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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.

Leading the Way for NYC Schools: Recommendations for the Next Administration
  • Policy Agenda

    • Leading the Way for NYC Schools: Recommendations for the Next Administration

    Based on our experience helping thousands of NYC families each year, we urge the next Mayor to take on big challenges with bold ideas and stand firm in the face of threats to students’ civil rights.
    Closeup of student holding a pencil in class

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    Not Yet for All: How the Next Administration Can Make Preschool Truly Universal
    Midsection of a young girl playing with educational toys. (Photo by Yan Krukau from Pexels)
  • Policy Report
    • Not Yet for All: How the Next Administration Can Make Preschool Truly Universal

    This January 2022 data brief found that preschool students with disabilities are being underserved by 3-K and Pre-K for All and are being denied access to special education programs and services to which they have a legal right—with disparities based on race, school district, housing status, and language of instruction.

    Jan 20, 2022

    AFC Joins 100+ Organizations to Urge Governor Hochul to Sign A.8013 / S.6515-A
    New York State capitol building
  • Sign-On Letter
    • AFC Joins 100+ Organizations to Urge Governor Hochul to Sign A.8013 / S.6515-A

    AFC joined more than 100 organizations in sending a letter urging Governor Hochul to sign into law A.8013 (Benedetto) / S.6516-A (Mannion), a bill passed unanimously by the Senate and Assembly to ensure that preschool special education programs, as well as state-approved non-public schools for school-age students with significant disabilities, receive the same increase in payment rates as school districts.

    Nov 30, 2021

    Vision for NYC Schools: Recommendations for the Next Administration
    Hands typing on a laptop. (Photo by wavebreak3, Adobe Stock)
  • Policy Agenda
    • Vision for NYC Schools: Recommendations for the Next Administration

    Mayor-elect Eric Adams will take office at a time when the COVID-19 pandemic has worsened the longstanding inequities in our City’s schools. Based on our 50 years of on-the-ground experience helping students and families navigate the largest school system in the country and get the support they need to learn, we outline some of the most pressing challenges in public education — including those that pre-date COVID — where the incoming Mayor must be prepared to focus attention, energy, and resources.

    Nov 3, 2021

    AFC & the ARISE Coalition Testify on the DOE’s Academic Recovery Plan for 2021-22
    New York City City Hall Building
  • Testimony & Public Comment
    • AFC & the ARISE Coalition Testify on the DOE’s Academic Recovery Plan for 2021-22

    AFC and the ARISE Coalition (coordinated by AFC) testified before the City Council Committee on Education on the continued work needed to strengthen the DOE’s academic recovery plans this year. While we appreciate that the City is using this funding for some important initiatives, we worry there is still inadequate detail about how the funding will be used, inadequate funding for key priorities, and too much discretion and responsibility left to individual schools that already have their hands full reopening schools and keeping school communities safe.

    Oct 27, 2021

    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

    100+ Organizations Urge Governor Cuomo to Increase Funding for Preschool Special Education Programs
    Two young girls drawing in a classroom. (Photo by Anastasia Shuraeva via Pexels)
  • Sign-On Letter
    • 100+ Organizations Urge Governor Cuomo to Increase Funding for Preschool Special Education Programs

    AFC joined more than 100 organizations in sending a letter urging the Governor to sign into law A. 8013 (Benedetto) / S. 6516-A (Mannion), a bill passed unanimously by the Senate and Assembly to ensure that preschool special education programs, as well as state-approved non-public schools for school-age students with significant disabilities, receive the same increase in payment rates as school districts.

    Aug 9, 2021

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