NY S02492

Expands the definition of specialized high schools to include Brooklyn Latin School, High School for Math/Science/Engineering at City College, High School for American Studies at Lehman College, Queens High School for Sciences at York College, and Staten Island Technical High School, effective in the 2024-2025 academic year.

Requires all eighth-grade public school students to take the specialized high school admissions test during school hours by October 31 annually, with opt-out provisions for parents or guardians; mandates independent bias studies on the test every four years, with first results published by July 15, 2025.

Directs the chancellor to establish at least 10 new specialized high schools by 2026-2027, located at least two miles from existing specialized schools, and create a free test preparation program for sixth and seventh graders including Saturday classes and summer sessions with transportation and meals provided.

Requires each school district to establish at least one gifted and talented program for kindergarten through fifth grade by 2024-2025 and register all eligible students for gifted and talented admissions testing, with parent opt-out rights, effective 2024-2025.

Establishes a 15-member Commission on Middle School Achievement appointed by the governor, senate majority leader, and assembly speaker to review middle school structure, operations, and student achievement models, with final recommendations due to the governor, state legislature, and chancellor by December 31, 2023.