Education (Curriculum)

in committee · New York · Senate Feb 24, 2026

S 8959: Relates to requirements for a course of instruction relating to the Irish potato famine

S 8959 mandates that all New York public and private elementary and high schools include a dedicated unit studying the Irish potato famine (1845-1850) as part of their required civic education curriculum. This bill amends education law to specifically require schools to teach about the "mass starvation in Ireland from 1845 to 1850" alongside other topics like slavery, the Holocaust, and genocide. It directly affects all K-12 students in New York schools over age eight, requiring schools to integrate this historical study into existing courses on citizenship and human rights. The law takes effect July 1, 2026, following committee referral.

Topics ✓ EducationSupports EducationMandates inclusion of Irish potato famine curriculum unit, expanding required civic education content per bill's explicit language.95% confidence

Sub-Topics Curriculum K-12 Education

Track

in committee · New York · Assembly Jan 30, 2026

A 10028: Directs the commissioner of education to develop curriculum for firearm safety classes in schools and provides for schools to be able to provide firearm safety instruction

Directs the commissioner of education to develop curriculum for firearm safety classes in schools; provides for schools to be able to provide firearm safety instruction which can be used to obtain a hunting license.

Topics ✓ EducationSupports EducationBill mandates curriculum development for firearm safety classes, expanding educational curriculum offerings within K-12 schools.90% confidence

Sub-Topics Curriculum School Safety

Track

passed both · New York · Senate Jun 4, 2026

S 8630: Enacts the "freedom to read act"

Requires each board of education to adopt a written policy for reconsideration of school library materials and make such policy available on its website; requires such policies to include provisions for the creation of a reconsideration committee to review complaints regarding school library materials; requires the commissioner of education to develop one or more model policies for school districts.

Topics ✓ EducationSupports EducationRequires school boards to adopt policies for reconsidering library materials after complaints, protecting access to diverse educational resources per 'freedom to read' intent.90% confidence

Sub-Topics Curriculum Libraries School Safety

Track

in committee · New York · Assembly Jan 7, 2026

A 9298: Enacts the "next-gen civics act"

Enacts the "next-gen civics act" to provide education to students in grades nine through twelve on civic education; provides that such instruction shall include, but not be limited to, a hands-on, project-based curriculum where students shall apply what they learn through activities that include, but are not limited to, mock elections, community projects, and policy simulations.

Topics ✓ EducationSupports EducationMandates project-based civic education curriculum for grades 9-12, enhancing student engagement and practical learning in civics per bill requirements.90% confidence

Sub-Topics Curriculum

Track

in committee · New York · Assembly Jan 7, 2026

A 7687: Updates provisions relating to dignity for all students

Updates provisions relating to dignity for all students including curriculum and teacher training requirements designed to prevent student suicide with a focus on LGBTQ students.

Topics ✓ EducationSupports EducationMandates curriculum and teacher training for suicide prevention with LGBTQ focus, enhancing student support programs per bill summary.95% confidence

Sub-Topics Curriculum Teachers

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signed · New York · Assembly Aug 7, 2025

A 7442: Extends certain provisions of law relating to publishers or manufacturers providing printed instructional materials for college students with disabilities

Extends certain provisions of law relating to publishers or manufacturers providing printed instructional materials for college students with disabilities.

Topics ✓ EducationSupports EducationExtends access to printed materials for college students with disabilities, directly enhancing educational access in higher education.95% confidence

Sub-Topics Curriculum

in committee · New York · Senate Jun 4, 2025

S 7702: Extends certain provisions of law relating to publishers or manufacturers providing printed instructional materials for college students with disabilities

Extends certain provisions of law relating to publishers or manufacturers providing printed instructional materials for college students with disabilities.

Topics ✓ EducationSupports EducationExtends access to printed instructional materials for college students with disabilities, enhancing educational accessibility for a specific student group.95% confidence

Sub-Topics Curriculum

Track

passed · New York · Assembly May 29, 2026

A 5352: Directs the department of social services to establish an outdoor, nature-based child care pilot project

Directs the department of social services to establish an outdoor, nature-based child care pilot project to explore establishing licensing guidelines for the operation of outdoor, nature-based child care programs in an outdoor space and that employ a nature-based early learning curriculum to teach enrolled children.

Topics ✓ EducationSupports EducationEstablishes nature-based early learning program with curriculum, enhancing educational access and methods for preschool/school-age children.95% confidence

Sub-Topics Curriculum Early Childhood

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in committee · New York · Senate Jan 7, 2026

S 5025: Updates provisions relating to dignity for all students

Updates provisions relating to dignity for all students including curriculum and teacher training requirements designed to prevent student suicide with a focus on LGBTQ students.

Topics ✓ EducationSupports EducationBill establishes suicide prevention curriculum and teacher training for LGBTQ students, enhancing school mental health programs and student safety in educational settings.95% confidence

Sub-Topics Curriculum Student Health Teachers

Track

signed · New York · Senate Nov 21, 2025

S 3161: Moves the Amistad Commission from the department of state to the state education department

This bill moves the Amistad Commission from the State Department to the State Education Department. The commission, which focuses on promoting education about the African slave trade, slavery in America, and African-American contributions, will now be managed by the Education Department rather than the State Department. This transfer shifts administrative responsibility for the commission's work - such as developing educational resources, recognizing schools teaching African-American history, and advising on curriculum - to the Education Department. The bill is now law (Chapter 542, signed November 21, 2025).

Topics ✓ EducationSupports EducationMoves educational commission to Education Department, strengthening curriculum integration for African-American history education and resource development.85% confidence

Sub-Topics Curriculum