New York 2025-2026 Regular Session

New York Assembly Bill A04780

Introduced
2/6/25  
Refer
2/6/25  

Caption

Directs the commissioner of education to conduct an audit regarding instruction in literacy instruction at institutions of higher education that offers a graduate or undergraduate degree or certification program in education or educational administration located within the state.

Summary

Bill A04780, known as the 'So All Can Read Act', authorizes the New York State Commissioner of Education to conduct audits of literacy instruction at higher education institutions that offer education-related degrees or certification programs. The audits aim to evaluate the effectiveness of these programs in teaching the science of reading, which encompasses essential components such as phonemic awareness, phonics, reading fluency, vocabulary, and comprehension. The bill mandates that these audits be conducted every four years to ensure ongoing compliance with established literacy education standards.

Impact

If enacted, this bill would significantly impact the curriculum and instructional practices at institutions of higher education in New York that prepare future educators. By requiring regular audits, the bill aims to ensure that these programs align with evidence-based literacy instruction methods, potentially leading to improved literacy outcomes for students across the state. The findings from these audits could also inform future legislative recommendations to strengthen literacy instruction laws if current standards are not met.

Sentiment

The sentiment surrounding Bill A04780 appears to be generally supportive among its sponsors and advocates, who emphasize the importance of effective literacy instruction in education. However, there may be concerns from some educators and institutions about the feasibility and implications of regular audits, particularly regarding the resources required to comply with the new standards.

Contention

Notable points of contention may arise from educational institutions regarding the specific criteria and methodologies used in the audits, as well as the potential burden of compliance. Some educators might argue that the bill could lead to an overemphasis on standardized metrics at the expense of pedagogical flexibility and innovation in teaching practices.

Companion Bills

NY S07341

Same As Directs the commissioner of education to conduct an audit regarding instruction in literacy instruction at institutions of higher education that offers a graduate or undergraduate degree or certification program in education or educational administration located within the state.

Previously Filed As

NY S07341

Directs the commissioner of education to conduct an audit regarding instruction in literacy instruction at institutions of higher education that offers a graduate or undergraduate degree or certification program in education or educational administration located within the state.

NY HB2053

Student literacy instruction, etc.; completion of self-audit, higher educational institutions.

NY HB211

Higher educational institutions, public; Dept. of Education to audit education preparation programs.

NY SB1726

Higher education; directing certain institutions of higher education to establish certain training program for graduate instructors. Effective date. Emergency.

NY A2359

Requires undergraduate students to file degree plan and requires institutions of higher education and certain propriety institutions to develop pathway systems to graduation.

NY A03607

Establishes the mental health educational opportunity program and the mental health higher educational opportunity program to provide additional educational opportunities for students at certain universities and colleges in the state to enroll in academic programs that lead to a degree or degrees required for licensure in any of the mental health professions.

NY HB1828

requiring the department of education to establish an auditing process relative to teacher preparation programs at the post-secondary educational level.

NY S1480

Requires undergraduate students to file degree plan and requires institutions of higher education and certain proprietary institutions to develop pathway systems to graduation.

NY LD482

An Act to Expand Educational Opportunities and Broaden Educational Services for Students Enrolled in Equivalent Instruction Programs

NY SF519

Credit proposal for graduates of aerospace and aviation-related educational programs and employers of program graduates

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