Advancing Equity for All K-12 New York Students

 

Kindergarten through high school are foundational years in a students’ educational journey. Yet many students across New York State — especially students from low-income backgrounds and students of color— do not have access to equitable resources and diverse learning environments to reach their full potential.

From eliminating inequity in school funding to improving educator diversity in New York schools, New York State must do more. On this page you will find resources curated for education leaders, state policymakers, and parents to advance equity in New York’s K-12 public education system.

Photo by Allison Shelley for EDUimages

Equal is not equitable: New York school funding

School funding is important for student success. How districts and schools decide to spend funds can make a critical difference in whether all students receive the resources and support they need to have a great learning experience – ultimately putting them on the path to a bright future.

Our resources will help you learn about how much funding schools across New York get and how you can advocate for more equitable spending.

New York State’s Early Literacy Crisis

Despite recent student outcome data and the impact of pandemic-related school closures on reading skills, state and local leaders have neglected to boldly address New York’s early literacy crisis with deliberate urgency.

Our report, A Call to Action: The State of Early Literacy in New York, elevates non-evidence-based practices in the teaching of reading, and shares recommendations on how state and local leaders can address New York’s poor reading outcomes by anchoring reading and literacy instruction in the science of reading.

Enrollment Trends in New York State

Our analysis of final enrollment data of NYS public schools for the school year 2022-2023 finds that while enrollment is still trending down and public schools have had large enrollment losses, these declines are slowing down from their pandemic highs. Statewide and in the largest school districts, enrollment losses were greatest in the 2020-2021 school year, but have since largely reverted to their pre-pandemic levels this past school year.

The New York Financial Aid for College Completion Project

High schools can make a significant difference in helping students from low-income backgrounds, immigrant, and first-generation college hopefuls complete the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA) and other state financial aid applications. The New York FAFSA Completion Project is a statewide campaign to encourage public high schools to increase the proportion of eligible students from low-income backgrounds who complete the FAFSA.

Our Financial Aid for College: High School Toolkit provides an opportunity to compete in the challenge and all the resources schools need to support students and families to apply for every dollar of financial aid for which they qualify.

Improving Data and Transparency in Teacher Preparation Programs

Teacher preparation programs play a vital role in the teacher pipeline, and ensuring access to educators who are well-prepared, supported, and diverse educators to improve equity and achievement in New York State’s public schools.  

Our Educator Equity Snapshot online data tool allows users to explore data about how school districts and higher education institutions are communicating their needs and priorities to each other and to future educators.

New York’s Educator Diversity Crisis

New York’s educator workforce does not come close to representing the rich diversity of the state’s students, leaving many Latinx and Black students without access to teachers or school leaders of the same race or ethnicity.

 

 

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To and Through: From High School to College Success

Every student deserves a K-12 education that prepares them for college, careers, and active citizenship. This includes a high school experience with excellent instruction and strong support. Our interactive data tool highlights the most important measure of college readiness: whether high school graduates who enroll in college actually persist and ultimately earn a college degree or certificate.

 

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The Latest From Ed Trust-NY

The Education Trust–New York Launches Early Literacy Campaign

The Education Trust–New York Launches Early Literacy Campaign

On January 30th, The Education Trust–New York announced it is continuing its work on literacy with the launch of The New York Campaign for Early Literacy. Dozens of education advocates gathered at the state capital in Albany to call on state leaders for change.