BILL NUMBER: S8924

SPONSOR: LIU
 
TITLE OF BILL:

An act to amend the education law, in relation to requiring that
instruction in public schools aligned to the Culturally Responsive-Sus-
taining Education Framework

 
SUMMARY OF PROVISIONS:

Section 1 amends the education law by adding a new section 801-b to
require CRSE framework in public schools in order to foster student
engagement, learning, and growth. It also stipulates for the commission-
er to assist public schools in providing CRSE instruction.

Section 2 provides the effective date.

 
JUSTIFICATION:

One of the first steps in remedying the historic inequities in existing
structures and institutions in New York is through education. The
              

Culturally Responsive-Sustaining Education (CRSE) framework ensures that
the education system utilizes our diversity as an educational and
cultural strength. This legislation would ensure that schools implement
a CRSE framework and that NYSED provide assistance and resources to
facilitate implementation.

Through CRSE, students would be given the tools to connect with those
who have different cultural backgrounds. Moreover, numerous studies have
indicated that CRSE leads to increased student engagement.

The CRSE framework is intended to help education stakeholders create
student-centered learning environments that affirm cultural identities;
foster positive academic outcomes; develop students' abilities to
connect across lines of difference; elevate historically marginalized
voices; empower students as agents of social change; and contribute to
individual student engagement, learning, growth, and achievement through
the cultivation of critical thinking. The framework was designed to
support education stakeholders in developing and implementing policies
that educate all students effectively and equitably, as well as provide
appropriate supports and services to promote positive student outcomes.

Historically, education debates have been polarized, with difference
sometimes being viewed as an individual deficit. The CRSE Framework
marks our journey forward and begins the evolution toward leveraging
difference as an asset. The framework is grounded in four principles*:

*Welcoming and Affirming Environment

*High Expectations and Rigorous Instruction

*Inclusive Curriculum and Assessment

*Ongoing Professional Learning

Each principle is illustrated by a set of features rooted in elements of
quality education that illustrate how CRSE might look in practice across
a range of domains, from the State Education Department to the class-
room. The framework represents an opportunity for stakeholders to
continue to work together and plan for the unique needs of their commu-
nities.

The New York State Education Department recognizes much of this work is
already happening across the state and looks forward to an even deeper
understanding of culturally responsive sustaining education in New York
State schools, districts, and communities. This framework reflects the
State's commitment to improving learning results for all students by
creating well developed, culturally responsive-sustaining, equitable
systems of support for achieving dramatic gains in student outcomes.

More info:

http://www.nysed.gov/common/nysedles/programs/crs/culturally-responsive-s
ustaining-educati on-framework.pdf

 
LEGISLATIVE HISTORY:

New bill.

 
FISCAL IMPLICATIONS:

 
EFFECTIVE DATE:
This act shall take effect on September 1, 2023. Effective immediately,
the addition, amendment and/or repeal of any rule or regulation neces-
sary for the implementation of this act on its effective date authorized
to be made and completed on or before such effective date.