S T A T E O F N E W Y O R K
________________________________________________________________________
5738
2015-2016 Regular Sessions
I N A S S E M B L Y
March 4, 2015
___________
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 state education department from different divi-
sions or bureaus, each appointed by the assistant or associate commis-
sioner of the represented division or bureau, of whom: one represen-
tative shall have expertise in instruction of students with
disabilities, and one representative shall have expertise in assessments
and accountability; one board of cooperative educational services super-
intendent; one representative of the division of students with disabili-
ties and English language learners of the New York city department of
education; one member of the citywide council on special education of
the New York city department of education; one member of the commission-
er's advisory panel for special education services; three public school
teachers who are general educators that teach in the state, one each
EXPLANATION--Matter in ITALICS (underscored) is new; matter in brackets
[ ] is old law to be omitted.
LBD09701-01-5
A. 5738 2
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 member of the state university of New
York administration, appointed by the chancellor of the state universi-
ty; 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 state education department 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 of universal design for learning to:
(i) provide flexibility in the ways information is presented, students
respond or demonstrate knowledge and skills, and students are engaged;
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 effect of universal design for learning on student
outcomes;
(c) make recommendations relating to how school districts and boards
of cooperative educational services may incorporate the best practices
and principles of universal design for learning through the development
of local school system policies and procedures, including but not limit-
ed to local educational goals, teaching methods, instructional materials
and assessments.
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, 2015 and shall expire and be
deemed repealed two years after such date.