New Jersey Assembly Bill A1277

New Jersey 2022-2023 Regular Session

• Introduced: 1/11/22
• Refer: 1/11/22

Caption

Prohibits twice exceptional students from being denied special education and related services due to average academic performance.

Impact

The enactment of A1277 would significantly advance the educational rights of twice exceptional students by ensuring that schools evaluate their potential and needs comprehensively. This means that school districts would need to adhere to more inclusive practices when assessing students for special education services. Furthermore, the bill mandates communication strategies to educate parents and guardians about available options, thereby promoting greater involvement from families in securing necessary resources for these students.

Summary

Bill A1277 seeks to ensure that twice exceptional students—those who exhibit the potential for above-average academic performance while also facing one or more disabilities—are not denied access to special education and related services purely based on their average academic performance. The bill aims to amend the existing education statutes in New Jersey, specifically supplementing chapter 46 of Title 18A. A core aspect of the bill is that it recognizes the unique needs of twice exceptional students and mandates that their eligibility for services cannot be dismissed due to average performance, which may merely reflect the impact of their disabilities.

Contention

While the bill aims to support a vulnerable group, it could raise concerns among some educators and policymakers regarding resource allocation and the implications for school districts. Critics may argue that the definition of average performance and the criteria for special education services could lead to inconsistencies in implementation across different districts. Additionally, the requirement for districts to provide extensive information and support for parents may entail significant administrative burdens, which could stir debate among stakeholders about best practices for funding and resource management in public education.