Across New York State, Black, Latinx, and American Indian students and students from low-income backgrounds are denied access to advanced courses such as AP/IB courses, Physics, Calculus, and more. That’s why members of the New York Equity Coalition have engaged in ongoing advocacy to promote initiatives that would improve students’ access to advanced coursework.
Versions of a bill that would improve access have been discussed ongoing in the past years. And now, A514A/S5650A, sponsored by Assembly Majority Leader Crystal Peoples-Stokes and Senator John C. Liu has passed the Assembly and Senate! The bill will now move to Governor Hochul’s desk.
A514A/S5650A will direct school districts to inform families early on about the benefits of enrolling in advanced classes, ensure families have information about what courses are offered, what supports are available for students, how students can enroll, and more.
Take a moment to celebrate this milestone on social media by thanking the Assembly Majority Leader Crystal Peoples-Stokes and Senator John C. Liu for sponsoring the bill and seeing it through the Assembly and Senate with our automated form.
Thanks to all who have advocated over the years for changes in access to advanced coursework! This is a huge win for students across New York State who have historically been denied access to rigorous courses like AP/IB, Calculus, Physics, and more.