In the last few years, one major crisis after another has overshadowed New York’s public schools including a difficult battle over budget cuts, to an influx of asylum seekers starting school, to class size mandates, the need for broader access to virtual solutions, etc.  Fluctuating funding for programs and services including full day Pre-K, expansion of charter schools, special education tuition, technology and construction.  There are statewide testing changes, ensuring school safety, funding & its correlation with achievement, and so much more for our panelist to discuss.

Governor Hochul has made progress with initiatives and significant investments, to make higher education more accessible and affordable. From the expansion of tuition assistance and opportunity programs, the landscape is changing.  How can we keep evolving in higher education in innovative ways to meet the needs of all of our students?  Where are we now after the recent disruptions in terms of school safety, student rights, faculty responsibility, student's mental health assistance, the admissions process, standardized tests, dorm and dining options, technology and student loans?  How will New York address these issues moving forward?

New York is in the midst of transforming education to suit our current digital era. We are enabling smart schools with tools which are modernizing what we call the classroom.  Our schools are using interactive resources and various new technologies, dealing with securing connectivity solutions, and altering programs built for our students to engage in a dynamic and impactful; learning environment on a daily basis. Innovations have significantly improved the quality and accessibility of education, making learning more aligned with the digital age in general.  This session will dive into the newest technology, STEM education, pitfalls and considerations of the latest tools, trends, privacy and safety precautions, equity, supporting both in-person and digital learning, and more.

Mental health, wellness and also workforce development programs, have become common and necessary, early on. Research shows that most students with disabilities can meet high standards when provided with meaningful access and participation in the general education curriculum with specially designed instruction and support services. What does New York have in place in both the educational system and outside programming, to make sure our children have all that they need to succeed today, and what is in place to make sure they succeed tomorrow?