S T A T E O F N E W Y O R K
________________________________________________________________________
6363
2013-2014 Regular Sessions
I N A S S E M B L Y
March 26, 2013
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Introduced by M. of A. BENEDETTO -- read once and referred to the
Committee on Education
AN ACT in relation to establishing the task force to explore the incor-
poration of the principles of universal design for learning into the
education systems in the state; and providing for the repeal of such
provision upon expiration thereof
THE PEOPLE OF THE STATE OF NEW YORK, REPRESENTED IN SENATE AND ASSEM-
BLY, DO ENACT AS FOLLOWS:
Section 1. There is hereby created a task force to explore the incor-
poration of the principles of universal design for learning into the
education systems in New York.
S 2. (a) The membership of the task force shall be as follows: one
member of the senate, appointed by the temporary president of the
senate; one member of the assembly, appointed by the speaker of the
assembly; the commissioner of education, or the commissioner's designee;
the chancellor of the state university system, or the chancellor's
designee; the superintendent of the New York state school for the blind,
or the superintendent's designee; the superintendent of the New York
state school for the deaf, or the superintendent's designee; three
representatives of the department of education from different divisions
or bureaus, each appointed by the assistant or associate commissioner of
the represented division or bureau, of whom: one representative shall
have expertise in early intervention, one representative shall have
expertise in instruction of students with disabilities, and one repre-
sentative shall have expertise in assessments and accountability; one
county superintendent; one representative of the division of students
with disabilities and English language learners of the New York city
department of education; one county board of education member; one
member of the citywide council on special education of the New York city
department of education; one member of the commissioner's advisory panel
for special education services; three public school teachers who are
EXPLANATION--Matter in ITALICS (underscored) is new; matter in brackets
[ ] is old law to be omitted.
LBD09818-01-3
A. 6363 2
general educators that teach in the state, one each from an elementary,
a middle, and a high school of whom: one shall be certified in special
education, and one shall have experience with and be certified to
instruct students with limited English proficiency; one certified pre-
school teacher; one certified teacher providing early intervention
special education services; one member of the state university system,
appointed by the chancellor of the state university; and five members
appointed by the governor, at least one of whom has expertise in
universal design for learning.
(b) The governor shall designate the chair of the task force.
(c) Members of the task force shall not receive any compensation but
shall be reimbursed for their actual, necessary expenditures.
(d) Members of the task force shall serve at the pleasure of the
person who appointed them. Any vacancy on the task force shall be filled
in the same manner as the original appointment.
(e) The department of education shall provide staff for the task
force.
S 3. All departments or agencies of the state or subdivisions thereof,
and local governments shall, at the request of the chair, provide the
task force such facilities, assistance, and data as will enable the task
force to carry out its powers and duties.
S 4. The task force may meet and hold public hearings within the
regions of the state, and shall have all the powers of an executive body
pursuant to the executive law.
S 5. The task force shall:
(a) study the effectiveness and limitations of universal design for
learning as a framework for guiding curriculum design including goals,
teaching methods, technology, instructional materials, and assessments,
to:
(i) provide flexibility in the ways information is presented, students
respond or demonstrate knowledge and skills and students are engaged to
access curriculum and instruction; and
(ii) reduce barriers in instruction and provide appropriate accommo-
dations, supports, and challenges while maintaining high achievement
expectations for all students, including students with disabilities and
students with limited English proficiency;
(b) study the feasibility of:
(i) incorporating and applying the principles of universal design for
learning into the elementary, secondary, and postsecondary and higher
education systems in the state with respect to curriculum development;
the evaluation, selection, and design of textbooks and other instruc-
tional materials; the purchase and use of technology for instructional
purposes; teacher preparation and staff development; the development of
classroom, district, and statewide assessments; and state grants; and
(ii) evaluating the implementation of the incorporation and applica-
tion of universal design for learning principles and the effect on
student outcomes;
(c) make recommendations relating to the incorporation of the princi-
ples of universal design for learning by county boards of education and
other statutory councils tasked with advising and commenting on any
educational or instructional policy involving the provision of services
for students with disabilities in the development of local school system
policies and procedures; and
(d) draft and recommend proposed legislation and regulations incorpo-
rating the findings of the task force.
A. 6363 3
S 6. The task force shall make a report of its findings to the gover-
nor, the temporary president of the senate and the speaker of the assem-
bly, within one year of the date of the task force's first meeting. Such
report shall include recommendations for further action and legislation.
S 7. This act shall take effect July 1, 2013 and shall expire and be
deemed repealed two years after such date.