What's happening
This bill requires free test preparation programs during school hours for certain seventh graders in large New York cities.
Why it matters
Targets equity gaps. By focusing on seventh graders who scored no higher than a four on key English or math tests, the bill aims to help students who may otherwise lack access to costly test prep resources, potentially leveling the playing field for competitive high school admissions.
Access during school hours. Providing free test preparation during the regular school day ensures that participation isn’t limited by after-school obligations, family responsibilities, or transportation issues, reaching students who might otherwise miss out.
Focuses on large urban districts. The bill specifically applies to New York cities with populations over one million, such as New York City, where competition for specialized high school spots is fierce and disparities in admissions are well-documented.
Potential to impact specialized high school diversity. By giving underperforming students targeted support, the measure could broaden the pool of applicants ready for specialized high schools, potentially increasing diversity and representation in these elite institutions.
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Who cares
Headline styles
Free Test Prep for Students
Plain English, a few words. Used as the page title.
Sponsors
History
- Referred to new york city education
- Committee discharged and committed to new york city 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.
Free Test Prep for Students
In Assembly Committee · Education · Sponsor Jaime R. Williams
Full text
1 pageUnderlined is new[Struck] is removedOfficial text on nysenate.gov ↗
STATE OF NEW YORK
1081
2019-2020 Regular Sessions
IN SENATE
January 10, 2019
Introduced by Sen. PERSAUD -- 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 test preparation programs for certain students
The People of the State of New York, represented in Senate and Assembly, do enact as follows:
Section 1. Section 305 of the education law is amended by adding a new subdivision 57 to read as follows:
57. Test preparation for certain students. The commissioner shall establish in cities having a population of one million or more, in conjunction with the appropriate official with jurisdiction over the public school system in such cities, a test preparation program for students in the seventh grade having scored no higher than a four on either the English language arts test or mathematics test administered by such cities and who intend to apply to take the specialized high school admissions test. Such test preparation shall be offered free of charge during the regular operating hours of the school day.
§ 2. This act shall take effect immediately.
EXPLANATION--Matter in italics (underscored) is new; matter in brackets
[ ] is old law to be omitted.
LBD00788-01-9
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 test preparation programs for certain students
Purpose
To provide test preparation for certain students intending to apply to take the specialized high school admissions test.
Summary of provisions
Section one of this bill amends subdivision 55 of section 305 of the education law that would provide test preparation for certain students who intend to apply to take the specialized high school admissions test. This subsection establishes in cities having a population of one million or more, in conjunction with the appropriate official with jurisdiction over the public school system in such cities, a test preparation program for students in the seventh grade having scored no higher than a four on either the English language arts test or mathematics test administered by such cities and who intend to apply to take the specialized high school admission test. Such test preparation shall be offered free of charge during the regular operating hours of the school day.
Justification
To ensure that children of the general population are not at a disadvan- tage in comparison to their peers. This act would allow all children access to equal opportunity for entrance to specialized high school.
Legislative history
2017/2018: S1321 REFERRED TO EDUCATION
Fiscal implications
Undetermined.
Effective date
This act shall take effect immediately.
Summaries, headlines and scores are AI-generated from the official bill text. How we score bills. Source: NYS Open Legislation.