Authorizes the commissioner of education to conduct a survey regarding instruction on Asian American, Native Hawaiians and Pacific Islander history within the state; establishes an Asian American, Native Hawaiians and Pacific Islander history advisory committee; provides for the repeal of such provisions upon the expiration thereof.
NEW YORK STATE ASSEMBLY MEMORANDUM IN SUPPORT OF LEGISLATION submitted in accordance with Assembly Rule III, Sec 1(f)
BILL NUMBER: A8463E
SPONSOR: Lee TITLE OF BILL:
An act in relation to authorizing the commissioner of education to
conduct a survey regarding instruction on Asian American, Native Hawaii-
ans and Pacific Islander history within the state; to amend the educa-
tion law, in relation to establishing an Asian American, Native Hawaii-
ans and Pacific Islander history advisory committee; and providing for
the repeal of such provisions upon the expiration thereof
PURPOSE OR GENERAL IDEA OF BILL:
To assess how school districts across New York State are currently
teaching Asian American, Native Hawaiian, and Pacific Islander (AANHPI)
history and to establish an expert advisory committee to guide the inte-
gration of AANHPI content into state education standards.
SUMMARY OF SPECIFIC PROVISIONS:
Section 1 names the bill as the "New York AANHPI Education Equity Act"
Section 2 authorizes and directs the Commissioner of Education to
conduct a statewide survey of school districts to determine the extent
of instruction related to AANHPI history, including curriculum content,
grade levels, instructional time, and teacher training. Results and
recommendations from the survey must be submitted to the governor and
legislative leaders.
Section 3 adds a new section to the Education Law creating an AANHPI
history advisory committee to provide recommendations on K-12. curric-
ular and instructional resources on AANHPI history as well as strategies
for strengthening education programs regarding AANHPI history. A report
must be submitted within two years.
Section 4 provides the effective date; repeal.
JUSTIFICATION:
While New York is one of the most diverse states in the nation, includ-
ing a rapidly growing AANHPI population, our schools lack a consistent
and comprehensive approach to teaching AANHPI history. This gap in
education contributes to the continued marginalization of AANHPI commu-
nities and a broader ignorance of their civic and cultural contrib-
utions.
Understanding the current landscape of AANHPI instruction is a critical
first step. This bill provides for a statewide survey to collect data
directly from school districts on whether and how these topics are
taught. The findings will help identify challenges, gaps, and opportu-
nities for improvement.
Simultaneously, the creation of an AANHPI History Advisory Committee
will ensure that subject-matter experts are guiding the state's long-
term approach to incorporating these important histories into our
schools. This committee will recommend how AANHPI content can be mean-
ingfully embedded within New York's classrooms in a way that reflects
historical accuracy and cultural relevance. This legislation takes a
necessary first step toward addressing gaps in curriculum and ensuring
that students across New York have access to a more. accurate and inclu-
sive understanding of American history.
PRIOR LEGISLATIVE HISTORY:
This is a new bill.
FISCAL IMPLICATIONS:
TBD
EFFECTIVE DATE:
This act shall take effect immediately and shall expire and be deemed
repealed three years after such effective date.
