Social and emotional development and learning in NYS legislation

2006, 2007, 2008

EXISTING LAW: Creates a new section of the Education Law amends Section 305 of the Education Law by adding a new subdivision 35.

35. THE COMMISSIONER SHALL, IN COOPERATION WITH THE COMMISSIONER OF MENTAL HEALTH, DEVELOP GUIDELINES FOR  VOLUNTARY IMPLEMENTATION BY SCHOOL DISTRICTS THAT INCORPORATE SOCIAL AND EMOTIONAL DEVELOPMENT INTO ELEMENTARY AND SECONDARY SCHOOL EDUCATION PROGRAMS S PRESCRIBED IN PARAGRAPH (B ) OF SUBDIVISION ONE OF SECTION THREE OF THE CHILDREN’S MENTAL HEALTH ACT of 2006.

Amended in 2007

• Preliminary plan due October 2007 and final plan due October 2008.
• Added to the law was language for providing “culturally and linguistically competent assessment, intervention and treatment services.”

"Social and emotional" in Article 7 bill 2008

"Provided, however, that districts may use up to fifteen percent of the additional funding they receive for experimental  programs  designed  to  demonstrate  the efficacy of other  strategies to improve student achievement, including but not limited to, addressing students' social and emotional health  needs, or improving diagnostic, prevention and intervention services and programs..."