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AQE Responds to Governor Hochul’s Proposal to Weaken New York’s Substantial Equivalency Law

New York’s leaders should reject any deal that weakens substantial equivalence and the state’s responsibility to ensure a sound basic education for all students. Every young person – regardless of the school they attend – has the right to an education that includes core subjects like English and math. These subjects are not just academic … Continue reading AQE Responds to Governor Hochul’s Proposal to Weaken New York’s Substantial Equivalency Law

AQE Responds to Governor Hochul’s Budget Announcement

Black, brown, lower-income, and immigrant communities needed transformative investments: an updated Foundation Aid formula to ensure equitable school funding, significant investment in universal child care, and real economic justice. Instead, the announcement of the budget deal reflects incremental progress and continued compromises, leaving too many uncertain about their future. This repeated cycle of uncertainty over … Continue reading AQE Responds to Governor Hochul’s Budget Announcement

Mayor Adams announces expansion of free after-school programs with goal of making it universal

Mayor Adams proposed “After-School for All” expansion, priced at $331 million by the 2027-28 school year, may if implemented provide around 184,000 additional seats for public school students in kindergarten through 5th grade. Whether or not the eprogram can be truly universal and have enough seats to provide programming to any family who wants it … Continue reading Mayor Adams announces expansion of free after-school programs with goal of making it universal

Hochul won’t rule out nonpublic school regs rollback in budget

Governor Hochul and legislative leaders are considering weakening education standards for nonpublic schools – including religious yeshivas – as part of budget negotiations, which could undermine recent stricter equivalency rules for public school alternatives. Critics warn that lowering standards, particularly for core subjects like math and English, risks harming students’ education and politicizing school accountability, … Continue reading Hochul won’t rule out nonpublic school regs rollback in budget

Trump signs orders to promote stricter school discipline, end analysis of racial disparities

President Trump signed executive orders reinstating stricter school discipline policies and banning the use of racial equity considerations, reversing Obama-era civil rights guidance that aimed to address disparities in suspensions and expulsions. The move, supported by many conservatives who blamed previous approaches to safety concerns, ignores data showing declining school violence and risks worsening racial … Continue reading Trump signs orders to promote stricter school discipline, end analysis of racial disparities

We can expand access to affordable child care in New York. Let’s do it. | Opinion

Chair of the New York Senate Education Committee, Senator Shelley Mayer, wrote an opinion piece published in Lohud, on the importance of expanding CCAP in NYS, in order to better support New York State’s working families and child care workforce. Increased reliance on child care assistance since its recent expansions came into effect, show that … Continue reading We can expand access to affordable child care in New York. Let’s do it. | Opinion

A Legal Battle Over Trump’s Threats to Public School Funding Has Begun

The Trump administration is facing lawsuits from states, teachers’ unions, and civil rights groups over its attempt to cut federal education funding unless states abandon diversity, equity, and inclusion (DEI) programs in K-12 schools. Opponents argue the administration is misapplying a Supreme Court decision on affirmative action to public schools and overstepping federal authority in … Continue reading A Legal Battle Over Trump’s Threats to Public School Funding Has Begun

NYC Mayor Adams planning to reverse proposed cuts to 3-K, early childhood education

NYC Mayor Eric Adams is proposing to baseline $167 million in annual funding to maintain current levels of 3-K and preschool special education, signaling a retreat from previous plans to cut funds for child care programs. While the move aims to stabilize early education and safeguard Head Start sites amid uncertain federal funding, advocates note … Continue reading NYC Mayor Adams planning to reverse proposed cuts to 3-K, early childhood education