Education & Human Services News November 12, 2019
SUNY and CUNY Will Waive Application Fees for Veterans and their Spouses
In honor of Veterans Day, Governor Cuomo announced SUNY and CUNY will waive application fees (ranging from $50 to $65) for veterans and their spouses. The Board of Trustees for both SUNY and CUNY will include resolutions at their next board meetings to implement the change.
Staff Changes Continue at State Education Department
A number of transitions continue at the State Education Department as the following appointments were made last week:
- Shannon Tahoe was appointed Acting Commissioner of Education and President of the University of the State of New York effective Nov. 16
- John D’Agati will serve as Senior Deputy Commissioner for Education Policy
- Elisa Alvarez will serve as the Associate Commissioner for the Office of Bilingual Education and World Languages
- Jason Harmon will serve as Assistant Commissioner for the Office of Accountability
- Lesli Myers-Small was appointed Assistant Commissioner for the Office of Innovation and School Reform
- It is expected that additional appointments will be made at the December Board of Regents meeting.
State Ed Launches Look at Graduation Measures
The Board of Regents and NYSED launched the first phase in the review of graduation measures in New York State. The goal of the review is to reaffirm what it means to obtain a diploma in New York State and what that diploma should signify to ensure educational excellence and equity for all students. The information gathering phase includes partnering with Achieve to conduct a review of the relevant research and practices in other states and countries. In addition, the Regents and Department will hold regional meetings starting in January 2020 to help gather feedback and to help inform the work of a Blue Ribbon Commission, also to be formed next year.
State Ed Also Announces Draft State Perkins Plan
The Board of Regents and NYSED launched the first phase in the review of graduation measures in New York State. The goal of the review is to reaffirm what it means to obtain a diploma in New York State and what that diploma should signify to ensure educational excellence and equity for all students. The information gathering phase includes partnering with Achieve to conduct a review of the relevant research and practices in other states and countries. In addition, the Regents and Department will hold regional meetings starting in January 2020 to help gather feedback and to help inform the work of a Blue Ribbon Commission, also to be formed next year.
State Ed Also Announces Draft State Perkins Plan
In addition to launching the graduation measures review, NYSED also proposed a draft four-year Perkins V State Plan in accordance with the Strengthening Career and Technical Education for the 21st Century Act. The plan is aligned with New York’s Every Student Succeeds Act (ESSA) plan and addresses New York’s priorities to increase access to high-quality Career and Technical Education (CTE) programs, support at-risk students, and improve career development for all secondary and postsecondary students. NYSED will hold the following public forums and accept public comment via email in December and January.
- December 10, 2019 Syracuse: OCM BOCES
- December 12, 2019 Albany: Capital Region BOCES
- January 7, 2020 New York City: UFT Headquarters
The plan will be submitted to the Governor’s office for review in March and the Perkins V State Plan must be submitted to the U.S. Department of Education no later than April 15, 2020.
OCFS Announces Applications for New York State Youth Council
The New York State Office of Children and Family Services (OCFS) announced that the state is accepting applications from youth who want to serve on the New York State Youth Council. First announced in Governor Cuomo’s State of the State address, the Youth Council will increase participatory democracy by involving 62 young people – one youth from each New York State county – to advise the Governor and state and local policy makers on key issues facing young people and on outreach and communication strategies. Interested youth must submit an application that includes an essay and a video demonstrating their interest in one of the council’s focus areas. Candidates will be selected based on their character, leadership skills, academic achievement, civic engagement and community service. Youth may apply at https://nysylc.secure-platform.com/a/solicitations/home/1.
Legislative Spotlight
The following bills have been signed into law by the Governor:
Kinship Caregivers
This law clarifies that local social service districts must inform both relative and non-relative kinship caregivers about services and resources funded through or operating in the local district.
Application of a Relative to Become a Foster Parent
A8059 Jaffee — S6405 Montgomery
This law expands the types of caregivers who would be eligible to become foster parents and then subsequently eligible for the kinship guardian assistance program to include non-blood relatives, such as step-grandparents and “fictive” kin.
Adoption by A Petitioner
This law codifies in statute that a petition to adopt, where the petitioner’s parentage is legally-recognized under New York State law, shall not be denied solely on the basis that the petitioner’s parentage is already legally-recognized. According to the sponsors memo, this law ensures that same-sex couples’ access to such adoptions could not be restrained by future court decisions.
Listing of County and City Veterans’ Service Agencies
This law requires the New York State Division of Veterans’ Affairs to post on their website a listing of the local veterans’ service agencies with the name, location, hours of operation and contact information for each county and city veterans’ service agency in the State of New York.
Anaphylactic Policies for Child Care Services
A6971-B Taylor — S218-B Benjamin
This law requires OCFS to establish an anaphylactic policy for child day care providers setting forth guidelines and procedures to be followed for both the prevention of anaphylaxis and during a medical emergency resulting from anaphylaxis.
Campaign Funds for Childcare Expenses
A1108-B Rosenthal L — S2680-A Mayer
This law allows all candidates for state and local offices within New York State to use campaign funds for any childcare expenses incurred as a direct result of their candidacy.
Child Care for Parents who Work at Night
A413-A Jaffee — S3420-A Savino
This law allow parents and caretakers who are otherwise eligible for a child care subsidy to receive a subsidy when care is necessary to enable them to sleep (for eight hours) because they work a late shift and have a child who is under the age of six and not in school for a full day.
Limitations on Political Activity
This law codifies the federal prohibition on not-for-profit corporations participating or intervening in political campaigns.
Training for Runaway and Homeless Youth Employees
A3619-A Ortiz — S1481-A Hoylman
This law ensures that all employees of approved programs providing care to homeless youth in New York State would receive adequate and comprehensive training to allow them to be more sensitive to issues specifically affecting lesbian, gay, bisexual, and transgender runaway and/or homeless youth.
New York State Register
Instructional Time for State Aid Purposes
The State Education Department announced a notice of emergency rule making to provide school districts with additional flexibility when establishing their school calendars.
Annual Professional Performance Reviews of Classroom Teachers and Building Principals
The State Education Department announced a notice of emergency and proposed rule making to implement part YYY of chapter 59 of the Laws of 2019. Public comment will be received for 60 days.
Addition of Subject Ares to the Limited Extension and SOCE for Certain Teachers of Students with Disabilities
The State Education Department announced a notice of proposed rule making to enable more qualified teachers of students with disabilities to seek the limited extension and SOCE. Public comment will be received for 60 days.
Requirements for Chiropractic Education Programs and Education Requirements for Licensure as a Chiropractor
The State Education Department announced a notice of proposed rule making to conform educational requirements for the profession of chiropractic to the national preprofessional education standards. Public comment will be received for 60 days.
Strengthening Data Privacy and Security in NY State Educational Agencies to Protect Personally Identifiable Information
The State Education Department announced a notice of revised rule making to protect personally identifiable information. Public comment will be received for 45 days.
Eligibility Requirements for the Endorsement Pathway for Certification as an Educator in the Classroom Teaching Service
The State Education Department announced a notice of adoption to provide candidates with more flexibility to be eligible for the endorsement pathway. The agency received no public comment.
Statement of Continued Eligibility for Certain Teachers of Students with Disabilities
The State Education Department announced a notice of adoption to extend the deadline to apply for a statement of continued eligibility for certain teachers of students with disabilities. The agency received no public comment.
Reports of Child Abuse in an Educational Setting
The State Education Department announced a notice of adoption to implement the provisions of chapter 363 of the Laws of 2018 relating to reports of child abuse in an educational setting.
School and District Safety Plans
The State Education Department announced a notice of adoption to clarify that the district-wide safety plans and building plans shall be submitted on October 1 of each school year; instead of the previous requirement which required school districts to submit districtwide safety plans by October 1 and school-level building plans by October 15. This will simplify the plan submission process for the districts. The agency received no public comment.
Funding Opportunities
Smart Start Computer Science Grant Program
The Smart Start Grant program promotes the development, implementation, and sharing of innovative programs that provide professional development and support to increase expertise in computer science, engineering, and educational technology among teachers in grades K-8, to allow such teachers to become in-house experts in the school and district. Eligible applicants include public school districts and consortia of districts or district(s) and BOCES. Professional development and support must be provided by qualified non-profit organizations or institutions of higher education.
Due November 19, 2019
The New York State Education Department (NYSED) Office of Adult Career and Continuing Education Services-Adult Education Program and Policy (ACCES-AEPP) is seeking proposals from organizations to plan and deliver quality, research-based professional development and training, and effective communication links to State and federally-funded agencies providing adult literacy services below the post-secondary level. Eligible applicants include: Local education agencies; Boards of Cooperative Educational Services (BOCES); Institutions of higher education, including SUNY or CUNY Research Foundation; Public and private not-for profit agencies; Community based organizations and institutions; Faith-based organizations; Public libraries or library system; Public housing authorities; Educational Opportunity Centers.
Due November 20, 2019
2019 New York State Farm to School Program
The New York State Department of Agriculture and Markets is seeking proposals that will increase the capacity of schools to procure and serve New York State produced farm products in school meal programs. A total of $1,500,000 is available statewide. Eligible applicants include: K-12 School Food Authorities; Charter schools; Not-for-profit organizations; and Indian tribal organizations.
Due November 21, 2019
School Aged Self-Advocacy Youth Development
The New York State Developmental Disabilities Planning Council is announcing availability of grant funds to fund one grantee up to $450,000 ($150,000 per year for 3 years) to create, pilot, and evaluate a self-advocacy skills training within New York State for individuals with intellectual and developmental disabilities (I/DD), school administrators and personnel, educators and other stakeholders to support a self-advocacy youth movement.
Due November 22, 2019
Tobacco Control Program – Component A: Health Systems for a Tobacco-Free New York (Reissue)
The New York State Department of Health (Department) Tobacco Control Program (TCP) seeks applications from organizations that will work to engage health care systems to improve the delivery of guideline-concordant care for Tobacco Use Disorders (TUD) (including nicotine dependent conditions), through systems and policy change at the health care organization level.
Due November 26, 2019
New York State AmeriCorps 2020 Competitive Pool
The New York State Commission on National and Community Service (hereafter “the commission”) seeks applicants for 2020-21 AmeriCorps Competitive grant funding. The Commission is a governor-appointed commission with a diverse, non-partisan body of, among others, representatives of business, labor, education, government, human service agencies and community-based organizations. The Commission directs national service policy for the state and directly administers funding awarded by the Corporation for National and Community Service (hereafter “the Corporation” or CNCS) to support New York State AmeriCorps programs.
Due December 2, 2019
2019 Urban and Community Forestry Grants Program Round 15 (Education Programming)
The New York State Department of Environmental Conservation (DEC) is pleased to announce available Environmental Protection Fund (EPF) funding for qualifying governmental entities or not-for-profit (NFP) organizations. Grant projects must implement successful tree inventory, community forest management planning, tree planting, tree maintenance, or education programming projects in New York State to create healthy urban and community forests while enhancing the quality of life for urban residents. Projects must be implemented on non-state-owned properties in a location where they provide a public benefit.
Due December 4, 2019
National Dislocated Worker Grant – Hurricane Maria (NDWG – HM)
The Department of Labor is making up to $401,865 for the NDWG-HM program available until January 10, 2020. This funding is available for the provision of participant outreach and Career Center enrollment, job ready and career development services, employment access and follow-up services to individuals who are unemployed or underemployed due to or impacted by Hurricane Maria and/or migrated to NYS from Puerto Rico after being dislocated due to Hurricane Maria. Single award amounts will not exceed $100,000. Applicants that receive an award under this RFA, accrue expenditures of at least 70% of the award amount, and maintain compliance with the terms and conditions of the RFA may reapply for an additional $100,000 award, if sufficient funding and time remain.
Due January 10, 2020
Community Based Residential Program
The New York State Department of Corrections and Community Supervision (DOCCS) invites applications from not-for-profit and for-profit providers for the development and operation of Community Based Residential Programs (CBRP) for individuals under Community Supervision. The CBRP is a housing initiative to assist parolees under the jurisdiction of DOCCS to attain stability in the community while providing for individual case needs and community safety.
Due January 30, 2020
Apprenticeship Expansion Grant (AEG- 2) Request for Applications (RFA)
The New York State Department of Labor (NYSDOL) is making up to $3.7 million in funding available to increase employment opportunities for approximately 800 apprentices with a focus on underrepresented populations. These apprentices will enter into trades in high-demand occupations, with a focus on the emerging fields of Advanced Manufacturing, Healthcare, and Information Technology, as well as other in-demand occupations. Please note that this solicitation focuses on promoting the expansion of NYS RAs and as such, RAs in the field of construction are not eligible for funding under this RFA unless the trade is to be used for the upkeep and maintenance of a facility owned by the business entity employing the apprentice, such as plant maintenance trades.
Due April 30, 2020
Workforce Development Initiative Consolidated Funding Application
Through the New York State Consolidated Funding Application (CFA), a single application for multiple sources of state funding, New York State is soliciting applications for funding from the Workforce Development Initiative (WDI). This announcement is meant to provide a general overview of the programs included in the WDI. The application materials, guidebook, program guidelines and other details are available online at https://www.ny.gov/workforcedevelopment. Project plans and applications will be accepted on a continual basis beginning on May 8, 2019.
Coming Up
Legislative Public Hearings
- The Environmental Footprint of Colleges and Universities in New York State
- Joint — Assembly Standing Committee on Higher Education and Assembly Standing Committee on Environmental Conservation
- 13, Albany, New York
- To examine the prevalence of youth violence
- Joint — Senate Standing Committee on Social Services, Senate Standing Committee on Codes, and Senate Standing Committee on Crime Victims, Crime and Correction
- 13, Brooklyn, New York
- To hear from stakeholders on strategies for reducing overdoses, improving individual and community health, and addressing the harmful consequences of drug use
- Joint Senate Task Force on Opioids, Addiction and Overdose Prevention
- 15, Albany, New York
- Programs and services offered by Area Agencies on Aging for older New Yorkers and their caregivers
- Assembly Standing Committee on Aging
- 22, Albany, New York
- Protecting Consumer Data and Privacy on Online Platforms
- Joint — Senate Standing Committee on Consumer Protection and Senate Standing Committee on Internet and Technology
- 22, New York, New York
- To engage social service providers and advocates in a discussion of public assistance income and resource limits
- Senate Standing Committee on Social Services
- 26, New York, New York
- OPWDD Transition to Managed Care
- Senate Standing Committee on Mental Health and Developmental Disabilities
- 2, Albany, New York
- To examine the distribution of the Foundation Aid formula as it relates to pupil and district needs
- Joint — Senate Standing Committee on Education and Senate Standing Committee on Budget and Revenues
- 13, Seaford, New York
- 19, Bayside, New York
- Dec 3, New York, New York
- Capital Funding for Arts and Cultural Organizations
- Joint — Assembly Standing Committee on Tourism, Parks, Arts and Sports Development and Assembly Subcommittee on Museums & Cultural Institutions
- 12, Albany, New York
- Funding of New York State’s libraries
- Assembly Standing Committee on Libraries and Education Technology
- 13, Albany, New York
- Funding Our Public Colleges
- Senate Standing Committee on Higher Education
- Dec 16, New York, New York
Board of Regents Monthly Meetings
- 2019
- December 9 – 10 (Monday and Tuesday)
- 2020
- January 13 – 14 (Monday and Tuesday)
- February 10 – 11 (Monday and Tuesday)
- March 2 – 3 (Monday and Tuesday)
- April 6 – 7 (Monday and Tuesday)
- May 4 – 5 (Monday and Tuesday)
- June 8 – 9 (Monday and Tuesday)
- July 13 – 14 (Monday and Tuesday)
- August (Recess)
- September 14 – 15 (Monday and Tuesday)
- October 19 – 20 (Monday and Tuesday)
- November 16 – 17 (Monday and Tuesday)
- December 14 – 15 (Monday and Tuesday)
Upcoming NYSED State Board Meetings
- Pharmacy: November 12, 2019 (Albany, Port Chester, and New York City, via video)
Architecture: November 13, 2019 (New York City)