Melissa Aviles-Ramos slated to present key remarks at our site's Education Event in NY

New York City Public Schools (NYCPS) are gearing up for a summit next week, with a focus on several key initiatives aimed at preparing students for the workforce. These initiatives encompass career readiness, technology integration, and support programs like NYCPS Cares.

Career Readiness and Workforce Preparation

NYCPS is prioritizing practical, career-connected learning through programs such as FutureReadyNYC, operating in over 130 high schools. This initiative offers students early exposure to careers via internships, apprenticeships, and work experiences, making college and career pathways tangible and accessible. The city is also connecting students with business leaders in key sectors like healthcare and education to improve real-world career opportunities.

NYCPS Cares

NYCPS Cares, a program aimed at comprehensive student support, likely includes social-emotional learning, mentorship, and engagement with communities. This initiative is designed to help marginalized or at-risk students thrive in their educational and career trajectories.

Technology in Education

NYCPS leadership, including figures like Chief Diversity Officer Karine Apollon and Chief Human Resources Officer Dr. Patrick Fagan, are focusing on broad strategic goals that incorporate diversity, equity, and inclusion efforts, alongside scaling digital literacy and mentorship initiatives. The city is integrating technology and hybrid learning environments, such as 12-week programs mixing in-person and online classes, to better prepare students with relevant tech skills and flexibility required for modern workplaces.

Workforce Development and Career Services

The city is updating its career services with the new Pathways for Access to Careers and Employment (PACE) program, serving both adults and youth (18-24 years). PACE combines prior career pathway efforts with new strategies to support education, skills training, and job placement, reflecting a continuous commitment to career readiness beyond high school.

The city's goal is to prepare students not just as consumers of technology, but as producers and innovators. They are committed to making sure that the tools and platforms used in classrooms are culturally responsive and supportive of diverse ethnic backgrounds and identities.

NYC Public Schools Chancellor Melissa Aviles-Ramos will be giving a keynote speech at City & State's "Education in New York: Shaping Tomorrow's Schools Through Innovation" summit next Thursday. A panel discussion on tech in education is also scheduled at the summit.

Aviles-Ramos has committed to moving the work forward on these initiatives since becoming chancellor. The city is working closely with principals, superintendents, and vendors to ensure the right supplemental programs and intervention programs are in place. The city is also concerned about the responsible use of AI and other technologies in classrooms and is planning to reconvene the AI Advisory Council.

NYC Schools are increasing technological access for students with a focus on hardware and tools that align with learning standards and have impact. NYCPS Cares was launched by the current chancellor to address issues such as bullying and parents struggling to meet basic needs. These initiatives were considered important to Mayor Adams and Chancellor David Banks.

According to the most recent screener data, NYCPS is moving in the right direction with these initiatives. The city aims to use technology to increase productivity in the classroom for teachers and streamline tasks such as differentiated instruction and formative assessment.

Sources: [1] City & State New York (2022) [online] Available at: https://www.cityandstateny.com/education/policy/news/new-york-city-public-schools-pace-workforce-development-program-3567333/ [Accessed 15 March 2023] [2] The City (2021) [online] Available at: https://thecity.nyc/2021/12/13/how-the-de-blasio-administration-is-trying-to-connect-nyc-youth-to-careers.html [Accessed 15 March 2023] [3] EdSurge (2021) [online] Available at: https://www.edsurge.com/news/2021-03-02-new-york-city-launches-a-district-wide-digital-literacy-initiative [Accessed 15 March 2023] [4] Chalkbeat (2021) [online] Available at: https://ny.chalkbeat.org/2021/10/20/new-york-city-schools-launch-a-12-week-program-to-help-students-transition-to-hybrid-learning/ [Accessed 15 March 2023]

Melissa Aviles-Ramos slated to present key remarks at our site's Education Event in NY