This year, schools locally and across the state have responded to new regulations and expectations for learning. Below is a breakdown of the key shifts:
Distraction-free policies: This fall, schools and BOCES implemented a bell-to-bell ban on personal internet-enabled devices for students to reduce distractions and improve student engagement. New York was one of 17 states adopting new restrictions this school year, bringing the total to 35 states nationwide. A recent PDK poll found that 86 percent of respondents support some form of cellphone restriction for students in school. While districts were required to develop their own specific policies, there are certain exceptions such as devices required for medical reasons. Individuals can find their school’s policy at https://tinyurl.com/nys-policies, including how to contact students during the day when necessary.
Science of Reading: Districts must now base instruction on the “Science of Reading,” a body of research on how the brain learns to read. This approach moves away from guessing words and instead focuses on explicit instruction in foundational skills like phonics, phonemic awareness, vocabulary, and comprehension. Last month, districts certified that their curriculum and instructional strategies align with the State Education Department guidelines to ensure students – especially in early grades – learn foundational literacy skills.
Deisha’s Law: In memory of a student who tragically died after a school’s automated external defibrillator (AED) was inaccessible, Deisha’s Law requires all districts and BOCES to have a cardiac emergency response plan. This law mandates specific, venue-based procedures for responding to sudden cardiac arrest, ensuring that staff are prepared and that AEDs are clearly marked and accessible.
School Heat Law: A new law sets a maximum temperature of 88 degrees Fahrenheit for student-occupied spaces in public schools. When rooms reach 82 degrees, staff must take steps to relieve heat-related discomfort, such as turning on fans, providing water breaks, or moving students to cooler areas where practical. This law aims to make a more comfortable and productive learning environment.
Universal Meals: All 2.7 million public and charter school students in the state are now eligible to receive free breakfast and lunch, regardless of family income. With one in five New York children living in poverty, this initiative addresses food insecurity. Research has shown that universal meals not only improve student health but also boost academic performance.
New Student Board Members: Every district and BOCES with a high school must now have at least one student board member. These non-voting student members will participate in public discussions, offering their perspectives. This change, which no longer requires voter approval, is designed to foster civic engagement and amplify student voices in school board decisions.
Changes to the Graduation Measures: The State Board of Regents has adopted an updated “Portrait of a Graduate” as part of a long-term plan to overhaul graduation requirements. The goal is to move beyond the traditional reliance on Regents exams and to define a graduate by a broader set of skills. Beginning with students graduating in 2027-28, passing Regents exams will no longer be required for a diploma, though the tests will remain. The full plan will be in place by the 2029-30 school year, focusing on skills like critical thinking, communication, and problem-solving.
Collaboration: Across the state, districts collaborated with their local BOCES on Regionalization Plans to address academic and operational challenges. Questar III recently submitted a plan to the state for 22 districts in Columbia, Greene, and Rensselaer counties that focuses on improving English language arts (ELA) and math outcomes, student/staff attendance, and educator recruitment/retention. Additionally, Questar III will convene a regional task force on artificial intelligence (AI) to address this growing area in education. Questar III is working with Abran Maldonado, a leading AI expert, to help formulate its AI strategy.
These changes represent a shift in how schools in New York will prepare students, from prioritizing health and safety to fostering student voice and redefining graduation measures. The coming years will be critical as schools, families, and communities work together to prepare for changes to the state’s graduation measures and ensure that all students are prepared for life beyond high school, which includes a workplace increasingly transformed by technology, such as AI.