The Latino Educational Advocacy Directors (LEAD) coalition consists of leading educational advocacy organizations committed to improving Latino academic outcomes and opportunities in New York State. Created by the Hispanic Federation, the coalition works to highlight and address the educational needs of Latino students in the following ways: identifying and supporting effective practice; public policy advocacy and research; and the advancement of a shared educational agend

The goal is to narrow the achievement gap of Latino students so that their academic outcomes ultimately equal other, higher performing student populations across the state. The coalition is unified in support of a reform agenda that will enhance New York City and New York State’s P-16 public education system, creating a strong college and career access and success pipeline to improve the outcomes of Latino students.

Eucation for Multilingual Learners (MLLs) in New York State is in a state of crisis. For decades, New York has failed to dedicate the appropriate level of focus and funding necessary to support the academic needs of this growing student population. And it shows. From graduation and dropout rates to scores on state assessments, multilingual learners lag staggeringly behind their non-MLL peers in NYS.

Executive Summary- An Unlevel Playing Field: Multilingual Learners in New York State Increasing Advancement, Achievement, and Outcomes

Since 1990, New York State has reported a teacher shortage for certified bilingual teachers. It, along with Texas, are the only two states that have faced a shortage for the last quarter of a century. The shortage is so dire, that in serve its multilingual learners, schools are placing teachers that are not certified to teach bilingual education in bilingual classrooms, jeopardizing the quality of education multilingual learners receive.

New report shows New York’s education system denies students of color access to courses that prepare them for college, careers, and active citizenship.

New York, NY – The Latino Education Advocacy Directors (LEAD) Coalition launched a new statewide campaign today to push for an increased investment from New York State in its multilingual learners )MLL), to ensure that their academic needs are met. MLLs are students who speak or understand a language other than English and speak or understand little or no English.

New York, NY – The Latino Education Advocacy Directors (LEAD) Coalition launched a statewide campaign in February of this year to push for an increased investment from New York State in its Multilingual Learners (MLL), to ensure that their academic needs are met. MLLs refers to students who speak and understand other languages and are learning English.

An extensive body of research indicates that the foundation for future academic success is laid in a child’s first years. Kids who have rich early educational experiences are much more likely to stay in school and achieve high levels of academic attainment.

As a parent of an MLL student, these tips will help you to better understand your rights and your options to make sure both you and your child receive available support.

This FAQ was made in collaboration with Goddard Riverside Options Center, uAspire, CUNY, SUNY, HESC, The Hispanic Federation, and Young Invincibles.