EdTrust-New York

We're hiring a Policy Analyst! The Policy Analyst researches, analyzes, and writes policy to improve education equity, access, and outcomes. This role monitors state and local education policy, engages with policymakers and partners, and supports bill proposals aligned with EdTrust-New York's priorities. The position also helps develop reports and materials, provides logistical support for the EdTrust-New York team, and fosters relationships with coalition and external partners to advance educational equity in New York. This role is based anywhere in NYS and is a temporary, one-year term position. Learn more and apply: https://lnkd.in/e_iweYwT

Check out Arlen Benjamin-Gomez, EdTrust-New York's executive director on Capital Tonight, discussing potential changes to #FoundationAid. “Our approach is that this needs to be equity-driven ... We also think there needs to be increased transparency. How are funds being used? That is a question we think needs to be asked.” https://lnkd.in/grvGbrRr

Panelists at our release event for our latest report in NYC explored what accessibility to early childhood and poverty-reduction programs looks like for families across New York State. They discussed solutions to make systems more efficient and equitable and the need for trauma-informed human support to guide families through the application process for child care subsidies/vouchers, WIC and SNAP benefits, and more. The report, From Barriers to Opportunity: Confronting Systemic Barriers in Early Childhood and Poverty-Reduction Program, contains data from more than 1,000 parents across New York State about their experiences engaging with these programs and how those experiences leave lasting impacts on their families. We are deeply thankful for our parent and policy leaders who joined us: 🔸 Shanita Bowen, Chief Operating Officer, ECE On the Move 🔸 Amy Lee Funes, Parent, Queens, New York  🔸 Lara Kyriakou, M.S. Ed., Associate Director of Early Childhood Policy and Advocacy, EdTrust-New York 🔸 Liz Isakson, MD, Executive Director, Help Me Grow-Long Island, Docs for Tots 🔸 Liza Schwartzwald, Senior Policy Strategist, The New York Immigration Coalition 🔸Moderator Sarah Carr, Contributing Editor at the Hechinger Report and a Program Fellow at the New America Foundation With common-sense changes and smart investments, New York can ensure that its public benefit programs are truly accessible and that basic needs are met. Learn more: https://lnkd.in/e-2SW9pZ Thank you Robin Hood for hosting us!

Last week, we hosted an event alongside our Raising New York partners and parent leaders in Albany to preview our latest report: From Barriers to Opportunity: Confronting New York's Systemic Barriers to Early Childhood and Poverty-Reduction Programs. Special thanks to those who joined us, including our moderator David Lombardo of Capitol Pressroom, our esteemed panelists who spoke from their lived experiences and expertise: parent leaders Mansie Meikle and Julia Day from our Early Childhood Policy & Advocacy Lab; Kate Ryan, Director, Adirondack Birth to Three Alliance; and Kari Siddiqui, Project Director for the Schuyler Center for Analysis and Advocacy; members of the NYS Legislature, representatives from NYS Office of Children and Family Services, the Governor’s Office, and our nonprofit partners. The report, which will be released on October 2nd, features qualitative and quantitative data that uncovers barriers families, especially families of color, immigrant families, and those from low-income backgrounds, face to access poverty-reduction and early childhood programs. These programs — which are critical measures to furthering equity for New York State families — include child care subsidies/vouchers, WIC and SNAP benefits, and voluntary home visiting. Interested in learning more? Explore opportunities with us to improve the early childhood system in New York by signing up for our mailing list to receive a copy of the report: https://loom.ly/CbA4md8 

"This year, Gov. Kathy Hochul requested the Rockefeller Institute review foundation aid while proposing aid cuts for half of New York’s school districts. The foundation aid formula, which is the main source of state funding for school districts, does indeed need an update. The formula, which has the greatest impact on students from low-income backgrounds and communities of color, relies on outdated data and methodologies that do not reflect today's challenges. To address educational equities, we must reform the formula guided by equity and transparency." Read why the goals of this study must prioritize equity and transparency, with a thorough and inclusive process that engages all stakeholders in a new op-ed by EdTrust-New York executive director Arlen Benjamin-Gomez: https://loom.ly/hLy3ZHI

Today, EdTrust-New York joined forces with Advocates for Children of New York and over 115 organizations calling on Governor Hochul and the New York State Legislature to revamp the outdated Foundation Aid formula. The momentum behind this is clear: so many advocates across New York State agree that the Foundation Aid formula is outdated and needs to be updated to better serve students of color, those from low-income backgrounds, multilingual learners, students with disabilities, foster care youth, and those facing housing insecurity. I spoke to Chalkbeat New York about much needed changes, as well as my experience providing testimony and recommendations to Rockefeller Institute of Government in New York City for how state leaders can improve the formula – from promoting data transparency to addressing early childhood funding and more.   Read more in Chalkbeat about the urgent need for updates to the Foundation Aid school funding formula: https://lnkd.in/eVGTFJZi   Explore NYC-specific recommendations from Advocates for Children of New York sign on letter: https://lnkd.in/eZUMvd-m   Check out EdTrust-New York’s statewide recommendations: https://lnkd.in/ewuQQ6ta   #FoundationAid #EquitableSchoolFunding #EdEquity

The Foundation Aid formula plays a critical role in ensuring equitable funding for schools serving students from low-income backgrounds and students of color. Our commitment is to ensure that all students achieve high levels of success from early childhood through college completion. The 2025 New York State Enacted Budget called for the Rockefeller Institute of Government to conduct a study evaluating Foundation Aid and explore possible adjustments to the formula. We join forces with 115 organizations with Advocates for Children of New York that 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. Learn more about our recommendations for improving the Foundation Aid formula here: https://lnkd.in/eUNbQtMC View the sign on letter here: https://lnkd.in/ejMrEmFF

The preliminary 2023-24 statewide assessment results released by NYSED are alarming. These results must serve as a wake-up call to state, district and community leaders that we cannot continue to do more of the same and expect better outcomes. Our students and families deserve better. Read our statement. #StudentExcellence #BoldEdEquity #EduReimagined

New look. Same mission. EdTrust’s new look and logo represent our vision of education equity—moving boldly, championing excellence, while keeping students first. And stay tuned for our social media campaign in September, called #EduReimagined, when we’ll ask you to imagine with us what makes an ideal education system where all students can achieve excellence. Tell us now in the comments and we’ll post your answers! #StudentExcellence #BoldEdEquity #EduReimagined

New York State’s 2025 Enacted State Budget called for the Rockefeller Institute of Government to conduct a study to assess Foundation Aid — the primary source of state funding for public schools to support high-need school districts — and discuss potential modifications to the formula. Our director of partnerships and early childhood policy Jenn O'Connor had the opportunity to testify in the Capitol Region this week about how the current formula must be updated to better reflect current student needs — especially students experiencing poverty, students experiencing homelessness or foster care, multilingual learners, and students with disabilities. Learn more about how you can submit a written testimony here: https://loom.ly/1EL6rwQ