Stack of books against a blurred background. (Photo by Kimberly Farmer on Unsplash)

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.

More than 115 Organizations Call for Changes to New York State’s School Funding Formula
  • Sign-On Letter

    • More than 115 Organizations Call for Changes to New York State’s School Funding Formula

    Every child in New York State has the right to a sound, basic education—and providing such an education requires adequate and equitable funding. More than 115 organizations are calling on Governor Hochul and the New York State Legislature to revamp New York’s outdated school funding formula to ensure schools have the resources necessary to provide a high-quality education to all students, with particular attention to those who have the greatest needs.
    Desks facing a chalkboard in an empty classroom. (Photo by maroke, Adobe Stock)

    170 Results Found

    Filter By
    • Topic
    • Resource Type
    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 Commends the Decision to Modify Graduation Exam Requirements in Light of COVID-19
    Student's hand holding pencil and filling in a bubble on an answer sheet for a math exam. (Photo by Achira22, Adobe Stock)
  • Press Statement
    • AFC Commends the Decision to Modify Graduation Exam Requirements in Light of COVID-19

    Kim Sweet, Executive Director of Advocates for Children of New York (AFC), issued the following statement in response to the cancellation of the June Regents exams and the release of guidance from the New York State Education Department (NYSED) modifying graduation requirements for impacted students.

    Apr 7, 2020

    Waiting for a Seat: The Shortage of Preschool Special Education Class Seats in New York City
    Preschool girl drawing at a table in a classroom. (Image by krakenimages.com on Freepik)
  • Policy Report
    • Waiting for a Seat: The Shortage of Preschool Special Education Class Seats in New York City

    As a result of years of under-investment by the State in preschool special education programs, New York is falling far short of providing all children with the preschool special education classes they need and have a legal right to receive. This policy brief shows a projected shortfall of more than 1,000 preschool special education class seats for New York City children with disabilities for spring 2020.

    Jan 30, 2020

    Early Inequities: How Underfunding Early Intervention Leaves Low-Income Children of Color Behind
    Toddler playing with educational toys.
  • Policy Report
    • Early Inequities: How Underfunding Early Intervention Leaves Low-Income Children of Color Behind

    This December 2019 report, published in partnership with Citizens’ Committee for Children of New York (CCC), shows that State disinvestment in New York’s Early Intervention program has caused major racial and socio-economic disparities in access to services. The report shows that children under the age of three with developmental delays or disabilities are less likely to receive critical services that could help them reach their full potential if they live in low-income neighborhoods of color, and makes a number of recommendations to New York City and New York State in order to increase access to Early Intervention services.

    Dec 4, 2019

    Load More
    Send us a message