Governor Kathy Hochul has introduced her 2026 State of the State plan, aiming to support New York’s children by returning to foundational, evidence-based teaching, increasing support for educators, and fostering positive school environments. The plan focuses on elevating math and literacy education, building a strong teacher workforce through recruitment and retention, and expanding access to affordable higher education and career pathways via SUNY and CUNY.
“As the first mom to serve as New York’s Governor, I truly appreciate how much good schools mean to families making decisions about where to live,” said Governor Hochul. “I want New York’s students to be the best prepared in the nation, which is why we’re investing in evidence-based, back-to-basics learning in math and reading, and strengthening support for teachers. These initiatives reassure parents that their children’s education is in the best hands here.”
Focusing On Math And Literacy: Improving Education With Evidence-Based Approaches
Building on recent shifts to literacy instruction grounded in the Science of Reading, the state has seen gains in reading proficiency. Hochul’s proposal now advances a ‘back-to-basics’ focus for math, calling for SED to provide guidance and resources for math instruction, and for SUNY and CUNY to create micro-credentials and professional training in math teaching, especially targeting districts where math scores lag.
Strengthening The Teacher Workforce Across New York State
Facing a projected need for 180,000 new teachers in the coming decade, Hochul’s plan includes:
- Accelerated certification pathways for career changers and degree-holders who work in high-need schools before full certification.
- New P-TEACH programs, letting high schoolers earn college credit toward education careers.
- Modernization of TeachNY, a resource hub for future teachers, aiming to help more than 7,000 recruits in three years.
- A task force led by the Rockefeller Institute of Government to tackle shortages, entry barriers, and policy solutions.
Enhancing Accountability And Data Transparency In Education
To address New York’s fragmented educational data, the state is expanding its secure longitudinal data system (SLDS), linking student data from early learning to the workforce while ensuring privacy. This year’s plan includes additional investment and the launch of a multi-agency board to oversee the system securely.
Supporting Indigenous, Black, & Latina Students
The plan expands the Indigenous Youth Service Project to new districts and continues support for Black and Latina girls through specialized mentoring programs that build leadership and skills.
Connecting College And Career Opportunities
Major actions:
- Freezing tuition for resident undergraduates at SUNY and CUNY campuses and increasing support funding.
- Expanding SUNY and CUNY Reconnect to offer free community college for adults in high-demand fields, adding more eligible programs and expanding to those with prior degrees.
- Creating the New York Career Connect for more internships, career counseling, and job placement support.
- Growing EDCAP services for student loan help and launching new consumer education against predatory lending.
Youth Mental Health And Online Safety
The plan enhances behavioral health programs in schools and communities, such as increased first aid training, more youth recovery clubhouses, and broader support for LGBTQ+ and Indigenous youth. Online, the Safe By Design initiative envisions safer digital spaces, fairer online gaming, and healthy digital habits in schools.
Background: Recent NY Education Initiatives
- $37.6 billion invested in school aid, including full Foundation Aid funding.
- Universal free school meals for 2.7 million students.
- Statewide cell phone ban in schools, improving focus and engagement.
- Tuition-free community college for adults aged 25–55 in high-demand fields.
- Simpler access to TAP and increased FAFSA/TAP completion rates, now among the highest nationally.
- Expanded school-based mental health clinics to cover a quarter of public schools.
- SAFE for Kids and Child Data Protection Acts to protect students online.
FAQ: Key Points From The 2026 Education Plan
How will math instruction change?
New mandates will require SED to provide best practices and resources in math, while SUNY and CUNY must develop evidence-based micro-credentials and offer statewide professional learning.
What’s new for reading instruction?
Districts use Science of Reading methods, with improved results. The plan expands free Science of Reading micro-credentials and gives targeted support to lagging districts.
What’s the new teacher pipeline?
Accelerated certification pathways, P-TEACH dual credit programs, enhanced TeachNY, and a statewide task force will build and support new teachers.
How does SUNY/CUNY Reconnect expand?
Free community college is now open to more adults, including those pursuing nursing, in more high-demand fields.
What is the Empire AI Student Challenge?
The inaugural K–12 challenge tasks student teams, guided by educators, to develop AI-driven solutions to public problems, with events hosted at Empire AI campuses.
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