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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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.
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.
AFC submitted comments to the U.S. Department of Education on New York State’s compliance with respect to transition planning for students with disabilities.
This interactive report finds that only 31.1% of schools are fully accessible to students, parents, educators, and community members with physical disabilities as of the start of the 2023-24 school year. The report calls on the City to invest $1.25 billion—roughly 5-6% of its capital budget—in the forthcoming five-year Capital Plan to improve school accessibility.
AFC submitted comments regarding the New York State Education Department (NYSED) proposal to amend section 200.5 of the Regulations of the Commissioner regarding extensions in special education due process hearings and related procedures.
This June 2023 data analysis shows that 37% of all preschoolers with disabilities—a total 9,800 children—went the entire 2021–22 school year without receiving at least one of the types of services the DOE was legally required to provide, a systemic violation of students’ rights. The report analyzes DOE data, which likely significantly understate the magnitude of the problem, and makes recommendations for needed changes moving forward.
AFC submitted comments to NYSED on proposed changes to the state regulations on special education impartial hearings.
AFC submitted written testimony to the City Council Committe on Education regarding Intro No. 868, which would require the Department of Education (DOE) to report on the number of students attending District 75 schools and the criteria used to determine the location of District 75 schools.
AFC testified before the City Council Committee on Mental Health, Disabilities and Addiction and the Committee on Health on the need for school-based social-emotional, behavioral, and mental health services, and for extending funding for the Mental Health Continuum, which will expire in June.
Advocates for Children of New York (AFC) issued the following statement in response to the release of the New York City Department of Education (DOE)’s special education data report for the 2021–22 school year.