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
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.
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.
The Latest From Ed Trust-NY
The need for Universal FAFSA urged by students, policymakers, advocates in New York State
Universal FAFSA completion policies require that all high school seniors complete the application and receive support. Ideally, these policies also include opt-outs for students.
Ed Trust–NY launches the 2024 New York FAFSA Completion Challenge
As New York high school students make plans for their higher education, The Education Trust–New York is supporting those efforts with the launch of the 2024 New York FASFA Completion Challenge.
Child tax credits help. The Working Families Tax Credit can do even more.
Read more from Amy Lee Funes, a NYC parent, on how the Working Families Tax Credit is one way that New York State can show a commitment to young children and their families.