BILL NUMBER: S546

SPONSOR: MAYER
 
TITLE OF BILL:

An act to amend the education law, in relation to student governments

 
PURPOSE:

The purpose of this bill is to include student governments in high
schools or district wide where they currently do not exist.

 
SUMMARY OF PROVISIONS:

Section 1. Adds a new section 817 to education law to establish peer
selected student governments either in high schools or district-wide
where there currently are none.

Section 2. This section provides the effective date.

 
              

JUSTIFICATION:

In recent years, there has been a national outcry about the lack of
civic preparedness of students graduating high school. A long tradition
of research suggests that giving students more opportunities to partic-
ipate in the management of their own classrooms and schools builds their
civic skills and attitudes. Thus, giving students a voice in school
governance is a promising way to encourage all young people to engage
civically.

The Carnegie Corporation in its seminal 2011 report, Guardian of Democ-
racy: The Civic Mission of Schools found that "participation in school
governance has benefits for the students directly involved-such as those
elected to a council-and also for their fellow students. Those who
directly participate show better academic success and higher likelihood
of civic participation later on, including activities should require
effort on the part of the student." (cites omitted.)

In addition, a 2003 American Bar Association report noted "the relation-
ship between citizen and society is essential" and the goal of extracur-
ricular activities should be to "illustrate significant connections
between students and larger communities, such as town, nation, and
world." In focusing on this goal, extracurricular activities are a vital
part of well-rounded civic learning." American Bar Association, "Essen-
tials of Law-Related Education," (2003); (See also Reuben Thomas and
Daniel McFarland, "CIRCLE Working Paper 73: Joining Young, Voting Young:
The Effects of Youth Voluntary Associations on Early Adult Voting"
(2010.)

One way in which students can gain the skills necessary to perform their
roles as citizens in an ever-evolving society is through participation
in student government programs. The presence of and participation in
Peer selected student government programs equips students with the know-
ledge and understanding of how government functions and how they can
shape their society through the political process and provides leader-
ship opportunities for a wide range of students. Although some high
schools and school districts in New York State already have student
government programs,there are places where they do not exist. It is
important that New York State ensures the availability of such extracur-
ricular programs that enhance civic engagement and leadership prepared-
ness to high school students across the state.

 
LEGISLATIVE HISTORY:

S.4008-C
2019 - Passed Senate
2020 - Advanced to Third Reading

 
FISCAL IMPLICATIONS:

None to the State.

 
EFFECTIVE DATE:
This act shall take effect on the first of September next succeeding the
date on which it shall become law.