Education (K-12 Education) in New York

in committee · New York · Assembly Jan 7, 2026

A 4291: Requires certain teachers who provide literacy instruction obtain a literacy endorsement

This bill requires teachers instructing students in kindergarten through grade five in literacy to obtain a special literacy certification. New teachers certified after January 1, 2027, must get this certification within three years of receiving their license, while current teachers must obtain it by January 1, 2030. To earn the certification, teachers must complete science-based reading training, coursework, and pass an assessment covering foundational reading skills, effective materials use, and interventions for struggling readers - including those with dyslexia. School districts may grant exemptions based on classroom observations and student achievement data demonstrating equivalent literacy teaching knowledge.

Topics ✓ Education

Sub-Topics K-12 Education Teachers Testing & Assessment

in committee · New York · Assembly Jan 7, 2026

A 8974: Establishes the New York Jewish Heritage Education Equity Act

This bill requires New York's Education Commissioner to survey school districts about how they teach Jewish heritage history, including what grades cover it, teaching methods, and challenges faced. It creates a 4-member advisory committee of education experts to review the survey findings and recommend improvements to K-12 curriculum and instruction. The survey results and committee recommendations must be reported to state leaders by January 2026, with the bill expiring after three years. The bill directly affects school districts' current practices in teaching Jewish heritage history but does not mandate new curriculum or funding.

Topics ✓ Education

Sub-Topics Curriculum K-12 Education

in committee · New York · Senate Jan 7, 2026

S 3910: Relates to providing secondary school pupils and adults in career education programs access to programs/courses sufficient to comprise a career major in electric vehicle maintenance and repair

Relates to providing secondary school pupils and adults in career education programs access to programs/courses sufficient to comprise a career major in electric vehicle maintenance and repair; establishes the working group on electric vehicle career education achievement.

Topics ✓ Education ✓ Energy ✓ Environment ✓ Transportation

Sub-Topics Career & Technical Education K-12 Education Electric Vehicles Electric Vehicles

in committee · New York · Assembly Jan 7, 2026

A 6853: Establishes credits against income tax for a teacher's unreimbursed expenditures for qualified supplies

This bill creates a $500 annual tax credit for K-12 teachers in New York who pay out-of-pocket for approved classroom supplies. It covers expenses like books, writing tools, paper, instructional materials, and field trips, but excludes religious materials, sports programs, and most extracurricular activities (except music/drama). The credit reduces income tax liability, with any excess paid as a refund if it exceeds the tax owed. The credit applies to taxable years starting January 1, 2027, and is limited to qualified public or private schools. It directly benefits teachers who bear these costs without employer reimbursement.

Topics ✓ Budget & Taxes ✓ Education

Sub-Topics Income Tax Tax Credits Curriculum K-12 Education Teachers

in committee · New York · Senate Jan 7, 2026

S 1124: Establishes the "EmpowerED Act: Empowering students and enhancing educational opportunities in New York"

Establishes interregional enrollment of students taking classes in multiple school districts (Part A); allows students who are enrolled in and taking classes in multiple school districts to receive cooperative and individualized educational services (Part B).

Topics ✓ Education

Sub-Topics K-12 Education School Choice Special Education

in committee · New York · Assembly Jan 7, 2026

A 5752: Relates to making certain provisions applicable to public schools relating to instruction in civility, citizenship and character education

This bill requires all New York public schools (K-12) to include a mandatory component on civility, citizenship, and character education in their curriculum. It mandates instruction on principles like honesty, respect, personal responsibility, and anti-bullying, with specific emphasis on discouraging harassment, discrimination, and promoting safety online. The curriculum must cover awareness of discrimination based on race, weight, national origin, religion, disability, sexual orientation, gender, and sex. School officials must integrate this into existing lessons without creating new programs, and the state education department will handle implementation rules. The law takes effect immediately upon enactment.

Topics ✓ Education

Sub-Topics Curriculum K-12 Education School Safety

in committee · New York · Assembly Jan 7, 2026

A 5788: Amends the New York state college choice tuition savings program to have the program also apply to elementary and secondary schools

This bill expands New York's existing college tuition savings program to include elementary and secondary schools. It amends the law to allow families to use the program's tax-advantaged savings accounts for K-12 education costs, not just college. The changes update program references, tax code provisions (including the $5,000/$10,000 annual contribution deduction), and eligibility to cover all grades. The program will now support families saving for both college and K-12 tuition at public or private schools.

Topics ✓ Budget & Taxes ✓ Education

Sub-Topics K-12 Education School Choice

in committee · New York · Assembly Jan 7, 2026

A 4226: Establishes requirements for school libraries

This bill requires all elementary and secondary school libraries to provide equitable access to both physical resources (like books and technology) and digital resources (like e-books and databases). It mandates that libraries offer flexible access to space and staff for students, teachers, and faculty, and that school districts allocate budgets per student to maintain relevant resources. Districts must annually evaluate libraries using a state-created rubric, and the education commissioner will establish rules for library management and reporting. The law directly affects all public school districts in the state, setting concrete standards for library access and funding.

Topics ✓ Budget & Taxes ✓ Education ✓ Technology

Sub-Topics K-12 Education Libraries Student Health

in committee · New York · Assembly Jan 7, 2026

A 7088: Creates a grant program for school districts, institutions of higher education, nonprofit organizations, other entities to prepare students for postsecondary STEM education and careers; appropriation

This bill creates a $50 million grant program to support STEM education and career preparation for students in New York. It directly affects school districts (especially high-need districts), colleges, nonprofits, and other eligible organizations that develop STEM programs for K-12 students. Key provisions include competitive grants prioritizing high-need schools, funding for teacher training and after-school programs, and requirements for comprehensive planning. Grants are awarded for five years with annual progress evaluations, and funds cannot replace existing state testing requirements. The program is funded through an immediate appropriation from the state treasury.

Topics ✓ Budget & Taxes ✓ Education ✓ Technology

Sub-Topics K-12 Education Teachers Testing & Assessment

in committee · New York · Assembly Jan 7, 2026

A 9190: Prohibits the use of most artificial intelligence in classrooms prior to high school

Prohibits the use of most artificial intelligence in classrooms prior to high school except for AI used for diagnostic purposes or explicit instruction interventions for students with disabilities.

Topics ✗ Education ✗ Technology

Sub-Topics K-12 Education Artificial Intelligence

All education bills