|
As we begin to wrap up Women’s History Month, we are reminded that New York’s story has long been woven with the voices, vision, and determination of women who have shaped our state and nation and continue to illuminate the path forward. Throughout March, the New York State Museum has been honoring these extraordinary contributions by highlighting women whose work has defined New York’s past and is actively influencing its future. Through lectures, exhibitions, archival explorations, and interactive programs, visitors have been engaging with the diverse ways women contribute to our shared history.
The month’s signature program, Women of Science, offered families the opportunity to meet scientists from the New York State Museum and beyond, inspiring a new generation of research and discovery.
As the month draws to a close, additional educational resources remain available on the New York State Museum’s website. It is my hope that these programs and materials continue to support educators in sparking curiosity, celebrating achievement, and empowering students to see themselves as part of New York’s ongoing story.
| | |
Sincerely,
Betty A. Rosa
Commissioner
| |
Governor Hochul and Commissioner Rosa Announce Bold New Chapter for the New York State Museum | |
Governor Kathy Hochul and Commissioner of Education Betty A. Rosa recently announced the launch of Phase One of the New York State Museum’s transformation and the members of the New York State Museum Visioning Task Force. Made possible by Governor Hochul’s historic $150 million investment in the Museum’s future, this first phase introduces major new exhibits, a dedicated Kids Zone, the reopening of the Museum café and gift shop, and the creation of a Visioning Task Force to guide continued revitalization. Together, these efforts represent a new era of collaboration and vision, aimed at transforming the State Museum into a vibrant, inclusive, and family-friendly destination that reflects the full diversity and creativity of New York.
We are also excited to share that the Carousel Café by Stacks Espresso Bar is officially open at the New York State Museum! This week, we celebrated its debut with a ribbon-cutting ceremony. The Café offers a warm, welcoming space for visitors to relax, recharge, and spend time together before, during, or after exploring the Museum.
We’re thrilled to welcome this beloved local business to the Museum. Special thanks to Governor Kathy Hochul, Empire State Development, and the New York State Office of General Services for their continued support.
| PLAN Pilot Participants Offer Insight Into the State’s Education Transformation | |
The New York State Education Department’s Performance-Based Learning and Assessment Networks (PLAN) Pilot program was the focus of a March 5 workshop at the New York State Council for the Social Studies’ annual conference. The moderated panel discussion featured representatives from the Department and four of the 23 pilot schools statewide.
PLAN pilot schools take a holistic approach to education by incorporating performance-based learning models that allow students to demonstrate knowledge and skills. These learning models include career & technical education and work-based learning; inquiry-based approaches with learner profiles; and project-based learning and performance-based assessments.
Panelists provided insight on how they’re shifting away from structured, teacher-led lessons and the impact it’s having on student engagement. The evidence collected through the pilot initiative will inform the statewide implementation of New York Inspires. Beginning in the 2027-28 school year, all public school districts will award one high school diploma based on new credit requirements.
Information about PLAN Pilot, including resources for educators, is available on NYSED's PLAN Pilot website.
| |
Statement From Chancellor Lester W. Young, Jr. and Commissioner Betty A. Rosa on Board of Regents Appointments
Regent Patrick A. Mannion Reelected to Represent Fifth Judicial District for
Five-Year Term
Dr. Janice Weinman Shorenstein Elected At-Large for Five-Year Term
| |
"We congratulate Regent Patrick A. Mannion on his reelection to the Board of Regents. Regent Mannion shares a deep commitment to ensuring that every learner has access to opportunities that will set them on the path to success, and in his first term, made significant contributions advancing statewide policy and championing educational equity and workforce development in the Central New York counties he represents. Regent Mannion has offered valuable leadership in his role as chair of the Committee on Audits/Budget and Finance and co-chair of the Committee on Professional Practice and we look forward to our continued work together.
The Board welcomes our newest colleague, Dr. Janice Weinman Shorenstein of New York County, who will serve as an At Large member. Regent-Elect Weinman Shorenstein’s diverse background and broad expertise will contribute to the Board’s ability to shape and implement policies that span the full continuum of learning across New York’s schools, cultural institutions, and licensed professions.
We extend our deepest gratitude to Regent Roger B. Tilles, who served the people of New York as a member of the Board for 21 years. Throughout his tenure on the Board of Regents, he championed the role of the arts in education as a powerful driver of creativity, critical thinking, and community engagement. His thoughtful engagement helped expand access to high-quality arts learning that connected young people with professional artists and real-world creative experiences.
We are honored to continue working alongside Regent Mannion and look forward to working with Regent-Elect Weinman Shorenstein to uphold the Board’s mission on behalf of all New Yorkers."
| NYSED Awards $8.1 Million in Federal Grants to Programs Supporting Homeless Students | |
NYSED awarded more than $8 million in grants authorized by the McKinney-Vento Homeless Education Act. The grants, awarded as part of the Every Student Succeeds Act (ESSA), will impact 66 school districts and 5 charter schools.
Thirty-two total awards were granted, with seven going to district- or BOCES-led consortiums.
Find the full list of McKinney-Vento grant awards on NYSED's website.
| Purple Up! for Military Kids | |
April has once again been designated the Month of the Military Child – also known as Purple Up! For Military Kids. Across the nation, states and school districts will celebrate the important role of military families through special events and by wearing the color purple.
Please visit our Month of the Military Child web page to learn more and to get some great ideas for celebrating these special children.
Additional information about the Interstate Compact on Educational Opportunity for Military Children is available on our Interstate Compact web page.
| NYSED Releases Final School Accountability Determinations for the 2025-26 School Year | |
NYSED has released its final school accountability determinations, identifying the appropriate support model for every school serving grades K-12 across the state. The determinations ensure an equitable allocation of resources to schools and provide support to accelerate improvement and strengthen instructional systems. NYSED will collaborate with schools identified for support to assess needs and design targeted improvement plans, working toward the shared goal of educational excellence and successful outcomes for all students.
Individual school designations will be available on NYSED’s data site in late February. More information on the 2025-26 school year accountability support model determinations is available on NYSED’s School and District Accountability Resources and Data webpage.
| NYSED Now Accepting Applications for the 2026 Summer Food Service Program | |
NYSED is now accepting applications for the 2026 Summer Food Service Program (SFSP). Established by the U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA), the SFSP ensures that low-income children continue to receive nutritious meals when schools are not in session. Last year, 450 sponsoring organizations served meals to young people in need at more than 2,500 locations across the state.
Eligible organizations include public and nonpublic nonprofit schools; local, county, municipal, and state governmental entities; Indian tribal territories; migrant programs; nonprofit agencies; faith-based organizations; and camps. Sponsor organizations may also provide locations where parents or guardians can pick up meals or home-deliver meals to eligible children in rural areas who do not have access to a summer meal site.
View more information on how to apply.
| NYSED Launches Visioning Task Force to Reimagine the Future of the New York State Summer School of the Arts Program | |
NYSED recently announced the creation of the New York State Summer School of the Arts (NYSSSA) Visioning Task Force, a statewide initiative to strengthen and reimagine one of New York’s most longstanding and impactful arts education programs.
As NYSSSA enters its next chapter, NYSED is launching a forward-looking planning process to ensure the program’s long-term success. The upcoming year will serve as a dedicated planning year, allowing NYSED and its partners to reflect on past experience and design a future-focused model that aligns with statutory requirements, student needs, and the highest standards of excellence, equity, safety, and sustainability.
| Nominate an Outstanding Educator | |
NYSED is seeking recommendations for exceptional educators to serve on advisory boards, task forces, and special recognition programs. Teachers and principals are encouraged to nominate colleagues who make a meaningful impact in their schools and communities and whose expertise could benefit New York State as a whole. Nominees may also be considered for prestigious recognition that celebrates their achievements and contributions to education.
Eligible nominees must be principals or current teachers at the K–12 level in a New York State public, private, parochial, or charter school, or a Department of Defense school, and must hold appropriate New York State credentials. A fillable recommendation form is available for submission.
The deadline to submit recommendations is April 27, 2026. Completed forms and any questions should be emailed to Talentpoolhe@nysed.gov.
| New York 250th Commemoration & New York State Museum Update | At the March Regents meeting, department staff and PBS partners presented updates on statewide efforts to commemorate the 250th anniversary of the American Revolution, as well as updates on the NYS Museum, including the “Kids Zone.” | The WNET Group’s Count on June Bug! Brings Joyful Math Adventures to Preschoolers across New York and the Country | |
The WNET Group’s Emmy-nominated math comedy adventure for preschoolers, Count on June Bug!, recently premiered on PBS KIDS. Designed for children ages 3–5, the short-form animated series follows June, a curious and energetic little beetle, as she explores her big, bug-sized world with friends. Through humor, storytelling, and outdoor adventures that lead to “sticky situations” and joyful discoveries, the series introduces foundational math concepts while nurturing curiosity, persistence, and problem-solving skills that support school readiness and lifelong learning.
The launch also includes The Count-y Fair, a playful new interactive game where children explore counting, patterns, and more through fair-themed mini-games. Available in English and Spanish, both the videos and game are available for streaming, with companion family activities and educator resources available online. Already recognized with a Bronze Anthem Award and nominations from the Kidscreen, Webby, and Children’s & Family Emmy Awards, Count on June Bug! is produced by The WNET Group with funding from the New York State Education Department and General Motors.
| State Library Awards $148,000 in Grants to Preserve Library Research Materials | |
The New York State Library has awarded $148,440 in Conservation/Preservation Program Discretionary Grants. These funds support projects to protect New York’s historical materials, such as architectural drawings, audio recordings, microfilmed newspapers, and photographic negatives.
Grant awards range from $8,040 to $42,391. Find the full list of Conservation/Preservation Program Discretionary Grants on NYSED’s website.
| |
New York State Museum Celebrates Black Women of the Great Migration with New Display Highlighting Community, Identity, and Faith | |
The New York State Museum is honoring the Black women whose faith helped shape Albany’s communities with the opening of its newest collections feature, Fashion and Faith: Hats from the Great Migration.
Between 1910 and 1970, more than seven million African Americans left the South, with New York State becoming a popular destination for those seeking higher wages, better housing, less discrimination, and improved educational opportunities for their children. The display explores the lived experiences of women during the Great Migration through their church hats, which became vibrant, impactful expressions of identity, connection, and possibilities.
| | New York State Archives Partnership Trust Announces Launch of Education Forward Endowment Fund with Historic Gift from the Rutledge Family Foundation | | |
The New York State Archives Partnership Trust announced the creation of the Education Forward Endowment Fund, established through a $500,000 grant from the Rutledge Family Foundation. The largest single contribution in the Trust’s history, the grant will help support long-term sustainability and growth of the Trust’s educational programs, furthering its mission to increase access to primary source materials for educators and students of all ages. The endowment will support integrated resources for educators focused on the analysis of primary sources and the development of critical thinking skills.
| | | | |
