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On September 7, 2023, Governor Kathy Hochul signed into law Chapter 355 of the Laws of 2023 requiring that each New York State school district and charter school provide notification of the benefits and opportunities of participating in advanced courses. Beginning July 1, 2024, advanced course notification must be provided annually to parents and students electronically or by mail. Parents and students must receive this notification by the end of 5th grade or one prior to the first year that advanced coursework is offered by the school district or charter school, whichever comes first. This information must also be posted on the school district or charter school’s website.

The notification must include the benefits of participating in advanced courses, a description of the advanced courses offered in middle and high school and how to prepare for and enroll in such courses, a description of the advanced courses to be offered in the following school year, and a description of the academic and non-academic support the school district or charter school provides to help students succeed in such courses including any financial assistance available to reduce or eliminate any associated costs.

To support school districts and charter schools with this requirement, the Office of Standards and Instruction developed the Expanding Access to Advanced Courses webpage that includes a template and a list of frequently asked questions. Additional questions may be referred to the Office of Standards and Instruction via email to emscurric@nysed.gov or by calling (518) 474-5922.