Establishes pilot program in DOE to use therapy dogs in public elementary school wellness programs.
Impact
To participate in this program, school districts must apply and provide comprehensive data regarding their elementary schools, including enrollment figures and details on wellness initiatives. The bill mandates the selection of a balanced representation of participating districts from various geographic regions of New Jersey, which includes urban, suburban, and rural areas. This diverse selection aims to comprehensively assess the therapy dog program's benefits across different school settings and demographics.
Summary
Assembly Bill A1165 seeks to establish a three-year pilot program in the New Jersey Department of Education focusing on the use of therapy dogs in public elementary schools. The overarching objective of the bill is to evaluate the potential academic and health benefits associated with integrating therapy dogs into wellness programs for students. Notably, therapy dogs are defined as trained and registered animals that provide therapeutic support, which is posited to enhance positive student behaviors and learning outcomes through facilitated engagement in educational settings.
Contention
The proposition of incorporating therapy dogs into educational environments does, however, introduce points of contention. Critics may express concerns regarding safety, training standards, and the appropriateness of introducing animals in academic settings. Supporters argue that based on existing research, therapy dogs can foster improvements in attendance, motivation, and academic abilities, thereby enhancing the overall learning experience. The bill's success will hinge upon the careful implementation and evaluation as prescribed by the commission, which must report on the program's effectiveness at the conclusion of the pilot phase.