What's happening
This bill requires all New York schools to implement a multicultural curriculum and related teacher training, tailored to each school's student body.
Why it matters
Addresses local needs. By requiring each school to tailor its multicultural curriculum based on its unique student body, the law aims for relevance and responsiveness to the actual cultural backgrounds present, rather than a one-size-fits-all approach.
Promotes teacher preparedness. Mandating specific teacher training ensures educators are not only aware of, but also skilled in, addressing cultural and ethnic differences, potentially reducing bias and improving classroom dynamics.
Potentially impacts school climate. By embedding multicultural education and awareness into both curriculum and teacher development, the bill may foster greater inclusivity, representation, and understanding among students, which can reduce incidents of cultural misunderstanding or exclusion.
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Who cares
Headline styles
Require Multicultural School Curriculum
Plain English, a few words. Used as the page title.
Sponsors
1 Co-sponsor
History
- Referred to education
- Referred to education
Companion bill
The same bill in the other chamber. A bill becomes law when one version passes both houses and the governor signs it, so either number can carry it.
Require Multicultural School Curriculum
In Assembly Committee · Education · Sponsor Michaelle C. Solages
Full text
1 pageUnderlined is new[Struck] is removedOfficial text on nysenate.gov ↗
STATE OF NEW YORK
3111
2017-2018 Regular Sessions
IN SENATE
January 19, 2017
Introduced by Sen. PARKER -- read twice and ordered printed, and when printed to be committed to the Committee on Education
AN ACT to amend the education law, in relation to requiring a multi-cultural curriculum
The People of the State of New York, represented in Senate and Assembly, do enact as follows:
Section 1. The education law is amended by adding a new section 804-e to read as follows:
§ 804-e. Multi-cultural curriculum. 1. All schools including elementary schools, junior high schools and senior high schools shall be required to teach a multi-cultural curriculum which shall be set out in rules and regulations to be promulgated by the commissioner.
2. In formulating the rules and regulations for a multi-cultural curriculum the commissioner shall allow for and shall implement rules and regulations which consider the differences in the cultural composition of each school and the commissioner shall allow and direct schools to do research and observation on their own student body in order to particularize multi-cultural education to fit such education to such school.
3. The commissioner shall also promulgate rules and regulations which shall set out a teacher education program in order to train teachers and educators to teach and interact with students of different cultural and ethnic backgrounds.
§ 2. This act shall take effect on the first of September next succeeding the date on which it shall have become a law.
EXPLANATION--Matter in italics (underscored) is new; matter in brackets
[ ] is old law to be omitted.
LBD04570-01-7
Reflowed for reading: line numbers and page breaks removed. Cite the official text.
Sponsor's memo
Title of bill
An act to amend the education law, in relation to requiring a multi-cultural curriculum
Purpose of bill
This proposal would help foster peaceful coexistence across races and culture and would help in the formation of intercultural relationships locally, nationally, and internationally.
Summary of specific provisions
1. The present curriculum in schools needs to be modified to include mandatory multicultural education for all schools at all levels. In order to make education appropriate for each school where it is being implemented, individual schools must do research on their student body. Research should include but not be limited to: observation of students' behavior in the classroom and during recess; inquiring as to cultural practices and preferences of the student body; and speaking with parents about their cultural practices.
2. Implementation of teacher preparation programs which will assist educators in effectively dealing with students from a broad spectrum of cultural backgrounds. They will teach students how to be more receptive of students from different cultural and ethnic backgrounds. Education should help to develop knowledge, skills and attitudes necessary for teachers to be able to recognize and positively respond to the diverse needs of students in multicultural classroom settings.
3. The implementing of multicultural education should reflect each individual community where the school is located by: researching various ethnic groups with students in a classroom setting; studying published works on students' ethnic groups; encouraging parents to educate their children on the culture; asking students to share their culture in the classroom; examining and appreciating differences and similarities between cultures in art, music, dance, theatre, etc.; having students participate in projects that relate to various different cultures; and using trips and tours, when possible, to explore in depth classroom curriculums.
Justification
The educational performance of multicultural students has been constrained by a lack of knowledge on the part of many teachers about different cultures. Multiculturalism is unavoidable in modern societies. In order for multiculturalism to be accepted in society, education is key. As such, schools need to respond to the diverse societies they serve in, rather than marginalizing the cultures of diverse groups. Many teachers in New York State possess limited knowledge and understanding to the cultures of the world. This presents a major challenge to effective teaching and learning.
Legislative history
2015-16: S.1571/A.2205 - Died in Education 2013-14: S.2834/A.8027 - Died in Education 2011-12: S.1148 - Died in Education
Fiscal implications
Undetermined.
Effective date
September 1, next succeeding the date on which it shall have become a law.
Summaries, headlines and scores are AI-generated from the official bill text. How we score bills. Source: NYS Open Legislation.