Bill > A01881

This bill requires the New York City Department of Education to expand gifted and talented (G&T) programs across elementary and intermediate schools. Specifically, any school with four or more classes per grade level must establish at least one class for high-performing students, with admission based on academic merit rather than a standardized entrance exam. The bill mandates that each school district create at least one district-wide G&T program for both elementary (kindergarten through fifth grade) and intermediate (sixth through eighth grade) levels, with admissions determined by an objective, competitive academic achievement measure. A key provision is that students who participate in an elementary G&T program will automatically be admitted to an intermediate G&T program, ensuring continuity of advanced educational opportunities. The bill aims to increase access to specialized academic programs for top-performing students across different school districts and grade levels, moving away from a single entrance examination as the sole criterion for admission. The legislation will take effect 120 days after becoming law, with preparatory administrative work allowed to begin immediately.

Education

https://www.nysenate.gov/legislation/bills/2025/A1881