Bill > A07752

This bill makes several significant changes to the New York City school system, focusing on specialized high schools and middle school education. The bill requires the chancellor of the city school district to establish procedures for all eighth-grade public school students to take the specialized high school admissions test starting in the 2026-2027 academic year, with the option for parents to opt their children out. The chancellor must also conduct periodic studies on the test's effectiveness and potential bias, publish the results, and establish a free test preparation program for sixth and seventh-grade students. Additionally, the bill mandates the creation of at least ten new specialized high schools by the 2028-2029 academic year, with most located at least two miles from existing specialized schools. The bill also establishes a 15-member Commission on Middle School Achievement, appointed by the governor, senate majority leader, and assembly speaker, to comprehensively review and assess New York City's middle schools, identifying successful strategies and making recommendations to improve educational outcomes. The commission is required to submit final recommendations by December 31, 2025, and the bill also requires each school district to establish at least one gifted and talented program for kindergarten through fifth-grade students.

Education

https://www.nysenate.gov/legislation/bills/2025/A7752