New York City Public Schools Chancellor Melissa Aviles-Ramos on Monday unveiled new initiatives designed to accelerate academic progress and introduced a new dashboard that will track the education department's progress on its programs.
In her first "State of Our Schools" address, the chancellor said she was expanding NYCPS Cares, a suite of signature initiatives to address systemic inequities in schools, to include additional help for students who live in homeless shelters.
This fall, NYCPS Cares will include the expansion of Every Child and Family is Known (ECFIK) in partnership with the New York City's Children’s Cabinet, the Department of Homeless Services, the Department of Social Services and the Administration for Children’s Services. Through ECFIK, adults in schools are connected with children and their families residing in DHS shelters, taking time to check in on students daily, as well as families on a weekly basis. Previously, this initiative was piloted in schools in the Bronx and is now being expanded to connect students with caring adults in 125 schools across the city.
In addition, 119 schools that was part of the initial NYCPS Cares cohort will receive intensive support, including training for staff, students and parents on trauma-informed care, with plans to reach up to 500 families. An additional 250 Family Connectors will also be trained to ensure this work is disseminated even further, the chancellor said.
"Our job, as a community, is to ignite that spark across every NYC Public School," Aviles-Ramos said. "This year, we are emphasizing deep learning, intellectual curiosity, and academic rigor—because we know that with high expectations and the right supports, every child is capable."
A new dashboard will highlight the agency’s progress towards critical work, including increasing school safety, wellness, and mindfulness, improving literacy and math proficiency, and supporting vulnerable populations, including students with disabilities, English Language Learners and newcomers.
The education department will also roll out a new reading intervention program for struggling learners. Teachers will now be provided with an approved list of evidence-based interventions and will receive professional learning and additional support.
The chancellor also said the department is coming up with a new approach to AI, with particular focus on preparing students for AI-powered lives and careers; teaching students and staff to use AI responsibly; mitigating bias and ensure cultural responsiveness when using AI; and leveraging AI to advance operational and instructional efficiencies.
Aviles-Ramos, who took over for David Banks, the former chancellor who stepped down in September 2024 after his home was raided by federal agents, also noted that she received high marks from principals through the most recent Principal Satisfaction Survey. The survey found that over 90% of school leaders trust the chancellor at her word and view her as an effective manager; over 90% are satisfied with the chancellor’s oversight and resource management; and nearly 85% are satisfied with curriculum.
