REMARKS
Council Member Rita C. Joseph introduces and supports Resolutions 13 and 95
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3 min
Council Member Rita C. Joseph introduces and expresses support for Resolution 13, designating Social and Emotional Learning Day, and Resolution 95, calling for a curriculum on religious diversity in schools. She explains the importance of social-emotional learning and addresses the issue of bias-based bullying in schools.
- Resolution 13 aims to recognize the importance of social-emotional competency for students' success.
- Resolution 95 focuses on developing a curriculum for religious diversity and addressing religious-based bullying in schools.
- Joseph highlights the benefits of SEL instruction and the need to address underreporting of bias-based incidents in NYC public schools.
Rita C. Joseph
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Good morning, and welcome everyone to today's committee on education vote on resolution 13 sponsored by myself.
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A resolution designating the 2nd Friday in March annually as Social and Emotional Learning Day in the in City of New York, and recognizing the importance of ensuring that pre kindergarten through 12th grade public school students acquire the social emotional competency needed to succeed to succeed in life.
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And Resolution 95 sponsored by council member Hanif for resolution calling upon the New York City Department of Education to consult with faith based organizations to develop and provide all grades level with a curriculum that focuses on religious diversity, to provide professional development, focus on religious diversity for teachers, staff, and administrators.
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To ensure accurate classification of hate crimes and annual school report and immediate notification and full disclosure to parents of hate crime statistics, and to ensure that schools take action to condemn bullying and harassment based on religious clothing, food requirements, and the need for prayer space and time year round.
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I'm proud to have sponsored resolution 13 along with 26 of my colleagues.
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The committee previously heard testimony on the resolution at a hearing on school based health centers and school based mental health clinics on April 17, 2024.
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New York City State Education Department defines social emotional learning as the process through which children, youth, and adults acquire and effectively effectively apply the knowledge, attitude, and skills necessary to understand and manage emotions, set and achieve positive goals.
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Feel and show empathy for others, establish and maintain positive relationships, and make responsible decisions.
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Studies show that students receiving SEL instruction have higher academic achievements, better motivation, fewer disruptive behaviors, and less emotional stress.
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And such instruction results in greater equity among students.
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Designating SEL Day in New York City Public Schools recognizes the importance of ensuring that pre k through 12th grade public school students acquire the social emotional competency needed to succeed in life.
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Mosa Pratap signed on as a cosponsor of Resolution 95, which was heard at a hearing on legislation on June 18, 2023.
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Bias based bullying is defined as physical, verbal, social, or cyber based threats directed towards a minority population based upon race, ethnicity, religious beliefs, gender, or sexual orientation, and include a systematic abuse of power that is characterized intentionally, frequent and imbalance of power.
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Rate of such bullying has risen since nationwide, and 20 nineteen's New York State Controller Report found significant underreporting of these incidents in New York City public schools.
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Additionally, research linked bias based bullying to poor academic performance and negative mental and social outcomes, including depression, anxiety.
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Advocates argue that incorporating lessons on religious bias and inaccuracies in schools can reduce religious based bullying, but teachers often lack the necessary resources to do so.
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I encourage all of my colleagues to vote yes on both of these important pieces of social, emotional well-being of all New York City public schools.
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I will now turn to council member Hanif to make a statement.
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Thank you to speaker Adams for including resolution 95 on today's agenda.
