Requires the commissioner to incorporate measures of racial and socioeconomic integration into state accountability models; requires data compiled to be included in the school report card created by the department.
Impact
If adopted, A08156 would lead to a significant shift in how school performance is measured across New York State. By requiring the calculation of a 'proportionality score' for each school, the bill seeks to illustrate the extent of racial and economic segregation relative to the county demographics. This score will inform stakeholders about how closely the demographic composition of a school resembles that of its surrounding community. Schools deemed 'highly proportional' would signal effective integration, while those categorized as 'disproportional' would indicate areas needing improvement.
Summary
Bill A08156 aims to amend the education law in New York State by integrating measures of racial and socioeconomic integration into the state's school accountability models. The bill emphasizes the importance of school diversity and the reduction of racial isolation, asserting that such measures are not only beneficial for students but also necessary for providing equitable access to qualified teachers, resources, and educational opportunities. Subsequently, this act proposes to include integration metrics in the annual report cards of schools, facilitating transparency in assessing the diversity within schools and their progress over time.
Contention
There may be points of contention as some stakeholders could view mandatory accountability measures as an undue burden on educational institutions that are already grappling with limited resources. Opponents of the bill might argue that the methodology for calculating the proportionality score is too rigid, potentially penalizing schools that are making progress but might still have a way to go. Meanwhile, advocates for this change will likely assert that increased transparency and accountability could inspire schools to actively seek out and improve their integration efforts, thus benefiting all students.
Requires the commissioner to incorporate measures of racial and socioeconomic integration into state accountability models; requires data compiled to be included in the school report card created by the department.
Requires animal shelters to annually report on intake and disposition of animals and the number of animals turned away by such shelters; requires shelters to submit such reports to the department of agriculture and markets; requires such department to post the reports on their website.
Enacts the feathered lives also count act directing the commissioner of general services to incorporate practices and strategies to reduce bird fatality resulting from collisions with certain state-owned or state-leased buildings, and for other purposes; requires the commissioner to develop a design guide that includes features, methods and strategies, and best practices for reducing bird fatalities; requires the commissioner to report to the governor and the legislature.
Enacts the feathered lives also count act directing the commissioner of general services to incorporate practices and strategies to reduce bird fatality resulting from collisions with certain state-owned or state-leased buildings, and for other purposes; requires the commissioner to develop a design guide that includes features, methods and strategies, and best practices for reducing bird fatalities; requires the commissioner to report to the governor and the legislature.
Requires the department of labor to create an annual pay data report to compile statistics and information pertaining to employers that have one hundred or more employees and who are required to file an annual Employer Information Report pursuant to federal law; makes related provisions.
Requires the department of health to collect and report certain data concerning COVID-19 including racial, ethnic, and other demographic disparities throughout the state which are contributing to the amount of positive cases and the care provided for such.