NY S08847

Repeals the Hecht-Calandra Act requirement that New York City specialized high schools base admissions solely on the Specialized High School Admissions Test (SHSAT).

Allows the NYC school chancellor to develop alternative admissions criteria for specialized high schools, similar to criteria used by universities and other selective institutions.

Addresses current enrollment disparities where Black and Latino students represent only 9 percent of specialized high school populations despite comprising approximately 67 percent of NYC public school students.

Applies to four named specialized high schools (The Bronx High School of Science, Stuyvesant High School, Brooklyn Technical High School, and Fiorello H. LaGuardia High School of Music & Art and Performing Arts) plus additional schools designated by the chancellor.

Takes effect January 1, 2022, with provisions for expiration and reversion based on Chapter 345 of the Laws of 2009.