New York state is one of the wealthiest regions in the world — a global leader in industry, finance and innovation. Yet, one in five children in this state lives in poverty; meaning that more than 760,000 students aren’t getting their basic needs met.
Every day, educators see first-hand how unmet basic needs keep their students from thriving, said NYSUT President Melinda Person. NYSUT’s timely film 1 in 5: Confronting Childhood Poverty in New York, which took a year to complete and includes the voices of educators, parents and advocates, explores the stark reality these students face in rural, suburban and urban communities.
Saturday, delegates previewed the film during the general assembly, so they could have a window into the reality of so many New Yorkers.
The full-length film shows the lengths to which dedicated educators are going every day to help address poverty’s effects on their students, including clothing closets, coat drives, food distribution programs, back-pack programs and more.
The film also introduces some of the most promising policies for addressing this issue, including food programs, housing vouchers and community schools, which have proven to be remarkably successful when it comes to improving student outcomes.
“One of the most effective tools we have is the community schools model. Community schools serve as vital hubs, providing wraparound services that support family health, community safety and children's needs,” said Person.
From dental and eye exams and community food pantries to free childcare and housing assistance, these schools provide services tailored to their community's specific needs, and they are led by a community schools director or coordinator, who connects families directly with services, Person said.
Currently, there is no dedicated source of state funding for community schools, but NYSUT is asking the state Legislature to provide $100 million in categorical aid to expand community schools; $4 million to sustain the United Federation of Teachers’ network of community schools; and $5 million for UFT’s United Community Schools to provide statewide technical assistance and support.