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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

140,000 N.Y.C. Students Are Homeless. Can the Next Mayor Change That?

New York City’s worsening housing crisis has left more than 140,000 students without stable homes, deepening educational inequality and trapping families in cycles of hardship. Zohran Mamdani has pledged to confront this crisis head-on by expanding programs that connect homeless families with city support and by centering housing security as a core part of educational … Continue reading 140,000 N.Y.C. Students Are Homeless. Can the Next Mayor Change That?

Mamdani Says He Would Phase Out N.Y.C. Gifted Program for Early Grades

Zohran Mamdani, the Democratic frontrunner for New York City mayor, has announced his plan to phase out the city’s gifted and talented program for kindergarteners, reviving a proposal first floated under Mayor de Blasio. The program, which enrolls fewer than 5 percent of students in kindergarten, has long been criticized for deepening segregation and limiting … Continue reading Mamdani Says He Would Phase Out N.Y.C. Gifted Program for Early Grades

Chancellor Avilés-Ramos Responds to Community Calls for CEC Election Reform

NEW YORK, N.Y. (October 1, 2025) — In response to NYC Public Schools Chancellor Melissa Avilés-Ramos’ announcement of a new tool and renewed efforts to reform the Community Education Council (CEC) election process, the public education advocacy organization Alliance for Quality Education released the following statement: “Chancellor Avilés-Ramos has shown a clear commitment to listening to … Continue reading Chancellor Avilés-Ramos Responds to Community Calls for CEC Election Reform

The Charter School Pressuring Teachers to Get Involved In Politics

Success Academy and other charter networks pressured teachers, parents, and students to attend a pro-charter rally in New York City, even requiring staff to prove they had lobbied elected officials. Educators described an atmosphere of coercion and intimidation, where opting out could jeopardize their jobs. AQE’s Co-Executive Director Zakiyah Shaakir-Ansari underscored that forcing families into … Continue reading The Charter School Pressuring Teachers to Get Involved In Politics

Policy to reduce suspensions for Buffalo’s youngest learners applauded by community advocates

Buffalo’s new suspension policy marks a major win for Black, brown, immigrant, disabled, and lower-income students, making it much harder to suspend children in pre-K through the third grade and requiring supportive interventions before suspension can even be considered. This change will help protect young learners from being pushed out of classrooms for developmentally normal … Continue reading Policy to reduce suspensions for Buffalo’s youngest learners applauded by community advocates

New Mexico is doing universal child care, when will New York?

ALBANY, N.Y. (September 9, 2025) — In response to New Mexico’s announcement that it will guarantee universal, no-cost child care for every family in the state, the public education advocacy organization Alliance for Quality Education released the following statement: “New Mexico has set a bold new standard for the nation by guaranteeing universal, no-cost child care … Continue reading New Mexico is doing universal child care, when will New York?

What Is Mamdani’s Vision for New York City’s $40 Billion School System?

In a recent New York Times article, Zakiyah Shaakir-Ansari, AQE’s Co-Executive Director, expressed support for rising calls to make New York’s public school system more democratic, even if the path forward remains unclear. She pointed to the ongoing transition to a fully elected school board in Chicago as a hopeful model, saying, “We all know … Continue reading What Is Mamdani’s Vision for New York City’s $40 Billion School System?

Fewer Black and Latino students win offers to attend specialized high schools

New admissions data released late last Thursday, July 31, shows that New York City’s specialized high schools continue to enroll disproportionately few Black and Latino students, deepening concerns about segregation. Advocates called the worsening numbers a reflection of the city’s lack of commitment to addressing school segregation and urged serious, systemic action. Despite past criticism … Continue reading Fewer Black and Latino students win offers to attend specialized high schools