DFER-NY cultivates and supports progressive leaders willing to pursue bold reform on behalf of the state’s public school children despite pressure from special interests seeking to represent adult-only interests. As home to the largest public school system in the nation and five major urban districts, DFER-NY has paid particular attention to state level policy that impacts students statewide. DFER-NY is working closely with state legislators, the currently reform-minded governor, and aligned coalitions to advance efforts to ensure the state is accountable for holding high standards for all students groups, expanding parent choice, and ensuring funding creates equitable systems of high quality education for all students across the state.