Relates to admission to a special high school in the city school district of the city of New York

2 Co-sponsors

• Adriano Espaillat
• Velmanette Montgomery

BILL NUMBER:S7738

Title of bill

An act to amend the education law, in relation to admission to a special high school in the city school district of the city of New York; and providing for the repeal of such provisions upon expiration thereof

Purpose

To establish procedures and standards for admission to the special high schools of New York City which will consist of multiple objective measures of student merit including grade point averages, school attendance records, school admission test scores and state test scores.

Summary of provisions

Sections 1 and 2 of the bill requires the New York City Board to establish procedures and standards for admission to the special high schools of New York City which shall consist of multiple measures of student merit including grade point average of applicant, attendance records, school admission test scores, and state test scores, provided, however, approved school absences are not to be included as part of the analysis. This section also requires the City Board or Chancellor to provide written explanation of the weightings of the factors selected and make such explanation publicly available. It also requires the Chancellor conspicuously posts notice of the special high schools' entrance examination. Finally, this section provides that the principal of a special high school may admit a student who has satisfactorily completed a discovery program, subject to regulations.

Section 3 of the bill is the effective date and provides for a five year sunset.

Justification

Students seeking admission into one of New York City's specialized high schools must take the Specialized High School Admission Test (SHSAT). Currently, the results of this exam are the only factor considered for student admission. This legislation would create multiple objective measures of student merit weighted by the City Board or Chancellor including the grade point average of applicants, school attendance records, school admission test scores, and state test scores.

Legislative history

None.

Fiscal implications

Undetermined.

Effective date

This act shall take effect on the first of July next succeeding the date on which it shall have become a law, and shall expire and be deemed repealed 5 years after such effective date.