Education (Testing & Assessment)

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.

Enacts the Educational Rights Transparency for New York Families Act, to establish standards for resource based educational rights of students within the state and implement a system of self-assessment and reporting by schools and school districts.

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.

This bill sets new standards for STEM education assessment in New York State. It requires the education commissioner to establish specific guidelines for when STEM (science, technology, engineering, math) is introduced before college, what qualifies as a valid STEM curriculum, and how student and teacher progress in these subjects will be evaluated. The bill mandates that all K-12 teachers teaching science and math must have access to new training programs under these standards, and school districts must implement the required curriculum. These changes directly affect public school students, science/math teachers, and school administrators in primary and secondary education.

This bill removes time limits for specific tests taken by students in city districts. It ensures state assessments, city district-created tests, and standardized exams administered to these students cannot be restricted by time limits. The law directly affects all students in city school districts by allowing tests to be completed without fixed time constraints. The change takes effect immediately upon enactment.