In the past few years, New York’s public schools have faced multiple major challenges. They’ve contended with difficult battles over budget cuts, an influx of asylum-seekers starting school, class size mandates and the need for broader access to virtual solutions. There are also statewide testing changes, ensuring school safety, funding and its correlation with achievement, and so much more. This panel will discuss changes, needs, ideas and technology helping our students advance during this current state of public education in New York.

With significant investments, Gov. Kathy Hochul has made progress to make higher education more accessible and affordable. With 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 new technologies, 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. This session will dive into the newest technology, STEM education, pitfalls and considerations of the latest tools, privacy and safety precautions, equity and supporting both in-person and digital learning.

Mental health, wellness and workforce development programs have become common and necessary in schools, starting early. 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 resources does New York have in place to make sure our children have all that they need to succeed today, and what is in place to make sure they succeed tomorrow?