures.
Today, Kim Sweet, Executive Director of Advocates for Children of New York (AFC), issued the following statement in response to the release of the New York City Public Schools’ (NYCPS) proposed FY 2025–2029 Five-Year Capital Plan.
This fact sheet summarizes data obtained from the DOE by Advocates for Children on more than 88,000 DOE students identified as homeless during the 2021–22 school year. Of these students, 30% (more than 26,200 children) were living in City shelters.
More than 119,000 NYC students—roughly one in nine—experienced homelessness during the 2022–23 school year, the eighth consecutive year in which more than 100,000 public school students were identified as homeless.
AFC testified before the New York City Council Committees on Education and Public Safety in support of Int. No. 0003-2022, which would regulate the NYPD’s response to students in emotional crisis within public schools.
AFC sent a letter to Mayor Adams emphasizing, in advance of education budget cuts being planned for November, that the City’s obligation to uphold students’ legal rights remains unchanged. As the budget process moves forward, the City must ensure that its choices do not impede its ability to uphold students’ rights and comply with federal and state law, including special education law.
Kim Sweet, Executive Director of Advocates for Children of New York (AFC), issued the following statement in response to the anticipated announcement that New York City will limit shelter stays to 60 days for newcomer families.