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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.

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 More than 115 organizations are calling on Governor Hochul and the New York State Legislature to revamp New York’s outdated school funding formula to ensure schools have the resources necessary to provide a high-quality education to all students, with particular attention to those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.
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    Response to State Education Department Announcement on Graduation Requirements
    Line of students in blue caps and gowns, viewed from behind. (Photo by Mel Stoutsenberger, Adobe Stock)
  • Press Statement
    • Response to State Education Department Announcement on Graduation Requirements

    Kim Sweet, Executive Director of Advocates for Children of New York (AFC), issued the following statement in response to the New York State Education Department (SED)’s proposal for implementing the recommendations of the Blue Ribbon Commission on Graduation Measures, as presented at today’s Board of Regents meeting.

    Jun 10, 2024

    AFC Urges DOE to Follow NYSED Guidance and Extend Eligibility to Students at Risk of Aging Out
    Teenage girl talking with teacher while sitting in classroom (Photo by Cavan for Adobe, Adobe Stock)
  • Press Statement
    • AFC Urges DOE to Follow NYSED Guidance and Extend Eligibility to Students at Risk of Aging Out

    Kim Sweet, Executive Director of Advocates for Children of New York (AFC), issued the following statement in response to new State guidance strongly encouraging school districts to provide over-age high school students the opportunity to return to school next year to finish meeting requirements for a high school diploma, diploma endorsement or exit credential.

    Apr 15, 2021

    AFC Urges DOE to Follow State Guidance & Let 21-Year-Old Students Stay in School
    Rear shot of a young woman writing in a notebook; textbooks are piled in the background. (Photo by RF._.studio via Pexels)
  • Press Statement
    • AFC Urges DOE to Follow State Guidance & Let 21-Year-Old Students Stay in School

    Kim Sweet, Executive Director of Advocates for Children of New York (AFC), issued the following statement in response to new State guidance strongly encouraging school districts to provide over-age high school students the opportunity to return to school next year to finish meeting graduation requirements and to prepare for their transition out of high school.

    Jun 25, 2020

    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

    100+ Organizations Call for Extended Eligibility for 12th Graders Aging Out in 2020
    Student wearing a class of 2020 mortarboard, viewed from behind. (Photo by Rebeca Alvidrez on Unsplash)
  • Sign-On Letter
    • 100+ Organizations Call for Extended Eligibility for 12th Graders Aging Out in 2020

    More than 100 education and advocacy organizations and over five dozen parents and educators from across New York State sent a letter to the New York State Board of Regents and the State Education Department, urging them to give students who are aging out of school this year the opportunity to return to high school for the 2020-21 school year, rather than lose their chance to earn a high school diploma because of COVID-19.

    May 11, 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

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