Ensuring Equity Online
The school year that is now nearly halfway complete has been exceptionally challenging for New York students and educators.
The ongoing effects of the pandemic, ever-evolving adjustments to teaching and learning, and the continued national reckoning with systemic racism are all taking their toll on educators and their students.
Yet across New York State, students and educators continue to persevere through one of the most challenging times facing schools in our lifetime.
Here are their stories.
How New York Educators are Working to Ensure Equity Online
EdTrust-New York Urges State Leaders to Confront Deep Achievement Gaps and Expand Evidence-Based Practices Following 2024–25 Assessment Results
EdTrust-New York notes that there are statewide gains in reading and math proficiency on the 2024–25 Statewide Assessments. However, we remain deeply concerned that overall proficiency rates are alarmingly low and that persistent and unacceptable outcome gaps continue between White and Asian students and their Black and Latinx peers.
EdTrust-New York: Proposed ELL Funding Changes Would Deepen Inequity and Jeopardize Student Success
As threats to Title III funding and federal protections for ELLs/MLLs grow, EdTrust-New York strongly opposes proposals that reduce resources, urges New York State to strengthen its commitment and plan for disruptions, and highlights that inequities shown in its New York School Funding Data tool demand bold solutions and a fully funded formula.
EdTrust-New York: NYCPS Decision on Class Size Law Risks Equity, Fiscal Stability, and Student Opportunity
EdTrust-New York is deeply disappointed that New York City Public Schools (NYCPS) chose not to request a pause in the implementation of the Class Size Reduction Law. This decision puts fairness, fiscal stability, opportunity, and equity at risk for the students and communities the law is intended to serve.
New York City’s $1 Billion Crisis: Education Leaders Urge Pause On Class Size Mandate
With just two days remaining before the November 15 deadline, when New York City Public Schools (NYCPS) must publicly report their progress on the 2022 Class Size Law, Educators for Excellence, EdTrust-New York and Robin Hood urged the city to act. The groups emphasized that this deadline offers a one-time opportunity to request a pause or revise the implementation timeline to ensure the law is carried out equitably and sustainably.
EdTrust-New York Encourages Mayor-elect Mamdani to Prioritize Equity and Opportunity in NYC’s Education Agenda
EdTrust-New York’s Education Platform for New York City outlines steps Mayor-elect Mamdani can take from early childhood through college to close gaps in access, opportunity, and outcomes.
In the Face of Federal Attacks on Education Access, New York Must Lead
As federal actions strip funding and exclude vulnerable students, New York must defend equitable access to public education. Arlen Benjamin-Gomez calls on us to speak out and push back, together and unapologetically.
Federal Shutdown Disrupts Critical Supports; EdTrust-New York Commends State Efforts and Urges Swift Federal Action
We commend Governor Kathy Hochul for taking swift action today by announcing an additional $65 million in emergency food assistance for New York State. Over the past week, she has directed $41 million in emergency funds to feed New Yorkers, bringing the total investment in food security to $106 million.
EdTrust-New York Releases Updated Toolkit to Boost FAFSA Completion and Expand College Access
The toolkit provides six evidence-based strategies schools can implement to improve Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA) completion rates. It includes practical tips for tracking student progress, an expanded FAQ section, and outreach materials available in both English and Spanish for communicating with students and families.
How New York Can Protect Students and Educators from Federal Attacks on Educator Diversity
Federal threats may aim to turn back the clock, but New York has the chance to lead. By safeguarding diversity, equity, and opportunity in education, the state can model what it means to stand up for students — and to invest in the educators of color who will shape the next generation.
EdTrust-New York Condemns Federal Move to Defund NYC Schools Over Trans Student Protections
By threatening to strip $15 million in magnet school funding next year, and an additional $36 million in future years, the administration is attacking student’s civil rights while jeopardizing resources that drive equity.