The New York State Systemic Initiative (NYSSI) seeks to implement the State standards in mathematics, science and technology (MST) education by providing a framework of systemic change that involves education and community members, models inquiry-based instruction, and specifies high standards and appropriate assessments for grades K-12. Each of the Urban Network districts employs an Urban Partnership Coordinator who aligns community organizations with district, State and federal resources. In these districts, there are 10 research and demonstration schools (R&D) which serve as laboratories for strategies and processes and for sharing ideas that work with other schools while providing models for reform in other disciplines.

The NYSSI has played an active role in working with the New York State Education Department to raise standards in New York State schools, including working to get approval for an all Regents (higher standards) curriculum, aiding in production and dissemination of the Learning Standards for Mathematics, Science and Technology and its follow-up application, and a Curriculum Resource Guide for MST. The NYSSI is currently evaluating and disseminating the lessons learned in the 10 R&D schools to continue to bring MST reform and higher standards to all the schools in New York State, K-12.

Federal Statute: Federal Regulation:

State Statute: State Regulation:

TELEPHONE: (518) 473-9471 FAX:

Aid to non-public schools for activities such as taking attendance and administering tests that are State mandated.

Federal Statute: Federal Regulation:

State Statute:
State Regulation: 8 NYCRR 176

TELEPHONE: (518) 474-4815 FAX:

The Nutrition Education and Training Program, through its local, State and federal partnerships, provides leadership in promoting healthy eating habits for our nation's children. This program integrates mealtime and learning experiences to help children make informed food choices as part of a healthy lifestyle. The following activities are accomplished through grants to nine Regional Comprehensive School Health and Wellness Centers and two statewide advocacy offices:

• identifying and addressing the nutrition education and food service training needs of diverse target audiences,
• applying scientifically-based nutrition information, recognized food management techniques and sound education principles in meeting these needs, and
• seeking opportunities to improve children's nutritional status by cooperating and collaborating with others to achieve mutual goals.

Federal Statute: Child Nutrition Act 1966 as amended P.L. 103-448
Federal Regulation:7CFR 3016, Subpart V

State Statute: State Regulation:

TELEPHONE: (518) 486-6090 FAX:

The Parenting Education program supports adults in their role as parents by expanding opportunities for parents' involvement in children's education, assisting parents in developing skills, and providing adult and parenting education. It also seeks to foster in youngsters the sense of self-worth essential to becoming a self-sufficient and responsible adult. In addition, the Parenting Education program sites involve parents and assist them as they assume more active roles in the education of their children. Technical assistance will be provided to assist districts as they increase the participation of parents.

Federal Statute: Federal Regulation:

State Statute:
State Regulation: NYCRR Part 144.3

TELEPHONE: (518) 474-5807 FAX:

Education Law, Section 4118, provides funding for Native American students for attendance at approved, accredited institutions within New York State. Student aid is granted annually for up to four years to each Native American student who qualifies. Students enrolled in programs requiring five years to complete, for example, architecture, can be funded for five years. Student aid is granted for less than four years if the duration of the postsecondary program is less than four years. Eligible students must submit proof of tribal enrollment, be a State resident, a high school graduate or GED recipient, and be accepted to an accredited New York State institution.

Federal Statute: Federal Regulation:

State Statute: Education Law ' 4118
State Regulation:

TELEPHONE: (518) 474-0537 FAX:

The New York State Prekindergarten program provides comprehensive, developmentally appropriate programs for three and four-year olds from low-income families. The program is designed to meet the diverse needs of eligible children and their families by providing health and nutrition services, social services, parent involvement, staff development, appropriate educational experiences, and by encouraging continuity of programs and services through the primary grades. The New York State Prekindergarten program provides quality comprehensive services to approximately 19,500 economically disadvantaged children and their families. The Prekindergarten program is located in 99 school districts.

The program emphasizes strong parent involvement, offering the opportunity for parents to participate in their children's education, while improving their own parental skills. Opportunities for parent involvement include: employment in the program or participation as volunteers; home visits from staff; parent visits to school; parent-staff meetings to address child-rearing practices and skills needed by parents, or the goals, policies and practices of the school; participation in program decision making through informal parent-staff discussions or through formal advisory groups.

Federal Statute: Federal Regulation:

State Statute: Chapter 342, Laws of 1968
State Regulation: 8 NYCRR Part 148, Part 151

TELEPHONE: (518) 474-5807 FAX:

The Primary Mental Health Project has developed and provided prevention oriented programs based on sound research to children since 1957. Several structured prevention and early intervention programs are provided to students including:

• Primary Mental Health Program - A program developed for the early detection and prevention of school adjustment and learning problems in primary grade children.
• Children of Divorce Intervention Program - A program that provides a structured response to the needs of children whose parents are divorced.
• Resiliency Program - A program that uses the results of research in factors affecting resiliency to address the needs of children placed at risk by their environment.
• Study Buddy Program - A program that pairs primary grade students for class work.
• Preschool Social Solving Program - A program that addresses problem solving skills development.

The Primary Mental Health Program has proven effective at both improving educational achievement and behavioral adjustment. Using a prevention oriented approach, the Primary Mental Health Program emphasizes:

• a focus on young children before problems root;
• the provision of active screening to identify children experiencing significant early school adjustment problems; and
• services to identified children through the use of carefully selected, trained and supervised nonprofessional help agents.

Federal Statute: Federal Regulation:

State Statute: State Regulation:

TELEPHONE: (518) 486-6090 FAX:

School districts with a percentage of pupils with compensatory education needs that is in the top quartile of percentages for all districts are required to set aside an amount of comprehensive operating aid for purposes of compensatory education.

Subpart 149-1 of the Regulations of the Commissioner of Education establishes educational and fiscal requirements for these districts.

School districts which are not required to set aside funds for compensatory education are still required to implement remediation requirements contained in Section 100.3(b)(3). 100.4(e) and 100.5(a) 4(iii) of the Regulations of the Commissioner of Education.

Federal Statute: Federal Regulation:

State Statute: State Education Law ' 3602, 1e.(1) and Education Law ' 3602 (12)
State Regulation: 8 NYCRR Part 149.1

TELEPHONE: (518) 473-0295 FAX:

Reorganization Efficiency Study Grants are of three types:

a) A school district, group of districts and/or a BOCES may develop a study with a municipality for: 1) collaboration or consolidation of programs and services for school-aged youth-at-risk and their families including training; 2) collaboration with human service agencies in such areas as health and welfare; 3) consolidation of services including transportation, facilities, bidding and purchasing, equipment, insurance, maintenance and communications. Funding is up to $20,000 per study.

b) A group of school districts may develop a study to reorganize as a single district or to create a shared program, service or activity between them. Funding is up to $50,000 per study.

c) A single school district may develop a study to examine and review administrative operations for the purpose of identifying ways to improve the delivery of educational services and reduce costs. Funding is up to $50,000 per study.

Federal Statute: Federal Regulation:

State Statute: Education Law ' 3602, Subdivision 14(h)
State Regulation: 8 NYCRR Part 175.32

TELEPHONE: (518) 474-3936 FAX:

Grants to school districts to assist students with a high risk of truancy and academic failure to remain in or re-enter the school program. This program is for rural, suburban, and small city districts.

Federal Statute: Federal Regulation:

State Statute: Education Law ' 3602(a)
State Regulation: 8 NYCRR Part 144.4

TELEPHONE: (518) 486-6090 FAX: