Requires school districts to screen certain students for reading deficiencies.
Impact
The legislation is expected to lead to enhanced student literacy outcomes by identifying reading deficiencies promptly. It requires the New Jersey Department of Education to create partnerships with reliable screening providers to ensure that the assessments are valid and effective. The department will also maintain a list of approved providers to assist school districts in monitoring student progress toward achieving grade-level reading proficiency. Furthermore, school districts are obligated to notify parents within fifteen days of identifying a reading deficiency and must provide evidence-based intervention strategies to support affected students.
Summary
Bill S2645, introduced in the New Jersey Legislature, mandates that school districts conduct screenings for reading deficiencies among students, primarily in grades K-3. The proposed legislation aims to ensure that students who are at risk of falling behind in reading skills receive appropriate interventions early in their educational journey. The bill specifies that screening must occur three times annually for students in kindergarten through grade three, while newly enrolled students in grades four through twelve must be screened once. Importantly, screenings can also be initiated at the request of a student's parent or guardian.
Contention
Debate may arise regarding the implementation and funding of the required screenings and interventions. While proponents argue that the bill fosters proactive measures to support struggling readers, concerns about the potential burden of additional assessments on school resources and the adequacy of funding for necessary interventions persist. Moreover, school districts will have the option to seek waivers for using specific assessments, which could lead to discussions on the effectiveness and comparability of various screening methods. As such, ensuring that the assessments used are consistent and supportive of students' different needs will be critical.
Same As
Requires DOE to establish working group on student literacy; mandates universal literacy screenings for kindergarten through grade three students; requires professional development for certain school district employees.
Replaced by
Requires school districts to provide training and coaching to certain teachers on student literacy and reading interventions; requires DOE to establish program for literacy coaches.
Replaced by
Requires DOE to establish working group on student literacy; mandates universal literacy screenings for kindergarten through grade three students; requires professional development for certain school district employees.
Requires DOE to establish working group on student literacy; mandates universal literacy screenings for kindergarten through grade three students; requires professional development for certain school district employees.
Requires DOE to establish working group on student literacy; mandates universal literacy screenings for kindergarten through grade three students; requires professional development for certain school district employees.
Requires school districts to implement reading intervention program for students in certain grades as part of implementation of New Jersey Student Learning Standards in English Language Arts.
Requires school districts to provide training and coaching to certain teachers on student literacy and reading interventions; requires DOE to establish program for literacy coaches.
Requires school districts to provide training and coaching to certain teachers on student literacy and reading interventions; requires DOE to establish program for literacy coaches.
Requiring each school district to establish an at-risk student accountability plan and to show academic improvement in certain student subgroups and students identified as eligible for at-risk programs, prohibiting the state board of education from revising the curriculum standards in English language arts and mathematics until 75% of all students achieve proficiency and requiring school districts to comply with all state laws and rules and regulations to maintain accreditation.