Bill > A08162

This bill establishes a commission for the educational advancement of multilingual learners in New York, designed to study and address the achievement gap between multilingual students and their English-proficient peers. The commission will consist of nine members appointed by the governor, legislative leaders, state education commissioner, and board of regents, with specific requirements that the membership include professionals with expertise in areas such as English as a Second Language (ESOL), bilingual education, early childhood learning, and education equity. The commission will be responsible for conducting studies, holding hearings, and producing a comprehensive report by December 31, 2025, that provides best practices and legislative recommendations to improve educational outcomes for multilingual learners from prekindergarten through twelfth grade. Members will serve without compensation but can be reimbursed for expenses, and the commission will have support from the state education department and other state agencies. The bill is temporary, taking effect immediately and expiring two years after its enactment, with the ultimate goal of helping multilingual learners close academic performance gaps and improve high school graduation rates.

Education

https://www.nysenate.gov/legislation/bills/2025/A8162