Requires the commissioner of education to make a report on the extent of all existing resources and best practices available for swimming instruction classes in public schools and establish a working group on swimming education.
Summary
Bill A00316 amends the education law in New York to require the commissioner of education to report on the availability of swimming instruction resources in public schools. Within one year of the bill's effective date, the commissioner must inventory existing resources and best practices for swimming education and establish a working group composed of various stakeholders, including educators and representatives from recreational organizations. This group will assess the current state of swimming education and make recommendations for improvements.
Eighteen months after the bill's effective date, the working group is mandated to submit a report detailing their findings and recommendations regarding the resources, personnel, and costs necessary to provide swimming instruction to all public school students. The bill includes a provision for its repeal six months after the report is submitted, ensuring that the legislation is temporary and contingent upon the completion of the working group's work.
Impact
The bill impacts state education laws by introducing a structured approach to evaluating and potentially enhancing swimming education in public schools. It mandates the allocation of resources for this purpose and establishes a framework for stakeholder involvement in the assessment process. This could lead to increased availability of swimming instruction in schools, addressing disparities in access to swimming education, particularly for underserved communities.
Sentiment
The general sentiment around Bill A00316 appears to be supportive, as it seeks to improve public health and safety through swimming education. Stakeholders, including educators and community organizations, have expressed interest in enhancing swimming instruction, particularly in light of safety concerns related to drowning. However, there may be some apprehension regarding the allocation of funds and resources amidst existing budget constraints.
Contention
Notable points of contention may arise regarding the funding sources for the swimming education initiatives proposed by the bill. Some stakeholders may argue that existing budgetary resources are insufficient to support the recommendations that may come from the working group. Additionally, there may be differing opinions on the prioritization of swimming education compared to other educational programs, particularly in districts with limited resources.
Same As
Requires the commissioner of education to make a report on the extent of all existing resources and best practices available for swimming instruction classes in public schools and establish a working group on swimming education.
Requires the commissioner of education to make a report on the extent of all existing resources and best practices available for swimming instruction classes in public schools and establish a working group on swimming education.
In terms and courses of study, providing for school swimming education program; in reimbursements by Commonwealth and between school districts, providing for payments on account of school swimming education program; and making an appropriation.
Establishes a mandatory statewide, classroom-based water safety education program; provides that the commissioner of education shall work with New York State Association for Health, Physical Education, Recreation and Dance certified educators to develop and promulgate a statewide, age-appropriate, classroom-based water safety education guidance document; provides that within twenty-four months of the effective date of the bill, the department of education shall initiate statewide implementation of water safety education; provides that instruction shall be classroom-based and waterless and shall not require student access to aquatic facilities, swimming instruction, or in-water assessment.
Establishes a mandatory statewide, classroom-based water safety education program; provides that the commissioner of education shall work with New York State Association for Health, Physical Education, Recreation and Dance certified educators to develop and promulgate a statewide, age-appropriate, classroom-based water safety education guidance document; provides that within twenty-four months of the effective date of the bill, the department of education shall initiate statewide implementation of water safety education; provides that instruction shall be classroom-based and waterless and shall not require student access to aquatic facilities, swimming instruction, or in-water assessment.