NY S06510

Establishes universal testing requirement for eighth-grade public school students to take the specialized high school admissions test beginning in the 2022-2023 academic year, administered by October 31 during regular school hours, with parental opt-out permitted.

Requires the chancellor to establish at least 10 additional specialized high schools by 2022-2023, with majority located at least two miles from existing specialized high schools, and mandates a free test preparation program for sixth and seventh graders including Saturday classes and summer sessions with transportation and meals provided.

Mandates periodic bias studies of the specialized high school admissions test conducted by qualified third parties at least every four years, with first study completed by July 15, 2021, to evaluate predictive validity and detect bias based on sex, gender, race, religion, national origin, or income.

Requires each school district to establish at least one gifted and talented program for kindergarten through fifth grade by 2022-2023 and register all eligible students for gifted and talented admissions exams with parental opt-out available.

Establishes a Commission on Middle School Achievement with 15 members appointed by the governor, senate majority leader, and assembly speaker to review and provide recommendations on New York City middle school structure, teacher quality, student achievement factors, and parent engagement by December 31, 2019.