Bill > H5163

This bill amends existing education law to require the commissioner of elementary and secondary education to direct all local education agencies (LEAs), which include public school districts, regional school districts, state-operated schools, regional collaborative schools, and charter schools, to select high-quality curricula and materials for science and technology by June 30, 2026. The bill extends the previous deadline for identifying science and technology curricula from January 1, 2024, to January 31, 2026, and pushes back the implementation deadline for LEAs from June 30, 2025, to June 30, 2026. The law requires the commissioner to identify at least five high-quality curriculum options that align with state academic standards, curriculum frameworks, and statewide standardized tests. LEAs must choose from these identified curricula, with options to request a waiver through a specific process that includes developing local curriculum goals and engaging a third-party reviewer. The bill also includes provisions for LEAs with high-performing student populations to potentially use alternative curricula and mandates the development of curriculum implementation plans with professional development. Additionally, the law requires annual reporting on curriculum progress and establishes a review cycle for maintaining curriculum quality, with reviews scheduled to begin in 2025 and continue every four years thereafter.

Education

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