New York Assembly Bill A08727

New York 2025-2026 Regular Session

• Introduced: 6/2/25
• Refer: 6/2/25
• Report Pass: 6/11/25
• Refer: 6/11/25
• Report Pass: 6/12/25

Caption

Directs the commissioner of education to conduct a survey of recess held in public and charter schools serving students in kindergarten through grade six and to provide any information collected to the governor and the legislature.

Impact

The results from this survey will play a critical role in informing state educational policies related to recess. By highlighting the status of recess across schools, the bill could lead to significant discussions on child well-being and development in educational settings. This information is also intended to be publicly available, allowing stakeholders to assess how schools are meeting the needs of children in terms of physical health and play opportunities.

Summary

Bill A08727 directs the commissioner of education in New York to conduct a survey concerning recess in public and charter schools serving kindergarten through sixth-grade students. The survey is intended to gather comprehensive data regarding various aspects of recess, such as the frequency and duration of recess periods, the environments where recess takes place (indoor or outdoor), supervision levels, and existing barriers to the provision of recess. This initiative aims to ensure that children have adequate time for physical activity and unstructured play during their school day.

Contention

While A08727 primarily focuses on data collection, there could be underlying debates about the adequacy of recess in schools. Some advocates might argue for longer recess periods based on findings, while others may express concerns about potential resource allocations needed to implement recommended changes. Moreover, depending on survey results, there may be advocacy for legislative amendments to ensure certain standards for recess are met, thereby impacting education policy at various levels.