The New York State Education Department is part of the University of the State of New York (USNY), one of the most complete, interconnected systems of educational services in the US.

The State Education Department has the following main branches, each under the direction of the Commissioner of Education:

Office of P-12 Education (P-12)
The Office of P-12 Education oversees pre-K through 12th-grade programs. The Office of P-12 Education has diverse responsibilities carried out by the P-12 Program Offices.

Office of Higher Education (OHE)
This division oversees colleges, universities, and proprietary schools; is responsible for the certification of teachers and other school professionals; and oversees programs to improve teacher preparation and recruitment.

Office of Cultural Education (OCE)
OCE includes the State Archives, the State Library, the State Museum,  Office of Public Broadcasting Office, and the Summer School of the Arts. These institutions are responsible for increasing the knowledge and information resources of State and local government, businesses, and individuals. The Office supports research, operates programs, and develops collections that serve the long-term interests of the institutions and residents of New York and support arts education for high-school students.

Office of Performance Improvement and Management Services (PIMS)
PIMS includes the offices of Information Technology, Facilities and Business Services, State Review Office, and External Audits.

Chief Financial Office (CFO)
CFO includes the offices of Human Resources, Fiscal Services, Budget Coordination, Education Finance, Internal Audit, and Internal Controls.

Office of Counsel

Office of the Professions (OP)
Since 1891, the Board of Regents and the New York State Education Department have overseen the preparation, licensure, and practice of the professions. Currently, the Office regulates forty-eight professions defined in Title VIII of the Education Law.

Office of Adult Career and Continuing Education Services (ACCES)
The Office of Adult Career and Continuing Education Services (ACCES) focuses on the education and employment needs of New York State's adults: Vocational Rehabilitation (including Independent Living Administration), Adult Education, High School Equivalency (HSE/TASC™), and Career Schools.

Other Information

NYSED Organization Chart
A high-level organization chart provides an overview of the relationships among these offices.

Annual Professional Performance Review (APPR)
On February 16, 2012, Governor Cuomo proposed budget legislation that would amend Education Law section 3012-c to resolve the issues in New York State United Teachers, et. al v. Board of Regents, the litigation challenging these regulations. The Department will be proposing amendments to Subpart 30-2 of the Regulations of the Commissioner to conform to the statutory changes and reflect the agreement to settle the litigation. NYSED anticipates that the amendments will substantially impact the conduct of Annual Professional Performance Reviews for the 2012-13 school year. The New York State Board of Regents has adopted regulations that will implement a statewide teacher and principal performance evaluation system, which will take effect during the 2011-2012 school year. These evaluations will play a significant role in a wide array of employment decisions, including promotion, retention, tenure determinations, termination, and supplemental compensation, and will be a significant factor in teacher and principal professional development.

• • Changes to Annual Professional Performance Review (APPR)
    The 2019-2020 State Budget makes important changes to the student performance portion of the Annual Professional Performance Review, APPR (3012-c and 3012-d). The Board of Regents adopted emergency regulations on October 8, 2019. 
  • EngageNY
    An evolving, collaborative platform for educators. As the Regents Reform Agenda moves forward across the state, this site will provide information on Common Core standards, The Data-Driven Instruction cycle (DDI) and School-Based Inquiry (SBI), and Teacher/Leader effectiveness (performance management systems).
  • Specific questions should be directed to EDUCATOREVAL@mail.nysed.gov

CASDA - Capitol Area Development Association
One of 40 school study councils in the nation. As an education and research non-profit at the University at Albany's School of Education, it offers a variety of programs and services, including professional development and consulting services to assist school districts with increasing student outcomes, improving organizational structures, and enhancing school leadership. Some of these include a Principals, Guild, Athletic Directors Roundtable, and video library. 

Page Updated 8/4/22