StudentsFirstNY

StudentsFirstNY is building a grassroots movement of parents, teachers, students, administrators and concerned citizens mobilizing for one purpose: to put the laws, policies and leaders in place to provide every child in New York with a quality education.

We believe that we've been doing things the old way for too long. Pitting the interests of the grown-ups in the system against one another, for example, rather than focusing on real solutions. No one won. And students lost. Too many of our school schools, laws, policies, and practices are putting adult interests ahead of students. The results are seen in schools across the State that fail to provide our children with the tools they need to succeed. It's time for a new approach that puts students' interests at the center of education policy.

We will channel the energy of our members to produce meaningful results in Albany and in localities across the State. We will work with legislators and local leaders to create laws and policies that put the needs of students above any other interest in the system. We will push for reforms that will elevate the teaching profession and improve teacher and principal quality, empower parents and improve the governance and financial strength of school districts.

StudentsFirstNY is part of a national organization, StudentsFirst, that was founded in 2010 by former Washington D.C. Public Schools Chancellor Michelle Rhee. Across the country, its members have already helped pass more than 50 new policies in half a dozen states. We have helped improve education systems affecting millions of students. We're transforming public education to ensure great teachers and great schools for all of our kids.