As Mayor-elect Zohran Mamdani plans his rollout of universal child care, his team is studying both the successes and shortcomings of New York City’s earlier universal pre-K expansion to make sure families’ needs and provider perspectives are included. Advocates and experts alike emphasize that building a truly universal system will require centering families’ choices and … Continue reading As Mamdani looks to build free child care, UPK offers lessons on speed vs. stability
Breaking the mayor’s monopoly: Can Zohran Mamdani make co-governance work for New York’s schools?
Zohran Mamdani is calling for a new approach to how New York City’s public schools are governed, challenging the decades-old system of mayoral control that concentrates power in City Hall. Zakiyah Shaakir-Ansari, co-executive director of AQE, said the current structure was built to consolidate authority and that now is the moment to build something more … Continue reading Breaking the mayor’s monopoly: Can Zohran Mamdani make co-governance work for New York’s schools?
‘Confusion and chaos’: Mamdani pushes for less power over NYC schools
Democratic mayoral nominee Zohran Mamdani is proposing to reduce the mayor’s control over New York City’s schools and instead create a co-governance model that shares authority with parents, educators, and local councils. Supporters see this as a step toward greater accountability and inclusion, while critics warn it could lead to “confusion and chaos.” Zakiyah Shaakir-Ansari, … Continue reading ‘Confusion and chaos’: Mamdani pushes for less power over NYC schools
Mamdani campaign quietly convenes education advocates to shape schools agenda
Zohran Mamdani’s campaign for mayor of New York City recently convened education advocates, parents, and education policy experts to gather input on policies that could better serve New York City’s diverse communities, particularly focusing on equity, affordability, and the needs of vulnerable students. AQE participated, highlighting issues of funding and access, while parents voiced priorities … Continue reading Mamdani campaign quietly convenes education advocates to shape schools agenda
Should the Mayor Control N.Y.C. Schools? Mamdani and Cuomo Don’t Agree.
The debate over who should run New York City’s schools has become a defining issue in the mayoral race, with Zohran Mamdani calling for an end to the city’s undemocratic system of mayoral control in favor of greater community and educator voice. His stance, backed by teachers and progressive families, reflects growing frustration with decades … Continue reading Should the Mayor Control N.Y.C. Schools? Mamdani and Cuomo Don’t Agree.
There’s No Place For Islamophobia In Our Schools Or City
NEW YORK, NY (October 24, 2025) — In response to recent Islamophobic rhetoric and insinuations made by mayoral candidate Andrew Cuomo against Assemblymember Zohran Mamdani, the public education advocacy organization Alliance for Quality Education released the following statement: “AQE condemns in the strongest terms the Islamophobic attacks and insinuations directed at Assemblymember Zohran Mamdani. The … Continue reading There’s No Place For Islamophobia In Our Schools Or City
Here’s Where NYC Mayoral Candidates Stand on Key Issues
In a Bloomberg article on New York City’s mayoral race, education and child care emerged as key tests of how the candidates would address inequality and affordability. Democratic nominee Zohran Mamdani called for fully universal child care, while also questioning the concentration of mayoral power over public schools. He supports smaller class sizes, stronger community … Continue reading Here’s Where NYC Mayoral Candidates Stand on Key Issues
Where the NYC mayoral candidates stand on the future of education
Education has largely taken a back seat in New York City’s mayoral race, even though the next mayor will oversee the nation’s largest school system and its $40 billion budget. Democratic nominee Zohran Mamdani has focused on supporting the city’s most vulnerable students and has called for ending mayoral control in favor of more democratic … Continue reading Where the NYC mayoral candidates stand on the future of education
Cellphone bans can help kids learn — but Black students are suspended more as schools make the shift
Florida’s cellphone ban led to small improvements in attendance and test scores but also revealed serious racial and economic inequities as suspensions for Black students rose sharply in the first year. The study shows that policies meant to help students can still deepen inequality when they ignore existing disparities in schools. Real progress will come … Continue reading Cellphone bans can help kids learn — but Black students are suspended more as schools make the shift
Keeping Schools Safe? The Research on Behavioral Threat Assessments
A report from the Learning Policy Institute finds that while school shootings have prompted widespread interest in behavioral threat assessment (BTA) systems, physical security measures alone do little to prevent violence. When implemented with strong mental health supports and a positive school climate, BTAs can reduce suspensions, bullying, and disparities in discipline while promoting fairness … Continue reading Keeping Schools Safe? The Research on Behavioral Threat Assessments