New Jersey Senate Bill S1563

New Jersey 2022-2023 Regular Session

• Introduced: 2/14/22
• Refer: 2/14/22

Caption

Requires Commissioner of Education to prepare report on learning loss of students with developmental disabilities during COVID-19 public health emergency.

Impact

The implications of this bill are significant as it calls for an examination of the educational challenges faced by students with developmental disabilities—a population that often requires specialized instructional strategies and support. The findings from this study are expected to provide valuable insights that may influence future educational policies and the allocation of resources to better support these students in their learning environments. By documenting the extent of learning loss, the state can begin to address the gaps created during the public health crisis.

Summary

Senate Bill S1563 requires the Commissioner of Education to conduct a thorough study regarding the learning losses sustained by students with developmental disabilities during the COVID-19 public health emergency. This initiative focuses on evaluating the impact of increased reliance on virtual instruction and related programs on the academic outcomes of these students. The study will involve a detailed comparison of students' current skill levels to those prior to the pandemic, aiming to identify specific areas of regression.

Contention

While the bill has garnered support for its intent to better understand and address learning loss in a vulnerable group, there may be points of contention among stakeholders. Educators and parents might have diverging views on the effectiveness of virtual instruction versus traditional classroom settings. Additionally, there could be concerns regarding the timeliness and accuracy of the data collected during the study, especially considering the variability in experiences among students with developmental disabilities. The requirement to present the findings within a specific timeframe may also raise questions about the thoroughness of the investigation.