Education (K-12 Education)

in committee · New York · Senate Jan 7, 2026

S 5064: Relates to establishing a commission for the educational advancement of multilingual learners in New York

Relates to establishing a commission for the educational advancement of multilingual learners in New York; provides such commission shall report on the best practices and legislative recommendations to close the achievement gap and high school graduation rates between multilingual learners and their English proficient peers from prekindergarten through twelfth grade.

Topics ✓ EducationSupports EducationEstablishes commission to address achievement gaps and improve graduation rates for multilingual learners, advancing educational equity and access in K-12 education.90% confidence

Sub-Topics K-12 Education

Track

in committee · New York · Senate Jan 7, 2026

S 6541: Relates to high school equivalency diplomas

This bill prohibits any fee for admission to exams that award a high school equivalency diploma in New York State. It directly affects students seeking these diplomas, including those in correctional facilities or preparing through state-approved programs. The key provision (Section 317-a) explicitly bans fees for these exams, ensuring cost barriers are removed for test-takers. The bill amends multiple education and correction laws to align with this fee prohibition but does not change eligibility requirements for the diploma itself.

Topics ✓ EducationSupports EducationBill eliminates fees for high school equivalency exams, directly expanding educational access and removing financial barriers for students including those in correctional facilities.95% confidence

Sub-Topics K-12 Education

Track

in committee · New York · Senate Jan 7, 2026

S 216: Relates to the New York state science, technology, engineering and mathematics incentive program

Extends scholarship eligibility for certain scholarships to students who have a certificate of graduation from a recognized high school within New York state from the two thousand thirteen--fourteen school year or after, or the recognized equivalent of such certificate, or received a passing score on a federally approved ability to benefit test that has been identified by the board of regents as satisfying the eligibility requirements and has been independently administered and evaluated as defined by the commissioner of education.

Topics ✓ EducationSupports EducationExtends STEM scholarship eligibility to more students, expanding access to education funding and supporting higher education opportunities.95% confidence

Sub-Topics K-12 Education Student Financial Aid

Track

in committee · New York · Senate Jan 7, 2026

S 7846: Relates to redefining science, technology, engineering and math education (STEM)

This bill modifies the existing New York State Science, Technology, Engineering, and Mathematics (STEM) incentive program. It provides tuition awards to eligible undergraduate students who graduate in the top ten percent of their New York high school class and enroll full-time in approved STEM programs at New York public or private colleges. The award covers tuition up to the State University of New York (SUNY) resident rate. However, the award converts to a student loan if the recipient does not complete their STEM degree or fails to work in a STEM field within New York state for five years after graduation. The legislative intent is to promote STEM education, help New York students compete globally, and involve business and industry in career development.

Topics ✓ EducationSupports EducationProvides tuition awards for top STEM students, expanding access to higher education funding and supporting STEM education programs.95% confidence ✓ TechnologySupports TechnologyFunds STEM education via tuition awards for top graduates, promoting technology workforce development and access to STEM programs.90% confidence

Sub-Topics K-12 Education Student Financial Aid

Track

in committee · New York · Senate Jan 7, 2026

S 2647: Provides school preference when a student is applying to the same public elementary or middle school as a sibling

Provides that in a city with a population of one million or more, where a student is applying to attend a public elementary or middle school and such student has a sibling who already attends such school, such student whose application is pending shall be given preference for admission.

Topics ✓ EducationSupports EducationProvides sibling admission preference in large-city public schools, expanding access for families and promoting school stability85% confidence

Sub-Topics K-12 Education

Track

in committee · New York · Assembly Jan 7, 2026

A 3660: Establishes a state seal of financial literacy

Establishes a state seal of financial literacy; provides such seal recognizes high school graduates who have attained a high level of proficiency in personal finance, budget management, and investment.

Topics ✓ EducationSupports EducationBill creates a recognition seal for high school graduates demonstrating financial literacy proficiency, enhancing student educational outcomes and curriculum standards in financial education.90% confidence

Sub-Topics K-12 Education

Track

in committee · New York · Assembly May 8, 2026

A 1186: Requires school districts to conduct mandatory early screening for dyslexia for all children

Requires school districts to conduct mandatory early screening for dyslexia for all children commencing in pre-kindergarten or kindergarten and continuing thereafter on an annual basis until each child successfully completes second grade; requires school districts to designate an individual to maintain complete and accurate records containing early screening reports for each child, and to provide resources and materials to the parent and/or guardian of any child who displays indications of dyslexia.

Topics ✓ EducationSupports EducationMandates early dyslexia screening and resources for affected students, directly advancing educational access and intervention for learning disabilities in K-12 schools.95% confidence

Sub-Topics K-12 Education

Track

in committee · New York · Senate Jan 7, 2026

S 2631: Requires public elementary schools to start no earlier than eight a.m. and public secondary schools to start no earlier than eight thirty a.m.

This bill requires all public elementary schools in the state to start classes no earlier than 8:00 a.m. and public secondary schools (high schools) no earlier than 8:30 a.m. It directly affects public schools by mandating these start times for all academic years beginning after the bill takes effect. The key mechanism links school funding to compliance: schools must report in their annual reports that they met the start time requirements to receive state apportionments. The law applies immediately to all affected schools, with no exceptions for earlier start times.

Topics ✓ EducationSupports EducationMandates later school start times with funding tied to compliance, promoting student health and learning outcomes per educational best practices.92% confidence

Sub-Topics K-12 Education School Transportation Student Health

Track

in committee · New York · Senate Jan 7, 2026

S 1517: Relates to hunting, fishing and outdoor education in high school physical education courses

S 1517 requires New York high schools to offer optional hunting, fishing, and outdoor education as a component of physical education courses when requested by 10 or more enrolled students. The bill mandates that schools provide this instruction consistent with state license applicant curriculum, covering topics like hunting/fishing seasons, species regulations, license requirements, recreational opportunities, and the historical role of these activities in the state. It directs the education and environmental conservation departments to jointly develop the required curriculum. The law directly affects public secondary schools and students in grades 9-12 who seek this educational component.

Topics ✓ EducationSupports EducationMandates optional hunting/fishing curriculum in PE, enhancing student program options within education framework85% confidence

Sub-Topics Curriculum K-12 Education

Track

in committee · New York · Senate Jan 7, 2026

S 3270: Relates to the creation of an adult high school workforce development demonstration project

Creates an adult high school workforce development demonstration project in Rochester; defines "adult high school workforce development demonstration project" or "program" to mean a private or independent high school registered by the department which provides adult learners with an appropriate academic environment, career credentialing programs and access to wraparound services provided by the operator or any entity partnered which such operator to address barriers to enable adult learners to pursue and obtain, subject to satisfactory completion of the requirements set forth within this article, a high school diploma.

Topics ✓ EducationSupports EducationCreates adult high school workforce program expanding access to career training and wraparound services for adult learners, advancing educational access as defined in topic description.92% confidence ✓ Labor & EmploymentSupports Labor & EmploymentCreates workforce development program to enhance adult employment through career credentialing and wraparound services85% confidence

Sub-Topics K-12 Education Workforce Development

Track