Advocates for Children of New York’s Post

We’re #hiring! Join our communications team to help AFC better support and empower NYC families & students who face barriers to academic success, and advance systemic reform. Learn more about the position and share if you know anyone who might be interested!

Today, we join more than 115 organizations to call on Gov. Kathy Hochul and NYS leaders to revamp New York’s outdated school funding formula and ensure schools have the resources they need to provide a high-quality education to *all* students. Read our recommendations: https://lnkd.in/ejMrEmFF We appreciate that the Governor and NYS Legislature fully funded the education funding formula in 2023, but the current formula relies on out-of-date and incomplete measures of need and has not evolved to account for growing costs. For the first time in 15+ years, New York State is reexamining the formula it uses to determine per-pupil funding. This is our chance to fight for adequate and equitable funding that reflects the true cost of meeting the needs of today's students and schools. https://lnkd.in/em_iYCK5

We’re #hiring for next summer's Law Internship Program, a wonderful opportunity for law students to gain experience in education advocacy and support NYC families and students!

An overhaul of reading instruction in NYC Department of Education schools has been long overdue. As much as we want to see immediate results from NYC Reads, we always knew that successful implementation would take time. As AFC Director Kim Sweet said, “We need to take the long view and work for lasting change” in order to prepare all students for successful futures.

Are you a parent or family member of a student with a disability in New York City Public Schools? If so, The ARISE Coalition would love to hear about your student's experience with special education, and what improvements you'd want to see going forward. Add your thoughts! Complete the survey, available in multiple languages, by August 27:

Today we celebrate the 34th anniversary of the passage of the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA), a landmark civil rights law. #ADA34 At Advocates for Children of New York, we rely on the ADA to make schools more accessible and welcoming to students with disabilities, but we still have a long way to go to fulfill the promise of the ADA. For example, the persistence of physical barriers in *two-thirds* of NYC Department of Education schools means that New Yorkers with disabilities are still routinely excluded from buildings that are central to their communities. Are you considering a school but want to know more about the building's physical accessibility? MySchools.nyc directory has Building Accessibility Profiles for all NYC schools, with detailed information about pathways, entrances, ramps, corridors, classrooms, restrooms, and more ▶ https://lnkd.in/eNNpZkZq

Some very thoughtful words about learning alongside Advocates for Children of New York's attorneys from Fordham University School of Law student Alexa Jean-Baptiste, one of our wonderful summer law interns.

Every July, we celebrate #DisabilityPrideMonth -- an opportunity to honor the history, achievements, experiences and struggles of the disability community, and to share tips and resources for New Yorkers with disabilities Our library of free know-your-rights guides, tip sheets, and other resources can help New Yorkers with disabilities and their families navigate NYC Department of Education schools, understand your school-related rights, and advocate successfully for yourself and your child, like our "Guide to Special Education," a key primer to help you understand your rights ▶ https://lnkd.in/eRERjeUn 💡 Tip: the summer is a great time to get your child’s documents in order and prepare to meet with the school team in the Fall. Our online library has resources like an IEP Worksheet that can help you organize your thoughts, figure out what to prioritize, and plan for next year’s goals and services.  ▶ https://lnkd.in/eg8vYqRK