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Q&A
Expansion of special education programs in NYC public schools
0:41:11
ยท
114 sec
Council Member Schulman advocates for replicating successful special education programs across the school system. DOE officials, including Chancellor Aviles-Ramos and Deputy Chancellor Foti, discuss the expansion of programs like Nest, Horizon, and AIMS.
- 3,140 families applied for Nest and Horizon programs, 2,388 for AIMS program
- 97% of Nest and Horizon students graduate within four years
- These programs outperform peers by 2-3 times on ELA exams and have higher attendance rates
Lynn Schulman
0:41:11
Because we we have I mean, in my district I have a a program in one of my schools, the Mel School, that's an excellent program for kids with disabilities and learning challenges and all of that.
0:41:25
And like I said, I'd really like to see any of you come out, and I would be more than happy to host, to see so we can replicate these programs in the other public schools.
0:41:35
I mean, think that's really important.
Melissa Aviles-Ramos
0:41:37
Thank you, council member.
0:41:38
And and we're gonna ask deputy chancellor Foti to come up and talk specifically about some of the program expansion, but you bring up a very important point.
0:41:44
First of all, I know my chief of staff is watching as we're sitting here, so she's taking note that we'll make sure we go on the visit with you.
0:41:51
I'd love to join you myself with Deputy Chancellor Foti.
0:41:54
But you bring up a really good point about expansion.
0:41:56
It's about quality expansion as well.
0:41:57
We want to make sure that the right programs are being expanded, but also the right leadership and the right training are behind them, and that's the multipronged approach that Christina and her team have taken when it comes to special education services.
0:42:10
But I'm going to shut up and let the experts talk because I won't stop talking about it.
Christina Foti
0:42:14
We appreciate you talking about this, Chancellor.
0:42:16
Councilmember Schulman, I want you to know that 3,140 families agree with you just regarding the Nest and Horizon program.
0:42:24
That's the number we had applied just this year for those programs.
0:42:28
2,388 families agree with you on the AIMS program, which is an ABA based program.
0:42:35
These programs are our biggest competitors to non public schools.
0:42:38
We're talking about funding today.
0:42:42
We have to prioritize what is most sacred and what is most important.
0:42:45
Last time I testified,
Serahi D.
0:42:47
I told you
Christina Foti
0:42:47
that ninety five percent of our Nestor and Horizon students graduated within four years.
0:42:51
We ran the numbers again.
0:42:53
It's now ninety seven.
0:42:54
They're outperforming their peers by two to three times on the ELA exams, and they're coming to school more often.
0:43:01
So thank you for this and I'm hoping that we can continue to keep our eye on these programs.