Enacts "Alexandra's law" to require school districts and charter schools to include in the curriculum or instruction teaching students how to recognize and react to rip currents, rip tides and undertows.
Impact
If enacted, the bill will require schools to develop and implement educational materials in consultation with the American Red Cross and other relevant agencies to ensure that students receive practical guidance on water safety. The implementation of this measure can be expected to contribute positively to public safety by informing young people about the risks of aquatic environments and improving their ability to make safe choices.
Summary
Assembly Bill A07979, known as 'Alexandra's Law', aims to enhance student safety through education by requiring school districts and charter schools in New York to incorporate instruction on recognizing and responding to rip currents, rip tides, and undertows into their middle and high school curricula. This legislative initiative is inspired by the necessity for students to be equipped with essential information that can help them navigate potential dangers associated with water activities, particularly given the increasing number of drownings attributed to these natural phenomena.
Contention
The primary point of contention surrounding the bill may revolve around the practicality and appropriateness of adding such a curriculum requirement to existing educational frameworks. Critics might argue about the allocation of resources and time needed to implement this new part of the curriculum, raising questions on whether it detracts from other essential educational subjects. Additionally, there may be discussions about the best methods for delivering this vital information to students effectively, reflecting varied opinions on educational policy and the role of schools in promoting community health and safety.
Same As
Enacts "Alexandra's law" to require school districts and charter schools to include in the curriculum or instruction teaching students how to recognize and react to rip currents, rip tides and undertows.
Enacts "Alexandra's law" to require school districts and charter schools to include in the curriculum or instruction teaching students how to recognize and react to rip currents, rip tides and undertows.
Requires school districts and charter schools to establish a task force to make recommendations on model curriculum or instruction on the political, economic, and social contributions of lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender, queer, intersex, and asexual people, in an appropriate place in the curriculum of middle school and high school students.
Requires instruction in arts and music education to be incorporated into curriculums for all public school students; requires school districts to ensure that appropriately certified teachers are providing such education; authorizes rules and regulations consistent with such provisions.
Relating to the instructional materials for certain curriculum in public schools, including certain instructional prohibitions and requirements regarding those materials.
Requires climate change instruction within the current established science curriculum; requires such instruction be taught in grades one through twelve.
Relating to civics instruction in public schools, including certain instructional requirements, civics training programs, and the essential knowledge and skills for the public school foundation curriculum and social studies curriculum.