Melissa Aviles-Ramos set to speak at our site's Educational Event in New York
Next week, Chancellor Melissa Aviles-Ramos will deliver a keynote speech at the "Education in New York: Shaping Tomorrow's Schools Through Innovation" summit. This event marks an important step in the city's ongoing efforts to shape the future of education, focusing on career readiness and the responsible use of technology.
The city is concerned with the responsible use of AI and other technologies, and plans to reconvene the AI Advisory Council to discuss a four-part framework. This framework aims to ensure that the tools and platforms used in schools are culturally responsive, used responsibly, prepare students for technology careers, and increase productivity in the classroom for teachers. The city also wants to enhance students' innovation and creativity through technology use.
NYC Schools have launched the NYCPS Cares initiative to support the social-emotional needs of students beyond academic work. This initiative is part of a broader approach that includes multiple initiatives focused on career readiness. Key programs include the FutureReadyNYC initiative, which operates in over 130 high schools and integrates career-connected learning and internships during high school. The Summer Youth Employment Program (SYEP) and the Work, Learn, and Grow Employment Program (WLG) provide paid internships and significant career readiness training.
Additional measures and partnerships focus on inclusive, sector-based job training programs, offering specialized skills training in trades, healthcare, education, and public health sectors. Programs like the Career Skills Academy at CUNY provide coaching, workshops, and networking to improve soft skills and professional development. City-wide discussions and summits are ongoing to integrate student health, special education needs, mental well-being, and career readiness into a holistic support model.
Further improvements under consideration include expanding paid internship opportunities to ensure economic inclusivity for students who must balance supporting their families with career exploration. Emphasis is also placed on bridging education to workforce transitions by making college and career opportunities concrete and aligned with students’ lived experiences and economic realities.
Chancellor Aviles-Ramos will also discuss the work on New York City Reads and New York City Solves, initiatives launched a few years ago. The most recent screener data indicates that the education system is moving in the right direction with these initiatives. Chancellor Aviles-Ramos has committed to moving these works forward since becoming chancellor.
The city also wants to use technology to make teachers' work more seamless, particularly with differentiated instruction and formative assessment. The initiative aims to provide technological tools that engage learning and are standards-aligned, ensuring they have a positive impact. The city is working closely with principals, superintendents, and vendors to ensure the right supplemental programs and intervention programs are available.
In summary, NYC Public Schools focus on early career exposure, paid work experience, soft skills development, and inclusive programming to prepare students for the workforce. The city is also working to expand equity, deepen career exploration, and provide integrated support services to better equip students for successful futures. The city is not just focusing on preparing students to be consumers of technology, but also producers, ensuring they are well-equipped for the digital age. The event is scheduled for next week.
Education and self-development are foremost concerns in the city's ongoing efforts towards innovation, as demonstrated in their pursuit of a four-part framework for AI usage, aimed at personal growth, responsible technology use, and career readiness in schools. Learning tools and platforms are specifically selected to foster student creativity, innovation, and preparation for technology careers.
